I actually have a question.
| Posted On: 04/16/09 08:42:59 AM |
Age 42, OH |
I've heard of the "emergent church" movement in recent months, and want to learn more. I also agree that they're a destructive force, especially for youth.
What I want to know is what's wrong with incorporating things like yoga into the Christian life? Nobody seems to have a problem with pagan fartility symbols such as the Eostar rabbit and eggs, or Baal's "Christmas tree" and wreaths. In fact those pagan devices are readily and heavily defended by Christians.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a believer, and a sinner. Unworthy of the cross. I'd just like a straight, scriptural answer to my question.
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An Ex-Catholic's Warning about the Emergent Movement
| Posted On: 02/20/08 03:02:34 PM |
Age 51, LA |
The Lord spoke to me, early teens while sitting in a Roman Catholic Church waiting for Mass to begin, "there's something wrong here, get out of this church", I had never read a bible or met a born again Christian, ever! From age 24 to 28 I studied and questioned after God's Word & "biblically" born again at 28. Began studying Scripture & Roman Catholicism shortly after, amazed at the level of contradiction between the two, continued by studying other denominations that "profess" to be Christian, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, Name It/Claim It, Health/Wealth Charismatics, any "infant baptizing" denomination, etc., etc., suspicious of Rick Warren, angered by the acceptance of "The Passion" movie, then introduced to a book by Brian McLaren a couple of years ago, "red flags went up". I was appalled at the "subtle" introductions to Roman Catholic rituals: incense, icons, labyrinths, candles, "stations" of prayer, pictures, prayer walks, praising the Catholic Desert Fathers & nuns who were "pagan" mystics, as well as, many New Age/Hindu/Buddhist, etc. teachings. Brian McLaren is playing right into the hands of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, for all to come under the banner "control" of the pope & Holy Mother Church, still believed to be "THE ONLY ONE TRUE CHURCH". Be warned, this is truly the end-time deception spoken of in Scripture. As one of the remaining "True Remnant", I will not go down without a fight! Addie K. Miller
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- be strong when the Lord takes you out of Religion to Him self
| Posted On: 03/12/09 07:49:28 PM | | Age 65, AUSTRALIA |
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Times are hard but, in Christ Jesus is a rejoicing time (ps.91) and as for those who have been lead out of their churches, be not dismayed, for the Lord is with you, you are in His Kingdom and Not in a Religion, i have been out of the church climate, for some twenty years, yet the Lord has blessed me and my family ubundently in health and in His glory of life, i have known the Lord since i can remember, and as a child i talk and walk with Him, and to this day He is my all in all. the lies that some teaches say aboul God's word, makes me sick, and i see many people in bondage to them and their Religion, But in Christ Jesus Only brings Freedom, my life has not been easy but it has been, ubundent in Christ. Thank God for His Kingdom and Not a Religion. Ernie Lake, Australia P.S. Be of good cheer.
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 02/22/07 12:07:31 AM |
Age 57, MO |
I found the 11 min. video almost enviously energizing (in places) and i so wish we didn't have to accept the "packaged meals" he described in churches today-- why can't more of us who are supposedly true believers think more out of the box as these in Solomon's Porch?! I do realize & agree there is little to unite with as any true believer might want to in their particular community. Sometimes, i think conversation would be EXCELLENT in the middle of a sermon (NOT all talking at once mind you)- it would keep some power-lusting pastors on their toes as well as those they are speaking to. People learn best when there is interaction, not just being preached at... and "the spirit of the prophets would be subject to the prophets" so i somewhat look forward to the day when some of the emergent church's methods spill over... in my wildest dreams. I can't help but think it a bit overdramatic to say this movement is "dangerous" -- except that it is obviously unbiblical in a lot of its understanding (lack of) and yes, all those points you make are pretty blatantly glaring - VERY little salvation (the one girl even admits that we're all pretty screwed up - and seems content to leave it at that!) I so love the LIGHT that the scriptures shed on our lives! I'm just a tiny bit concerned that some of the "radical methods" might be thrown out, just because the group is so unbiblical - but i can't help but think that Jesus would be going to coffee houses and parks and bringing in harvest or planting seeds there at least! I especially agree with the girl who says Jesus would be more liberal than conservative if he were here in flesh now. I saw a bumper sticker to that effect in our neighborhood and after the initial shock wore off, tend to agree. Jesus might not be seduced into trying to feed masses in Africa (but then again, he might) and would probably definitely see through the politics of global climate change & environmentalism... but he just might recycle! Well, enough said, you get my idea... lets throw out the dirty bath water and try to salvage some of the more positive aspects of this movement - FOR JESUS sake.
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/25/07 08:50:59 AM |
Age 51, IA |
Why don't the evangelical, conservative, protestant churches embrace non-participation in carnal war and non resistance to violence like the Mennonites and others do? These doctrines seem to be clearly taught by Jesus and the Apostles in word and deed. I think that the Kingdom of Heaven is worthy of our ambassadorship to the kingdoms of this world. Perhaps many are uncomfortable with the way that many church groups wrap the Bible in the American flag and are searching for a more heavenly expression of the body of Christ. Thereby becoming easy targets to groups like Emergent with their mystical talk.
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- Re: Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 02/22/07 12:12:34 AM | | Age 57, MO |
I have done some thinking through of the pacifist thoughts, since Jesus spoke so strongly about that issue & i did train my homeschooled children with some Menonite teachings... However, God seemed to show me that He allows wars for judging nations, but He wants us as INDIVIDUALS to turn the other cheek. But the purpose of governments is to protect their citizens, and part of the need for protecting others is war, sad to say. Scripture also gives place for defending the needy, tho not defending ourselves.
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- Re: Re: Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 05/12/07 09:23:17 AM | | Age 84, OH |
I have not heard of "The Emergent Church" probably because our Pentecostal churches don't flock with the mainline churches. This description sounds like the old FCC or the current NCC ecumenical program. If Christ is not in the parts, He is not in the assemblage.
We already have the Church Militant fellowship and family. I feel right at home in a Mennonite or Baptist church enjoying the fellowship of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Frank
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/24/07 06:00:18 AM |
Age 56, AR |
We need to get the showmanship out of the church, meaning the choir director who brings it in, and the Pastor who allows it, and bring back the hymms of the faith. We should not accommadate anyone in message or doctrine who does not appreciate the simplicity of the gospel. If you watch the shows that the "new" kind of church has, it really is appealing, but there is no message to convey, except they can sing, and stir up your emotions to make you think you are praising God. This kind of church makes you really appreciate it when you do have a Godly Pastor who is totally devoted to the truth of scripture.
Brenda
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/21/07 10:45:49 PM |
Age 54, SC |
Thank-you for your informative article regarding the EC. It was especially helpful since I just read an article from the Christianity Today website concerning the EC (and, needless to say, defending their position). As I read the article, some of what was said certainly sounded convincing, i.e. comments about ministering to post-moderns, with post-moderns etc.I also read another article about Tony Campolo in our local paper since he was scheduled to speak in a (southern) Baptist church here. After reading your article , it helped to clarify some of the fuzzy thinking I was having as I tried to be objective as I read Mr. Campolo's "mission" - self-proclaimed drum major for the EC. He prefers to call himself a "red-letter Christian" than an evangelical, which is pretty much what the EC is claiming to do - living out the Words of Christ. While it sounds admirable, it isn't anything that other Bible believing Christians don't try to do but the heresy that arises is in elevating the "words of Christ" over other Scripture. It's either all inspired by God or none of it is. And while EC's prefer to decline to discuss gay marriage, abortion and other "conservative" issues, no denomination can simply lift out of scripture what they believe to be the "priorities" and ignore the rest of the teachings of the Bible. It is tantamount to false teaching which will result in bad fruit. Thank-you for a well-written perspective on a fairly confusing topic.
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/18/07 11:39:04 PM |
Age 68, MA |
The lack of critical thinking revealed in some of the feed back is discouraging. The author plainly stated it was not an in depth analysis, so don't expect it to be such. Do your own research for pete's sake. And God forbid we should name names ! Let's see... Gal 2:11 "But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." How dare Paul name names.
And that business about Jesus not throwing grenades at the Pharisees. Jesus wasn't into "can't we all just get along". He told the Pharisees that they were whitewashed tombs, and of their father the devil.Those words were definitely verbal grenades.
And the babble about building upon the positive views of these mixed up people. " A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Why sort through the garbage when you can get wholesome food elsewhere ? Hanging around compromise will gain you nothing.
Try reading Spurgeon, Taylor, Torrey and Tozer. Most important, read the plain Word of God. It is the "power of God unto salvation."
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/17/07 11:56:29 PM |
Age 51, GA |
Seems to me, the real emerging church we ought to be concerned with, usually has spires on top and thinks muhammed was really a prophet of God. Or the more frightening church that has already emerged and taken over our schools, and much of society - secular humanism. Swiping at other Christians is pretty easy work. Where in the book does it say we should dedicate our efforts to apostasy hunting? If their not against us, their for us, right? Maybe you're accomplishing something, I can't tell. I believe this apostasy was going to happen anyway, at least according to my copy of the book. Go forth and spread the gospel, is the true call. Go forth young man, go forth...
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/17/07 08:00:51 PM |
Age 61, TX |
Thank you for your very informative article. Your personal experience with the Emergent Church carries a lot of weight. I was especially surprised by the key errors you listed, and would like to know more. The Emergent Church is a deviation from Scripture. Satan inaccurately quoted Scripture to Jesus, but it sounded so nearly correct that many don't realize it's not. When it comes to the Bible, it's either right or wrong. There's no room for gray. The beginning of tolerance in religion has done so much to destroy soundness in many denominations and certainly in some of the newer versions of religion. Acts 1:16 says "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Gal. 1:6-10 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!....Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?...If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." I looked up the word "different" used in verse 6. If my reference is correct, the original Greek translation would be "heteros," meaning another totally different kind. To be "heterodox" is to be a heretic! I'm the first to admit that Satan is having a heyday with organized religion today, but if any group in heretical in one area, why would anyone trust them in any area? I think it's partially due to the degradation of morals, and the "lite" version of Scripture is a feel-good religion for the sector who puts themselves and their desires at the core of the universe, rather than God. I appreciate your courage to speak out, and hope you're greatly blessed.
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Re: My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
| Posted On: 01/17/07 05:40:00 PM |
Age 58, VA |
This watering down, turning, and twisting of the the Word was recognized back in the early 70's with "love one another" over not pointing out blatant sins. The mistake we make is focusing on, really, loving ourselves more than God and others. We don't want anyone to think bad of us. It is too late for that, provided we have been crucified with Jesus.
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