What is the difference between God’s miracles and mysticism? Amy and Michelle discuss a growing trend in the church that borrows mystical elements from Buddhism and Hinduism and melds or syncretizes them into Christian practices. Mysticism in the church is as old as the church itself, and has been rightly called out over the centuries as unbiblical. But it is a trend in our time as many Christians are now bringing in these practices and normalizing them.
Sadly, a lot of it comes through the church doors from women, bringing in teachings into women’s ministries on Reiki, chakras, crystals, magic energy oils, yoga, karma, energy fields, and even Ouija boards and tarot cards.
Resources:
What is the New Age? A White Paper Amy Spreeman, Berean Research
Christians Mystically Encountering God Berean Research
“Christian” Tarot Cards and Fortune Telling – Fighting for the Faith, YouTube video
The Spiritual Formation Movement – Berean Research
The Interface of Medieval Mysticism and Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation Berean Research
Mysticism: Its Origin and Impact on Contemporary Christian Thought Berean Research
Books and articles by former New Agers:
- The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen
- A Wonderful Deception by Warren Smith
Thank you, bless you and Walk Worthy!
Thank you for posting this. Not enough people are talking about it. The Spiritual formation movement is so dangerous and justified in 90 percent of Christian Universities. I have friends who are deeply into it and I’ve shared the Truth about it with them. They disagree that it’s mysticism and say, “well this is ‘Christian’ spiritual formation which is different and encourages biblical ‘disciplines’ and deeper sanctification”. I’m saddened that they don’t want to see the truth of it. It’s not in the Bible. Slapping the Title “Christian” on something, doesn’t mean it’s Christian. Test all things in Scripture!
I agree, Kristi. It’s as if some folks are unwilling to hear.
Well, I measure everything with scripture teachings and do my total best to live by the bible teachings. I am 76 ans my wife is 74. We are married 56 years and in the 25th year of our marriage my wife decided to not accept the marriage act of sexual contact and stopped. I invited her to counsel and invited her to medical understanding and physical evaluation and she declined. I did noting and was very patient, for over 30 years now and have not looking or participated with ohters for sexual gratification at all, zero. In that time frame it was very difficult to use the bible measure for finding the correct action for me to proceed with. Each time I evaluate I find Christ teaching me to be patient and not sinful. Meaning no sexual gratification, and not looking for such, and just being alone and patient. After waiting for a sign or a action or a outlet passively there has been none. I am puzzled in our christian trachings, and I destined to pass into Christs hands at death with the cross I carry? Will I receive a companion to allow me to feel like a human male ever again after over 30 years of being balanced with biblical values? I also see teachings in the bible that I am made in the image of our creator, only sexually I am not? Am I incorrect, and will my sexual needs ever be male again? or am I non human and not permitted to be human fashioned after our creatory in body in soul? Is that hope for me a obeaidant CHRISTAN MALE lost in the teachings and held in limbo for just being me??? Pleae allow me a response as 31 years of waiting on God the Father and Christ to accept my good way is getting so burdensome I decided to write this here now. I am lost in the teachings and lost witout the teachings???? please converse with me PLEASE. Allow me some guidance the plight I confrunt is so burdensome and so lonely to face much longer.
George- I can hear the anguish in your comment, and I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. As we often say on the podcast, this is a situation in which you need to make an appointment with your pastor so he can counsel and disciple you through it. When we face difficulties in life, God’s plan for us is to turn to the local church, not to parachurch ministries or online resources, and even if it were, it certainly would not be appropriate for us as women to address this with you. If you’re not a member of a doctrinally sound local church, we would urge you to find one immediately using this resource from my blog. If, for some reason, your pastor is unable to counsel you please find a certified biblical counselor (not the same thing as a Christian counselor, therapist, etc.) and make an appointment. I’m taking a moment to pray for you now.