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| Oprah and Friends" to teach course on New Age Christ By Warren Smith November 2007 | |
Oprah Winfrey will be letting out all the stops on her XM Satellite Radio program this coming year. Beginning January 1, 2008, "Oprah & Friends" will offer a year-long course on the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles. 1 A lesson a day throughout the year will completely cover the 365 lessons from the Course in Miracles "Workbook."
For example, Lesson #29 asks you to go through your day affirming that "God is in everything I see."2 Lesson #61 tells each person to repeat the affirmation "I am the light of the world." 3 Lesson #70 teaches the student to say and believe "My salvation comes from me." 4
By the end of the year, "Oprah & Friends" listeners will have completed all of the lessons laid out in the Course in Miracles Workbook. Those who finish the Course will have a wholly redefined spiritual mindset—a New Age worldview that includes the belief that there is no sin, no evil, no devil, and that God is "in" everyone and everything. A Course in Miracles teaches its students to rethink everything they believe about God and life. The Course Workbook bluntly states: "This is a course in mind training" 5 and is dedicated to "thought reversal." 6
Teaching A Course in Miracles will be Oprah's longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne Williamson—who also happens to be one of today's premier New Age leaders. She and Conversations with God author Neale Donald Walsch co-founded the American Renaissance Alliance in 1997, that later became the Global Renaissance Alliance of New Age leaders, that changed its name again in 2005 to the Peace Alliance. This Peace Alliance seeks to usher in an era of global peace founded on the principles of a New Age/New Spirituality that they are now referring to as a "civil rights movement for the soul." 7 They all agree that the principles of this New Age/New Spirituality are clearly articulated in A Course in Miracles—which is fast becoming the New Age Bible. So what is A Course in Miracles and what does it teach?
A Course in Miracles is allegedly "new revelation" from "Jesus" to help humanity work through these troubled times. This "Jesus"—who bears no doctrinal resemblance to the Bible's Jesus Christ—began delivering his channeled teachings in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology by the name of Helen Schucman.
One day Schucman heard an "inner voice" stating, "This is a course in miracles. Please take notes." 8 For seven years she diligently took spiritual dictation from this inner voice that described himself as "Jesus." A Course in Miracles was quietly published in 1975 by the Foundation for Inner Peace. For many years "the Course" was an underground cult classic for New Age seekers who studied "the Course" individually, with frie nds, or in small study groups.
As a former New Age follower and devoted student of A Course in Miracles, I eventually discovered that the Course in Miracles was—in reality—the truth of the Bible turned upside down. Not having a true understanding of the Bible at the time of my involvement, I was led to believe that A Course in Miracles was "a gift from God" to help everyone understand the "real" meaning of the Bible and to help bring peace to the world. Little did I know that the New Age "Christ" and the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles were everything the real Jesus Christ warned us to watch out for. In Matthew 24 Jesus warned about false teachers, false teachings and the false "Christs" who would pretend to be Him.
When I left the New Age "Christ" to follow the Bible's Jesus Christ, I had come to understand that the "Jesus" of A Course in Miracles was a false "Christ," and that his Course in Miracles was dangerously deceptive. Here are some quotes from the "Jesus" of A Course in Miracles:
- "There is no sin. . . "
9[ See note]A "slain Christ has no meaning ."10"The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey."11"Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.'" 12"The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."13"God is in everything I see." 14- "The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself ."15
- "The oneness of the Creator and the creation is your wholenes s, your sanity and your limitless power." 16
- "The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation." 17
Most Christians recognize that these teachings are the opposite of what the Bible teaches . In the Bible, Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross of Calvary was hardly a "useless journey." His triumph on the cross provides salvation to all those who confess their sin, accept Him and follow Him as their Lord and Saviour. His victory on the cross rings throughout the New Testament. It has been gloriously sung about in beloved hymns through the ages and is at the heart of our Christian testimony.
I found the Jesus of the Bible to be wholly believable as He taught God's truth and warned about the spiritual deception that would come in His name. The "Jesus" of A Course in Miracles reveals himself to be an imposter when he blasphemes the true Jesus Christ by saying that a "slain Christ has no meaning" and that we are all "God" and that we are all "Christ." It was by reading the Bible's true teachings of Jesus Christ that I came to understand how deceived I had been by A Course in Miracles and my other New Age teachings.
I was introduced to A Course in Miracles by Dr. Gerald Jampolsky's book Love is Letting Go of Fear . Jampolsky declared in his easy-to-read book how the teachings of A Course in Miracles had changed his life. As an ambassador for A Course in Miracles over the years, Jampolsky has been featured not only in New Age circles but at least twice on Robert Schuller's Hour of Power. While Schulle r introduced Jampolsky and his "fabulous" 18 Course in Miracles-based books to his worldwide television audience, it was Marianne Williamson's appearance on a 1992 Oprah Winfrey Show that really shook the rafters.
On that program, Oprah enthusiastically endorsed Williamson's book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. Oprah told her television audience that Williamson's book about A Course in Miracles was one of her favorite books, and that she had already bought a thousand copies and would be handing them out to everyone in her studio audience. Oprah's endorsement skyrocketed Williamson's book about A C ourse in Miracles to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Ironically, all of this was happening after I had left the Course and the New Age. In fact, I was doing the final editing on my book The Light That Was Dark that warned about the dangers of the New Age—and in particular A Course in Miracles.
After being introduced to the world on Oprah, Marianne Williamson has continued to grow in popularity and, as previously mentioned, has become one of today's foremost New Age leaders. Williamson credits Winfrey for bringing her book about A Course in Miracles before the world: "For that, my deepest thanks to Oprah Winfrey. Her enthusiasm and generosity have given the book, and me, an audience we would never otherwise have had." 19 In her 2004 book, The Gift of Change, Williamson wrote:"Twenty years ago, I saw the guidance of the Course as key to changing one's personal life; today, I see its guidance as key to changing the world. More than anything else, I see how deeply the two are connected." 20Thus the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles are about to be taught by Marianne Williamson to millions of listeners on Oprah's XM Satellite Radio program. Listeners are encouraged to buy A Course in Miracles for the year-long course. An audio version of A Course in Miracles recited by Richard (John Boy Walton) Thomas is also available on compact disc.
Popular author Wayne Dyer told his PBS television audience that the "brilliant writing" of A Course in Miracles would produce more peace in the world. 21 Williamson's New Age colleague, Neale Donald Walsch, said his "God" stated that " the era of the Single Saviour is over"22 and that he ("God") was respo nsible for authoring the teachings of A Course in Miracles. 23
Meanwhile, Gerald Jampolsky's Course in Miracles-based book, Forgiveness, continues to be sold in Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral bookstore as Schuller prepares to host a January 17-19, 2008, "Rethink Conference" at his Crystal Cathedral.24
At this critical time in the history of the world, the New Gospel/New Spirituality is coming right at the world and the church with its New Age teachings and its New Age Peace Plan. But this New Age Peace Plan has at its deceptive core the bottom-line teaching from A Course in Miracles that "we are all one" because God is "in" everyone and everything. But the Bible is clear that we are not God (Ezekiel 28:2; Hosea 11:9). And per Galatians 3:26-28, our only oneness is in Jesus Christ—not in ourselves as "God" and "Christ." What Oprah and Marianne Williamson and the world will learn one day is that humanity's only real and lasting peace is with the true Jesus Christ who is described and quoted in the Holy Bible (Romans 5:1).
Oprah Winfrey's misplaced faith in Marianne Williamson and the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles is a sure sign of the times. But an even surer sign of the times is that most Christians are not taking heed to what is happening in the world and in the church. We are not contending for the faith as the Bible admonishes us to do (Jude 3).
It is time for all of our Purpose-Driven and Emerging church pastors to address the real issue of the day. Our true Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is being reinvented, redefined, and blasphemed right in front of our eyes and hardly anyone seems to notice or care . If we want the world to know who Jesus Christ is, we need to a lso warn them about who He is not. There is a false New Age "Christ" making huge inroads into the world and into the church. The Apostle Paul said that "it is a shame" we have to even talk about these things, but talk about them we must (Ephesians 5:12-16).
If people want to follow Oprah Winfrey and the New Age "Christ" of A Course in Miracles they certainly have that right. But let them be warned that the New Age "Christ" they are following is not the same Jesus Christ who is so clearly and authoritatively presented in the pages of the Bible.
Warren Smith is a former New Age follower who at one time was deeply involved in the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles. He is the author of these insightful books:Reinventing Jesus Christ (2nd edition which is posted online): http://www.reinventingjesuschrist.com
36 comments:
I was working on a sermon on Ephesians 1:19-23 and I remembered a quote I heard from Nelson Mandela that I thought might be good to use:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
After researching this, I learned that it was not from Mandela, but from Williamson, whom I had never heard of. After doing a bit more research, I decided to not use the quote, because given her other teachings it seemed the power she was referring to was not the same power Paul was.
Thanks for the post Ben. I think this is dangerous stuff because some of it is subtle, which the post points out. I wonder why Mandela would use it.
David:
I think it is entirely understandable why Mandela, living for decades in a country where he was told that blacks are less than whites, even ontologically less, would use such a quote. If you read all of his writings, certainly he is well aware of human evil, indeed he experienced it first hand of course. So I would not make too much of his use of these words. He reaudienced them and used them for a very different purpose than that intended by Williamson.
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Thanks Ben. I understand why he might use it. I almost used it too under the heading of "All truth is God's truth." But as I looked at some of the other things Williamson taught, I was concerned that some might think I was endorsing her views.
Some of the teachings of the Course On Miracles are close to biblical teaching. After all "I am the light of the world" is close to Matthew 5:14. Again, some of this stuff is pretty subtle.
Hi a few words on ACIM... it con be condemned when it is not understood... and judging it doesn't being about understanding. Jesus is in our heart and is available for enlIGHTening my understanding when I call on Him and ASK.
The ACIM book speaks to us on several levels of thought it spee=aks to the part of our mind that thinks we are separate and apart from what God created. we are asked to bring every single thought, leave no dark corners stones in our mind- bring all our thoughts to Holy Spirit / Jesus. going on to say say we have made a thought system thru belief and given it power of reality in our mind in place of Truth as God our loving father created. going on to say we have believed it and as we continue to believe it we would be stuck indeed. we have beleived thaat something could and does exist outside/separate from God's Kingdom - and because we beleive it, we project it - percieve it and re-beleive that its true, in fact we are doing this to ourselves - from my personal experience it doesn't require any book to tell me this, i can simply observe my thoughts that aruse each moment and see it for myself. ACIM is simply an invitation to question my mind/ my thoughts abd beliefs in order to see beyond the limits that I have declared in my mind as true for me and what I think is true for others.
ACIM also re-defines attack as seeing something in my brother.world that God did not create. He created perfection and innocence and as long as I insist that there is something else separate from what God created I will continue to believe my thoughts and mis-seeing what God has created. it is easy to see our closed loop thought system in ACIM Jesus speaks of this and asks our willingness to see what we created and see beyond it to the presence of Truth which is here now and availalbe for the ASKING.
ACIM is teaching us how to ask it addresses the SON of God a part of the mind that has never left its SOURCE, we have been listening to a voice in our mind that rells us un-truth it tells us many things about our brothers and the world, we have listened to it beleived it true, so the false prophets are the thoughts in our minds that tells us we are not worthy, guilty, deserving of punishment and such and we look out into the world and this voice tells us much, don't trust, someone is out to get us, there's bad people out there etc. and we beleive these thougths without question.
ACIM is not a teacher of Love for LOVE IS all encompasing but it does show us the blocks to LOVE's Presence, remove the blocks/timber from my eye and I can see Loves Presence everywhere.
Jesus's message Love thy neighbor and I will see Love in myself.
Fear thy neighbor and I will experience fear
and blame who?
my neighbor for my fear that I believe in.
silly nonsense, once questioned looked at in LIGHT with my brother who has gone before me and knows the way to help me see what Truly is here when I allow all my thoughts/judgements to be questioned and allow Truth to take its rightful place in my mind where I once choose to cherish un-truth in its place.
much love and much appreciation for the Truth to shine forth from my MIND to see it replace the fear I once worshipped and believed was justified.
false prophets reside in my mind not outside of me.
when I recognize this I quickly travel the path of salvation with Jesus and all my brothers by my side, because I would not leave anyone outside of Heaven.
In my mind when I leave someone outside of Heaven I am in bondage with them, because its my thought that maintains there is,,, someone deserving to be... outside of Heaven,,, which means I too am outside of Heaven and their release becomes my own.
am I willing to release them from my mind?
or do I choose to hold them a prisioner and think I can escape and be free from what I choose to give to another.
Oh my.
Well, I guess that pretty much sums it up doesn't it. Oh, and by the way, I stand corrected...perhaps ACIM isn't that subtle.
Nope ACIM is simply pantheism that uses Jesus to achieve its aims. When you start talking about the 'Son of God' as part of the human mind, it becomes pretty clear this is a complete violation and repudiation of the historical sources tell us about Jesus. But in a Gnostic age that wants to treat the Gospels as if they were nothing more than spiritual philosophy exegeting the human soul rather than describing historical persons who make external claims on us, then of course we are not merely in a bad place-- we have chosen to betray Jesus and the very character of the Gospels.
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Oh dear! I noticed how the teaching leads its followers to believe they don't need "any book" to see the truth but it only proves what they already know. From my studies, this is classic cultic praxis in teaching. I am interested though in how they get away with saying there is no evil in the world, especially Oprah who does a lot of work to correct this evil. hmmmmm
Thanks for this post , Ben. Quite appropriate coming as it does right after your post on apostasy. This stuff is really insidious, but again, Jesus told us all about it....
F. Lagard Smith wrote a couple of good books about this as well.
Out On A Broken Limb
Crystal Lies
What You Need To Know About: The New Age Movement
Nick
It is worth pointing out that in origins 'A Course in Miracles' comes to us by way of Christian Science and ultimately Mary Baker Eddy, and to be accurate it is not really a viable Christian approach to the Bible. In fact, in its pantheistic and mind over matter emphases, it is far closer to pantheism and some forms of Buddhism.
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Smith is rightly concerned about the confusion over biblical issues that is bound to come from studying Marianne Williamson's "ACIM". When I first got a look at the book in the early '90's, I was struck by how much Christian vocabulary was used to support totally non-Christian ideas.
In my opinion, one of the reasons for the Course's popularity with mainstream America is precisely because it gives a Christian-sounding backspin to to the pantheistic worldview that colors our cultural attitudes, and is implicit in spiritual discussions happening throughout our country.
Christians are not immune. Indeed, the Christian vocabulary makes un-taught Christians (and some who have been taught and ought to know better) think Williamson is simply expanding on the biblical truths they already embrace. Having said that, though, I disagree with Warren Smith that people like Robert Schuller and Rick Warren have a "New Age agenda". I think they, like so many, have merely allowed the current culture to creep into their Christian thinking unawares, and to distort it.
Boy, this is about as worthless a bit
of garbage as I have seen in my nearly 70 years. I want everyone to know that lesson 61 might say that each person can say "I am the light of the world". The light of my world is Jesus Christ, the one and the only Jesus Christ, the one who went to the cross to pay for my sins. That makes Lesson 70 wrong also because my bible
says my salvation comes from and through Jesus Christ. Anyone who thinks there is no such thing as sin, evil, or devil is in for a very rude awakening. My bible says that every knee will bend before my God and I am probably going to be on my knees a while but all those who believe any of the false teachings talked about here will be on their knees until the skin wears off. (not that it is going to do any good at that time....
Amen to all that was said about this New Age teaching. Just put a bit of Biblical Christianity in it and some people will think it's legitimate. Pray for those involved to meet the real JESUS.
pinto
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Pantheism started as spiritualism at the tree of the knowledge of good and Evil, "you will be as gods, knowing good and evil and ye shall not truly die." It also teaches by nature of it channels that God is in everything and since this is the case then everything is a god. Thus what is the need of God when you are a god. It's teachings also incorporate Zoroasterian beliefs which began around the time of the Medes and Persians. All this is bought into the bigger picture of which Freemasonry has taken a strong advantage of. In the book Morals and Dogma, pg 226, the Freemasonry Bible, Albert Pike states that "the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahmin and followers of Confucius and Zoroaster can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God who above all the Baalim, must needs leave it to each of its Initiates to look for the foundation of his faith and hope to the written scriptures of his own religion.
Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion. For here are inculcated disinterestedness, affection, toleration, devotedness, patriotism, truth, a generous sympathy with those who suffer and mourn, pity for the fallen, mercy for the erring, relief for those in want, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Here we meet as brethren, to learn to know and love each other. Here we greet each other gladly, are
lenient to each other's faults, regardful of each other's feelings, ready to relieve
each other's wants. This is the true religion revealed to the ancient patriarchs; which Masonry has taught for many centuries, and which it will continue to teach as long as time endures. If unworthy passions, or selfish, bitter, or revengeful feelings, contempt, dislike, hatred, enter here, they are intruders and not welcome, strangers uninvited, and not guests. Morals and Dogma Pg 213, A. Pike
And finally, Mr. Pike states what the ultimate goal of the Masons was (is): "... the world will soon come to us for its sovereigns (political leaders) and pontiffs (religious leaders.) We shall constitute the equilibrium of the universe and be rulers over the masters of the world."
The goal of the Masons, according to Mr. Pike, is to become the "rulers over the masters of the world."
The secret behind the power!
Now if that were not enough, consider this.
Those are the things that the Catholic church want you to think, but in reality they are something quite different. In most Freemason Lodges, the members could be a mix of multiple religions, cultures, and race. Sometimes in rituals they have the bible laying out on display, but that's only if the lodge has a majority of christian members. So that rules out that the Freemasons are a new religion, which many believe. Actually, Freemasons have been around since before Christ himself. There are theories that the society originated in Egypt. Well of course there were Masons in Egypt. Who designed and built the pyramids? Therefore thats what the Freemasons are........or were, I should say. They started as Masons.
When the Anglos and Saxons settled in ancient Britain, they established a very military form of organization. A civil system of social order developed, known as guilds essentially. These guilds were initially founded by blood ties. But then each family normally had their own profession. For example, if your father was a butcher, then you will be too, and so will your children. Eventually guilds would form into communty ties. If you were a butcher, you could be accepted into the butcher guild, which is like a club, even if you weren't related by blood ties from within the guild. In Medievil times, the Masons became to be known as freemasons because they moved from city to city, instead of staying in one place.
Until the sixteenth century, the Masons were operative, whereas they just worked with stone, and you could only be in a guild if you were part of the profession. During the sixteenth century however, Freemasons began accepting people who were not masons. They began to be more speculative then operative, whereas instead of just building with stone, they aimed to construct spiritual, symbolic, and allegorical edifices. Everything they created or built had some other meaning hidden from the ignorant.
There is no saying what really goes on behind closed doors of these Freemason Lodges, which are located all over the world. Not even most Freemasons know. There are secrets that only Freemasons of the highest degree can know (in Freemasonry, there are different levels known as degrees that you must work your way up to, the highest degree being 33). But what are these secrets? And where did they obtain them? Well, the Freemasons aren't just comprised of one legacy, but many. At different points in history, other societies have infultrated the Freemasons, like the Illuminati, the Priory of Sion, the Rosicrucians, and even the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar are a whole 'nother story, but basically there was a speculation that the knights weren't entirely who they said they were, but that it was a cover-up of something much greater. They started out as poor Christian knights protecting pilgrims traveling to the holy land, but one fateful day, as they were excavating solomon's temple, it is said that they found something....SOMETHING that could change the world forever. Well, the church shut them up pretty quick through bribery. That is how the knights templar became so powerful and and wealthy. When Pope Clement V tortured and burned them on the stake in 1314, the remaining Templar survivors joined the Freemasons, and took their wealth and secrets with them.
Could their symbols represent these secrets? What most people don't know is that symbols of the secret society are everywhere. Just look at currency! Why is there a pyramid on the American dollar bill? George Washington is on the dollarbill.......did you know he was a freemason? That doesn't have much to do with symbolism, but that brings me to my next point: Who are the Freemasons? Are they among us?
Of course they are. They are everywhere. They were some of our presidents, Like Ford, Washington, both Roosevelts, and Jefferson. They were some of our founding fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, and many others who have signed the declaration of Independance. They are also leaders of other countries as well. Winston Churchhill was a prominent Freemason.
Well, many who are not that much into history are probably thinking at this point, "Who cares. this is boring. What does this have to do with me?" Well, this has a lot to do with everyone, and I'll explain why. Has anyone ever heard of the plan for the new world order? Not many have. It is one of the goals of the Freemasons. Basically, the whole world will eventually be governed by one government. How will they achieve this? Well, their plan has already been in effect, quite frankly. Besides, it shouldn't be too hard for them since many influential leaders of our world are Freemason. What about the Euro? That's a pretty big step for them. Most of Europe is using one kind of currency now. And did you know that The freemasons were the cause of the American Revolution, French Revolution, the liberation of South America, and the 2 world wars? There is proof, but much more proof of the 2 world wars, if anything. There was a general of the Civil War who was a freemason named Albert Pike, who wrote a VERY interesting letter to another Freemason named Mazzini in Russia , which talked about how the new world order would be achieved. The letter said that there had to be three world wars. Well, I'll put up the letter.....it'll explain itself. Remember, This letter was written during the time of the Civil War:
The First World War was to be fought so as to enable the Illuminati to overthrow the powers of the Tzars in Russia and turn that country into the stronghold of Atheistic-Communism. The differences stirred up by agentur of the Illuminati between the British and German Empires were to be used to foment this war. After the war ended, Communism was to be built up and used to destroy other governments and weaken religions.
World War Two, was to be fomented by using the differences between Fascists and Political Zionists. This war was to be fought so that Naziism would be destroyed and the power of Political Zionism increased so that the sovereign state of Israel could be established in Palestine. During World War Two International Communism was to be built up until it equalled in strength that of united Christendom. At this point it was to be contained and kept in check until required for the final social cataclysm.
World War Three is to be fomented by using the differences the agentur of the Illuminati stir up between Political Zionists and the leaders of the Moslem world. The war is to be directed in such a manner that Islam (the Arab World including Mohammedanism) and Political Zionism (including the State of Israel) will destroy themselves while at the same time the remaining nations, once more divided against each other on this issue, will be forced to fight themselves into a state of complete exhaustion physically, mentally, spiritually and economically.
The first two war predictions were exactly as predicted. And as for the third world war, doesn't it sound like what is happening now?
How did Pike make these predictions? Well, Albert Pike was no Nostradamus. In fact, he was a confederate general, and took part in the Ku Klux Klan. Many think it wasn't a prediction....but a plan.
Many historians think that Freemasons are behind it. Like I said before, the Freemasons are very powerful people. They are a lot of the most influential leaders of the world (Clinton, Bush, Nixon, Chaney). And slowly but surely, their goals are being achieved. (fyi, the letter written by Albert Pike is now catalogued in the British Museum Library, London, England.).
Now how does this connect to the New Age? New Age got is beginnings in Spiritualism. Not the following
Spiritualism is about to take the world captive.
There are many who think that Spiritualism is upheld through trickery and imposture, but this is far from the truth. Superhuman power is working in a variety of ways, and few have any idea as to what will be the manifestations of Spiritualism in the future. The foundation for the success of Spiritualism has been laid in the assertions that have been made from the pulpits of our land.
Satan has a religion, he has a synagogue and devout worshipers. To swell the ranks of his devotees, he uses all manner of deception.
He works cures, and is worshiped by deceived mortals as a benefactor of our race… Thousands are conversing with, and receiving instructions from, this demon-god, and acting according to his teachings. The world, which is supposed to be benefited so much by phrenology and animal magnetism, never was so corrupt. Satan uses these very things to destroy virtue and lay the foundation of Spiritualism.
Spiritualists are increasing in numbers. They will come to men who have the truth as Satan came to Christ, tempting them to manifest their power and work miracles, and give evidence of their being favored of God, and of their being the people who have the truth... The only safety for the people of God is to be thoroughly conversant with their Bibles, and be intelligent upon the reasons of our faith in regard to the sleep of the dead.
Thousands have been spoiled through the philosophy of phrenology and animal magnetism, and have been driven into infidelity. If the mind commences to run in this channel, it is almost sure to lose its balance and be controlled by a demon.
"Vain deceit" fills the minds of poor mortals. They think there is such power in themselves to accomplish great works, that they realize no necessity of a higher power. Their principles and faith are "after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Jesus has not taught them this philosophy. Nothing of the kind can be found in His teachings. He did not direct the minds of poor mortals to themselves, to a power, which they possessed. He was ever directing their minds to God, the Creator of the universe, as the source of their strength and wisdom…
The teachers of Spiritualism come in a pleasing, bewitching manner to deceive you, and if you listen to their fables you are beguiled by the enemy of righteousness, and will surely lose your reward. When once the fascinating influence of the arch-deceiver overcomes you, you are poisoned, and its deadly influence adulterates and destroys your faith in Christ's being the Son of God, and you cease to rely on the merits of His blood. Those deceived by this philosophy are beguiled of their reward through the deceptions of Satan. They rely upon their own merits, exercise voluntary humility, are even willing to make sacrifices, and debase themselves, and yield their minds to the belief of supreme nonsense, receiving the most absurd ideas through those whom they believe to be their dead friends. Satan has so blinded their eyes and perverted their judgment that they perceive not the evil; and they follow out the instructions purporting to be from their dead friends, now angels in a higher sphere.
God, in His Word, has placed His stamp of condemnation upon the heresies of spiritualism as He placed His mark upon Cain. The godly need not be deceived if they are students of the Scriptures(read Ex. 20:1~5, Deu 18:9~12, Jer. 28:8-9, Zech. 10:2, Isa. 47:13~15, Lev. 19:4, 26, 31 & 20:6) and obedient to follow the plain path marked out for them in the Word of God.
The boastful spiritualist claims great freedom, and in smooth, flowery language seeks to fascinate and delude unwary souls to choose the broad path of pleasure and sinful indulgence, rather than the narrow path and the straight way. Spiritualists call the requirements of God's law bondage, and say those who obey them live a life of slavish fear. With smooth words and fair speeches they boast of their freedom and seek to cover their dangerous heresies with the garments of righteousness. They would make the most revolting crimes be considered as blessings to the race.
They open before the sinner a wide door to follow the promptings of the carnal heart, and violate the law of God--especially the seventh commandment. Those who speak these great swelling words of vanity, and who triumph in their freedom in sin, promise those whom they deceive the enjoyment of freedom in a course of rebellion against the revealed will of God. These deluded souls are themselves in the veriest bondage to Satan and are controlled by his power, and yet promising liberty to those who will dare to follow the same course of sin that they themselves have chosen.
The Scriptures are indeed fulfilled in this, that the blind are leading the blind. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. These deluded souls are under the most abject slavery to the will of demons. They have allied themselves to the powers of darkness and have no strength to go contrary to the will of demons. This is their boasted liberty. By Satan are they overcome and brought into bondage, and the great liberty promised to those they deceive is helpless slavery to sin and Satan.
We are not to attend their circles, neither Christian ministers to engage in controversy with them. They are of that class specified whom we should not invite into our houses or bid them Godspeed. We have to compare their teachings with the revealed will of God. We are not to engage in an investigation of spiritualism. God has investigated this for us, and told us definitely that a class would arise in the last days who would deny Christ who has purchased them with His own blood. The character of spiritualists is so plainly described that we need not be deceived by them. If we obey the divine injunction we shall have no sympathy with spiritualists, however smooth and fair may be their words.
Some of Christian ministers, rather than give this class any occasion to triumph or to charge them with cowardice, have met them in open discussion. But in discussing with Spiritualists they do not meet man merely, but Satan and his angels. They place themselves in communication with the powers of darkness, and encourage evil angels about them.
Spiritualists desire to give publicity to their heresies; and ministers who advocate Bible truth help them to do this when they consent to engage in discussion with them. The opportunity to get their heresies before the people is improved, and in every discussion with them some will be deceived. The very best course for us to pursue is to avoid them.
There is a strain of spiritualism coming in among our people, and it will undermine the faith of those who give place to it, leading them to give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We can see the arch-deceiver tempting several of ministers presenting fanciful theories to them in a most subtle and charming manner, to wean their affection from those whom they should love and cherish. He shows them charming pictures of women whom they have found congenial, suggesting that in the future life they will be united to the one who is so congenial and whom they will ever love throughout the ages of eternity.
If you hold such views you need to be taught the first principles of the truth. You need to stand where you know that you are not departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. When you break the spell that is upon you, and become teachable, you will escape from Satan's snare. Through humility and reconversion you will again be adopted into the family of God.
God has in His word opened before us the great events of the future--all that it is essential for us to know--and He has given us a safe guide for our feet amid all its perils; but it is Satan's purpose to destroy men's confidence in God, to make them dissatisfied with their condition in life, and to lead them to seek a knowledge of what God has wisely veiled from them, and to despise what He has revealed in His Holy Word.
Finally, when Protestantism shall stretches her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reaches over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and Republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan, and that the end is near.—
God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose mind and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they have cherished, such as so-called perfectionism and Spiritualism, and who, by their course while in these errors, have disgraced themselves and brought reproach upon the cause of truth. Although they may now feel free from error and competent to go forth and to teach this last message, God will not accept them. He will not entrust precious souls to their care; for their judgment was perverted while in error, and is now weakened. The great and holy One is a jealous God, and He will have holy men to carry His truth. The holy law spoken by God from Sinai as a part of Himself, and holy men who are its strict observers will alone honor Him by teaching it to others.
The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment. They should be men who can bear opposition and not get excited; for those who oppose the truth will pick at those who teach it, and every objection that can be produced, will be brought in its worst form to bear against the truth. The servants of God who bear the message must be prepared to remove these objections, with calmness and meekness, by the light of truth.
God has always given men warning of coming judgments. Those who had faith in His message for their time, and who acted out their faith in obedience to His commandments, escaped the judgments that fell upon the disobedient and unbelieving.
Those who place themselves under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place.
My message to you is: No longer consent to listen without protest to the perversion of truth. Unmask the pretentious sophistries, which, if received, will lead ministers and physicians and medical missionary workers to ignore the truth. Every one is now to stand on his guard. God calls upon men and women to take their stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. I have been instructed to warn our people; for many are in danger of receiving theories and sophistries that undermine the foundation pillars of the faith.
Nelson Mandela has ties to and most likely is a member of Freemasonry. This is a highly Spiritualistic organzation with ties to the Baphomet as its logo (an upside down pentagram or star). Other world known people (and leaders)include 30 of the 43 U.S. presidents, Napoleon, Hitler, Pope John Paul II, Pope Ratzinger, Saddam Hussein, Robert Schuller, Pat Robertson, Shimon Peres, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakan, Mahmoud Abbas, Ariel Sharon, Sen. Harry Reid, Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Chaney, Afghani Leader Karzai, Pope Pius XII, Cardinal Spellman, Pope Paul XII, Al Gore, Winston Churchill, Christopher Columbus, Helmut Kohl, Stalin, all but 5 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the list goes on. All of this is tied to Novus Ordo Seclorum, the "New World Order and part of the New World Order is the New Age and if you doubt this, turn on your FM radio and scan your dial. You will find in every city in the U.S a New Age radio station, typically focused on New Age Jazz.
Finally, Pantheist support a New World Order because they believe God is in everything thus a New World Government would be a government where God is in everything and who other than to help usher this in but Ms. Anti-Christ herself Oprah Winfrey!
just found your post after googling something Oprah said on her New Earth Book Club: She does not beleive Jesus came to start Christianity and Christianity is not the only way to God...Thank you for your article.
Thank you so much for this article!! I used to be so into watching the Oprah shows and thought she was really into helping people! My husband came in from work telling me about all this and I was devastated, but wouldn't believe him until I saw it my self. I cannot believe she is doing this and wow like someone else posted lets pray for all those who are receiving these false teachings!!!! WHAT CAN WE AS CHRISTIANS DO TO GET THIS WORD OUT AND WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS COURSE THAT OPRAH IS PROMOTING!!! I WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET THE WORD OUT JUST NEED SOME HELP KNOW WHAT TO DO BESIDES USING WORD OF MOUTH!! SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE A REALLY INFORMATIVE EMAIL THAT CAN BE PASSED AROUND THE WORLD!!!
Thanks for your post, I listened to Oprah's first webinar with Tolle on his book A New Earth and posted on how Oprah has transcended from talk show host to uber-evangelist.
you can go to my blog Provocative Church to get the link for the article:
http://www.provocativechurch.com/2008/03/is-oprah-next-billy-graham.html
For AprilSkaggs and any others who want to know what Christians can do: We are told to STUDY, PRAY AND TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST.
II Timothy 2 (especially 2:15-26);
Matthew 26:41; Matthew 28:19-20
Study is a necessity! Most people do not read themselves, they rely on others to tell them...and we all know that many churches today are basically social organizations neglecting if not avoiding true religious teaching (not politically correct these days it seems). Scripture tells us to be watchful for this to happen.
Many of those who follow such New Age religious teachings are unlearned and our job is to give them The Word. If we do our part, Our Lord will do the rest.
Peace
THIS IS SATAN AT WORK!and Oprah bought it .
I pray that whom ever and all that support this "new age" deciet will stop lying and trying to yturn the bible inside out, come to know the truth that we as "christians" already know.
I am appauled as most of you are that Oprah supports such idealism and deciet; being a "surviver" and supporter of healing that she is and turn around and blasphimise our Saviors name.
I am sickened and very distraught about not only Oprah but every other supporter of this deciet.
One lady asked how we can stop this or at least spread the word about the horrible lies this is telling people.
Here's my answer: Pray and educate yourself and everyone around you, do NOT be afraid to stand up to these lies.
Every Christian and child of God our creator and savior please pray; Please dear Lord Jesus BIND this deciet from our children, our neighbors, our loved ones. PLease open the eyes of every soul that may read this deceit that they will see YOU Lord and that they may be led to question it and come to you for answers. PLease Jesus give us the knowledge adn strength to come against and stand up for you knowing that you will vindicate any persecution that may come upon us. We are here to glorify you not some person sitting next to us, and that we are to stand up for you and live for you as you did for us. Thank you Jesus for your grace and your promise of heaven, thank you for your word to guide us, may all our friends who are decived come to know that your word (the bible) is THE ONLY WAY! I pray that everyone who reads this will seek you and the TRUTH from you our ONE AND ONLY GOD. Amen
PLEASE seek the TRUTH, not just some mumbo jumbo deciet supported by a person who happens to be richer than the rest of us. WE MUST as Christians join together and stand against this lie. If we do not, Revelations 16 will be the death of all of them and Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (THE ONLY GOD) will be vindicated. IF you really believe in the TRUTH of the bible you will know what to do.......
Thank God for the truth at last,ever wondered what makes the rich so rich,so powerful and influencial. They are doing the work of their masters so perfectly well,yes they worship GOD, BUT not the God of the bible, the god of this world with a small g. even themselves. i read somewhere some books that initiation to witchcraft is not difficult, only belief that u can do and be anything u want to be,and can achieve all things you want. ONLY believe that u are a god, your destiny is in in you.you are your own master, nobody should limit your freedom and determination to suceed in life to be the great master you are until you realise the christ in you. this words are so powerful and perfect for the rebelous youth and teenagers of today,just perfect to land them in the wide and broad way of destruction.
(book, masonry exposed)That is all it takes to fall from grace, even to believe in unrepented unrenewed self in through christ.how many swallow the bait every day through these words and good works salvation.i thank God 4 the enlightenment. onkabetse moseki S.A
Greetings. I have always liked Oprah ... until now. Very disturbing about the new age involvement and her 'preaching'.
This makes me wonder about her endorsement of Barak Obama ... although he has his own church/religion, does she think that she has influence over him when/if he becomes the next president?
I hope everyone prays for our nation to come back to its first love ... Jesus as creator, Saviour, and coming King.
There is more than what you believe. Change comes slowly and painfully, but I hope that people can look beyond what they've been told and see that they
can't
know
it
all.
I know that you're supposed to have faith and just believe, but really, look at it.
Really look at what you've been asked to believe.
Relax people.
Christianity wasn't the first religion, nor will it be the last.
Everyone seeks answers, and it's important to see what is similar in all the different religions. If you focus on that I believe you'll find we all have more in common than not.
Respect others, as you would want them to respect your beliefs. Look for the positives and similarities, and I believe you'll find yourselves in a much more peaceful place.
All of the wars instigated by religious differences should teach us this, if we would only listen.
Thank you for this posting. I was a devout Oprah show watcher until she started in on the "New Earth" thing she is pushing now. It all makes me sick that she has so much power and has worked her way into the lives of so many people. Now she is pushing thousands and maybe millions of people into this new age movement, ever so slowly and they don't get it. What is wrong with these people?
I have been watching the internet to see if anyone would mention her new endevor "A New Earth", but have not found anything.
Christians are so bad about sitting back and not taking a stand. Personally, I have stopped watching Oprah and encourage everyone I know to do the same. Surprisingly, my friends were already smarter than I gave them credit...no one is watching her that I know. I will continue my self imposed ban.
In our culture, we believe that everyone should have a second chance. In God's viewpoint, God wants to give everyone another chance to seek eternity with Him through Jesus' death on the cross.
Since Jesus' death and resurrection, devotees of Jesus look to the skies for His triumphal return. I believe that we have come close, but His mercy prevailed and we will be waiting longer.
I came to believe that our coming King was prepared to approach mankind with His judgment because there was a feeling of deadness...low birth rates, no new inspirations, no spark of life a few years ago. To comfirm this feeling of impending judgement,the U.N. just put out information that last year recorded the highest level of births in over 37 years. God has given us another chance to further His kingdom.
As far as judging Oprah:
First, I am glad that God is the final judge...and personally I am seeking grace and mercy...not justice.
Second, according to James 1:26 - 27,
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Well, I think that Oprah has taken care of the first part of verse 27 'looking after the orphans and widows', but she has been polluted by the world.
To be half right is not negotiable with God...the only way to God is through the saving grace of Jesus who took our punishment. It is my hope that Oprah discovers her love of the world's religions are false and will quickly return to her first love of calling Jesus as her saviour.
Again, I want to leave it up to God to sort out who recieves His Holy Mercies and who will recieve his justice.
Thanks for the good discussion...
How dangerous is the life of the sheep left alone to fend for itself. We live in such a post-modern time that many are fulled to believe that there is truth in all things in which two opposing views can not both be true. Since the beginning of time the one true religion that has stood out is that in which God stands at the forefront of all things and is the beginning and end of all we know. Yet some would say relax and learn about all false and true doctrine a like and accept false doctrine as well as truth. This is madness. Cursed is the man who will leave my people astray and those who unwittingly follow him.
COLLEEN---YOUR INPUT
"Christianity wasn't the first religion, nor will it be the last.
Everyone seeks answers, and it's important to see what is similar in all the different religions. If you focus on that I believe you'll find we all have more in common than not.
Respect others, as you would want them to respect your beliefs. Look for the positives and similarities, and I believe you'll find yourselves in a much more peaceful place.
All of the wars instigated by religious differences should teach us this, if we would only listen."
###################################
MY INPUT---What other "religion" had a sinless Savior die for sinners and then raise from the dead? ONLY JESUS. He is alive. He is GOD.
We have much in common with other religions and do respect others despite disagreeing with their beliefs but you cannot have opposites both be true (Jesus is the ONLY way vs. A way to heaven).
I'm at complete peace with Jesus. Others are missing something which I pray they will seek.
Holy wars were not fought by holy people. That was just a name. A true Christian WOULD NOT fight in an unjust war or for untoward reasons.
Protestants vs. Catholics in Ireland---they are just names. It's a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus that counts, not religion.
"Second, according to James 1:26 - 27,
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."
I guess everyone on this forum is going to hell in a handbasket...according to james, that is...
money cAnt buy us happiness it only brings us misery.. i was born catholic and i will die catholic, im not against the said religion but, we must not compare one to another,, its just not right,, well anyways everybody is entitled to our own opinions but lets make it a point that we dont crushed others beliefs,, lets just focus on our faiths and leave the decision to the other if they would come and join any religion they think they hearts are into.. dont talk trash to others as others dont talk trash to you.
Thank you so much for this article and for some of the member's comments.
Just to confirm some of the statements made: Nelson Mandela is part of the New Age Order and did you know that while Zimbabwe is in ruins that the Masons are building a million rand lodge there? Then you ask yourself who is Rob's best buddy? No other than Thabo Mbeki who is also part of the original clan.
The masons have more influence in Africa than anybody realize particularly the South African leaders. It is not just in Europe where all these manifestations are coming to light.
It was by total chance that I happen to get to this page. I use to be one of the ppl believing that "we are one" and "Christians are so narrow minded" and "are just judging everybody else" and that other religions are not "so bad" because we believe in "one god".
COLLEEN: This is where my wakeup call came in - There is only ONE GOD, there is only one truth, bending the truth a bit, does not make it the truth any more.
I still love my friends that I made, they are good ppl at heart with good intensions, but I realize that I can not sit in the same circle anymore. Good intensions is just not good enough alone without faith.
Coming back to Anthony's post:
Quote:
"Vain deceit" fills the minds of poor mortals. They think there is such power in themselves to accomplish great works, that they realize no necessity of a higher power. Their principles and faith are "after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
It saddens me to agree with this passage, as I managed to meet some of the members that claimed to be witches and druids etc. the truth hit me full in my face.
These are ppl that are hungry for love and acceptance. 99% of the ppl I dealt came out of a broken home, the parents are alcoholics, the members them selves never had a good education and grew up in poor or bad circumstances. Most of them were Christians before they became pagans and it is all because of books and views like Oprah's that they turned away! (That included me as well)
I knew I had to choose as the Lord said that you have too be either warm or cold, but if you are luke, He will spit you out of His mouth.
I made my choice; I just pray that it is not too late and that God will forgive me for loosing my while I knew the truth.
Oprah's and all the other's courses give these kids and young ppl something to hang on too. It empowers them. It is time that the Christians take back what is theirs and that the Christian Churches take up their responsibilities.
God did not come to save the believers, He came for the sinners.
That that lurks in darkness must be exposed and the only way to do this is to bring the Light back into the fallen ones lives.
Jesus saves and takes away sins! Oprah and the rest of those New Age people don't want the world to know that! So that means they don't want people to go to heaven! And that means they are only of the devil because Jesus would never want someone not to go to heaven!
Sonny15
From spending several years in Jeremiah Wright's anti-American racist church, listening to sermons like "God Damn America", and giving life time achievement awards to the likes of Louis Farrakhan ... to her newest nut job beliefs ... who could possibly take Oprah seriously? I think it's time for America to deny Oprah access to our television sets.
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I BELIEVE in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary, he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell, on the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, and sitted on the right hand of the Father;
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen
--------------------------------
This is the the core of all Christian faith, Catholics, Protestants or Orthodox (just have to omit references to catholicism for non-catholics) as it summarizes what we believe in Christ.
Any new teachings/doctrines that claims to be from Jesus/Christ yet contradicts the core of the Christian faith comes from an impostor or a false Christ.
I have had enough of hearing about this New age trash. Jesus is the only way. i hope you cant sleep at night spreading this crap.
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