http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter082506.htm

Unity to Reach "Critical Mass"

According to news reports about Rick Warren's participation at the Ecumenical and Interfaith Pre-Conferences (for the International AIDS Conference), Warren stated: "We are here at these conferences to say to fellow Christians that we believe the Church needs to take the lead in the greatest health concern on the planet." He said that Christians need to come together on this. However, over the past couple years, Warren has laid the ground work to show that this coming together does not just mean for Christians. He is talking about crossing all barriers, religious, political and other, so that the world's people will be unified to fight the giants of poverty, corruption, ignorance and sickness. At one conference he said that every village has a man or woman of peace, who might not necessarily be Christian and could possibly be Muslim, and that person would help to implement the global P.E.A.C.E. plan in their part of the world. At the AIDS conference in Canada, Warren said he is "pressing for a 'coalition of civility,' where diverse groups can disagree without being disagreeable or denouncing one another, and seek unity without requiring uniformity in order to reach critical mass."

Critical mass. What does this mean? While this is a scientific term, when speaking of populations of people, it is referring to "an explosion in global consciousness capable of 'touching' or transforming all of humankind." The idea is that when a certain critical number of people all share the same awareness, then change can come to all people's thinking because of the critical mass. A critical mass does not have to be a majority if it is a powerful enough mass, but unity is essential ... and so is meditation. Listen to this excerpt from A Time of Departing:

"Dr. Rodney R. Romney, former Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Seattle, is a person frequently quoted as an example of a New Age Christian. He very candidly revealed what was conveyed to him in his contemplative prayer periods. The 'source of wisdom' he was in contact with told him the following:
I want you to preach this oneness, to hold it up before the world as my call to unity and togetherness. In the end this witness to the oneness of all people will undermine any barriers that presently exist.
Could this be a familiar spirit speaking here? Jesus Christ did not teach that all people are one. There are the saved and the unsaved. And Jesus Christ is the catalyst for this distinction."
Rick Warren is suggesting that we need to have a critical mass and that for that to happen there must be a crossing of all barriers - unity is a must!
A three-legged stool will have stability. So I'm going from country to country teaching business its role, teaching church its role, and teaching government leaders their role--you've got to work together! We cannot solve the problem in your country or in the world if we won't work together. (Rick Warren, July 2006)
And yet Scripture makes it very clear, that while we as Christians are supposed to love all people, showing kindness and civility to all, we cannot be equally yoked, and we cannot come together in a "critical mass." It is not possible to do, especially in light of the fact that a critical mass depends on mysticism for it to truly be effective.

We have established in previous articles and reports that contemplative spirituality is a New Age belief system with which meditation is implemented and altered states of consciousness are reached. We have also shown how New Agers believe that the one common factor that unites all religious traditions is the metaphysical (i.e., mystical meditation). Listen again to Ray Yungen:
But the spirit who spoke to Dr. Romney also revealed something else of vital importance. It declared, "Silence is that place, that environment where I work." Please pay attention to this! God does not work in the silence -- but familiar spirits do. Moreover, what makes it so dangerous is that they are very clever. One well-known New Ager revealed what his guiding (familiar) spirit candidly disclosed: "We work with all who are vibrationally [meditationally] sympathetic; simple and sincere people who feel our spirit moving, but for the most part, only within the context of their current belief system."
Warren Smith, in his book Reinventing Jesus Christ talks about the critical mass. He quotes New Ager Marianne Williamson:
So it is that a new politics centers around the arousal of that power, using prayer and meditation to create a forcefield of transformation.

It is a mystical revolution that will usher in a mystical age.

As a loving critical mass coalesces, as hearts around the world continue to yearn and work for peace, then new forms will emerge to actualize our new planetary vision.
Williamson is not some obscure New Age guru. Today, she works diligently in Washington, DC, rallying for the support of Congressmen and others to start a U.S. Department of Peace. Every year, she, Walter Cronkite and other influential individuals and groups grow that much closer to the DOP becoming a reality.

The question must be asked, Will Williamson's critical mass and Rick Warren's critical mass join up together? And will the transformation each of them pushes for become a common goal between them. Such a merging would certainly quicken the process of change.

From Rick Warren's website (pastors.com) "This is a time, which calls for a critical mass of transformational leaders who will commit to creating a synergy of energy within their circle of influence so new level of social, economic, organizational and spiritual success can be reached. We have not, however, developed the leaders we need for this noble task. To reach such heights, we will need to un-tap the leadership potential of skillful leaders who are successfully directing various organizations and systems. Some of these men and women, knowledgeable and committed, to there profession, will be the transformational leaders we need to create the needed synergy of energy."

See also:
Herescope Blog Discusses the AIDS Conference and Rick Warren's Critical Mass

Emergent Evolution

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Lighthouse Trails on August 17, 2006 @ 2:35 pm.




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The Global C.H.U.R.C.H



"I believe that faith, ethics and morals play an important role in the fight against HIV/AIDS," Dr. Warren continued. "I am not a scientist, a medical professional or activist. I am a pastor, whose motives are different. I love people, and I have a Savior named Jesus who said, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Saddleback press release, "Rick and Kay Warren Challenge Church Leaders to Play a More Vital Role in the Global AIDS Response By Leveraging Their Unique Resources," Monday August 14, 10:31 am ET.) [emphasis added]
This press release about AIDS was issued on the final leg of Dr. Richard Warren's 35-day journey international tour. We already know Warren's ethics because he described it when launching his 2nd Reformation over a year ago -- "whatever it takes." How to put legs on this new pragmatism is spelled out in the remainder of the press release:


"In her workshop, Kay Warren further challenged that there needs to be an integrated effort between governments, business/NGOs and the church in order to keep AIDS from galloping into the next generation.... '[W]e need to respond to this crisis on all fronts with everyone doing their part -- at times working in groups with which you may not agree....'"
For the rest of this article, click here.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on August 16, 2006 @ 1:58 pm.




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Rick Warren's 3-legged Church

In a recent interview with the press, Rick Warren stated that the solution to the world's five "giant" problems is the 3-legged stool. The 3-legged stool is a concept developed and popularized by Peter Drucker, the management guru. Rick Warren was intensively "mentored" by Peter Drucker over the course of several decades. The purpose-driven phenomena can best be attributed back to the influence of the management philosophies of Drucker. The best description of Drucker's 3-legged stool can be found in Bob Buford's Leadership Network archives, "Explorer… field notes for the emerging church." Read more of this article.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on August 4, 2006 @ 2:57 pm.




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Reinventing Jesus Christ

Warren Smith's book, Reinventing Jesus Christ is online at www.reinventingjesuschrist.com. If you have not read this powerful and important book, we recommend that you do. Here is an excerpt:

"For years now I have watched as 'new age/new gospel' proponents like Marianne
Williamson, Gary Zukav, Wayne Dyer, Barbara Marx Hubbard and others have introduced
the 'Christ' of the 'new gospel' through their books and public appearances.
But these were usually theoretical and most of them seemed only loosely identified
with one another.

"Now, after September 11, everything is moving into a much clearer prophetic perspective. It is extremely sobering to watch as these same individuals emerge on
primetime television as part of a 'global alliance' that is introducing their 'new gospel' as a means of achieving world peace. Everything seems to be coming about as the
'God' and 'Christ' of the 'new gospel' is starting to publicly introduce his 'alternative to Armageddon' as the only way to a true and lasting peace" (Reinventing Jesus Christ, Warren Smith, p.51).

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Lighthouse Trails on August 2, 2006 @ 12:35 am.




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PSEUDO-MISSION: How the Camel Got Its Nose Under the Tent

How did evangelicalism get to the point where its leaders are openly bragging about transforming nations? How did we get to the point where the term "mission" has now been broadened to include marketplace (commerce) and changing the governments of nations? When did "mission" quit meaning evangelism, i.e., sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ from the Written Word of the Bible? When did it start meaning social action of the most dominionist kind?

Today's post is a critical snapshot in time which will help to answer these questions.

In 1981, C. Peter Wagner (who is now the recognized leader of the New Apostolic Reformation) wrote a book called Church Growth and the Whole Gospel: A Biblical Mandate (Harper & Row, San Francisco). A significant section of this book tells how it happened that neoevangelical leaders began to embrace the very social gospel ethic which they had formerly condemned in the more liberal denominations. Read entire article.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on July 31, 2006 @ 2:25 pm.




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The Dialectic of War and P.E.A.C.E.

The ironic thing about the New Apostolic Reformation is that it uses the motifs of both WAR and PEACE to further its ambitions to build a "kingdom of God" on earth. Some leaders put forth the idea of war -- a hyper-spiritualized (and potentially real) Joel's Army that goes out as a conquering force taking the lands. Other leaders advocate the idea of peace -- a conquest of the "spheres" of society via marketplace, economic, government, commerce, education, media, environment, and health care "transformation."

A dialectic is at work. Some neoevangelical leaders wear the white hat of peace, coming in under the banner of "soft" warfare techniques that have been forged by several generations of American corporate and intelligence executives. Other neoevangelical leaders ride in under the banner of aggression and militancy. The leadership training in marketing techniques carefully crafts either a theme of war or peace depending on the targeted audience in the various strata of evangelicalism.
Read all of this article.
[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on July 29, 2006 @ 3:32 pm.




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The World is Looking for a Global Leader

The Bible tells us that before Jesus Christ returns, there will be a World Leader come on the scene who will deceive many and will eventually proclaim himself to be God. In a statement to the UN earlier this year, Iranian President Ahmadinejad made an appeal to God to "hasten the emergence of your last repository, the Promised One, that perfect and pure human being, the one that will fill this world with justice and peace." While others like Walter Cronkite (working with Marianne Williamson to bring a Department of Peace) and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) have made recent statments that what the world needs right now is a global leader that can remedy the world's many woes and problems, this article about Iran's president reflects clearly how the world is looking for that Coming One, of whom New Age guru Alice Baileyspoke.

See:
'Divine mission' driving Iran's new leader

Global Peace Plans

The Plan


[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Lighthouse Trails on July 26, 2006 @ 2:50 pm.




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Biola University ... and Emerging Spirituality

For some time now, Biola University has been promoting contemplative spirituality. Biola's Institute for Spiritual Formation teaches contemplative prayer, and Biola has a seat on the Board of Directors with the very contemplative Spiritual Formation forum.

As is so often the case with those who follow after contemplative, emerging spirituality goes hand in hand. In the Summer 2006 edition of Biola's magazine, Biola Connections, an article that glorifies the postmodern idea that doctrine is an overemphasized criteria for Christians is featured. The article, titled "The D-Word: Has doctrine become the new dirty word?" begins by discussing Brian McLaren's book, A Generous Orthodoxy. For a Christian university or college to even mention McLaren's books (which promote emerging spirituality) without a strong warning to the reader is careless and may be very damaging to many.

Nearly two years ago, we sent a copy of A Time of Departing to Biola president, Dr. Clyde Cook, with a letter explaining our concerns that Biola was promoting and encouraging contemplative spirituality. Six months later we received a letter from Dr. Cook, in which he stated that Biola was doing nothing wrong at all. He made no mention of the book we sent nor did he address the contemplative issue. Now in 2006, Biola is showing all the earmarks of heading straight into emerging spirituality, which means they could become part of a global effort to unite all people under the false pretense that we are all connected to each other and to God. It is our prayer that the professors and students at Biola will stop and take a serious look at these issues.

More information:

Biola Connections

Biola: Gone Off the Deep End?

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Lighthouse Trails on July 24, 2006 @ 1:30 am.




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The Futurist Worldview

The most recent Discernment Ministries newsletter contains an article entitled "The Manipulations of Dominionism," which explains the paradigm shift to a "futuristic" worldview that has taken place in the neoevangelical church. The newsletter begins:

"Dominionism is a form of futurism. Futurism is the belief that man can create his own future. This belief requires that man manipulate things in the present." Click here to read this entire article.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on July 20, 2006 @ 3:32 pm.




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The Emerging New World Order

When applied to religion, the "new ways of thinking" means setting aside our old "narrow" beliefs for the sake of unity. For this to happen, Christianity must either bend or break, yet even church leaders are imposing these psycho-social strategies on their unsuspecting followers. In fact, many Christians now believe this new "systems thinking" fits God's purpose for humanity. Echoing the message of UNESCO and Dr. Senge, "America's pastor" Pastor Rick Warren tells us,

"It's all about the global glory of God! We intend to leverage the attention that the Purpose Driven Life has garnered to bring about a whole new way of thinking and acting in the church about our responsibility in the world."[13]

This "responsibility in the world" must focus on humanitarian service, which we will discuss in Part 3. But first, ponder Rick Warren's tone and suggestion in the recent article, "What to do when your church hits a plateau?" Apparently, he was asked how to handle obstacles to change. In his answer, he points to the new way of thinking and acting:

"...some people are going to have to die or leave. Moses had to wander around the desert for 40 years while God killed off a million people before he let them go into the Promised Land. That may be brutally blunt, but it's true. There may be people in your church who love God sincerely, but who will never, ever change.... [Does Pastor Warren believe that he, as if like God, can simply dispose of people who question his clever marketing strategies?] Read more ...


[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Kjos Ministries on June 26, 2006 @ 1:12 pm.




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The Global Day of Prayer 2006

On Sunday, June 4, 2006, we as Christians are being asked to participate in a global event that we are being told is for the purpose of repentance and prayer to bring healing to the nations. Known as the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP), the organizers through their many networks will attempt to unite millions around the globe to accomplish their stated mission. Read this entire article.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on June 1, 2006 @ 3:32 pm.




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How small groups are "transformed"

The process of group dynamics is important to understand in the context of this current series of Herescope posts, which has focused on the evangelical post-modern paradigm shift envisioned and orchestrated by Leadership Network. Leadership Network focused much of their attention and energy on small group dynamics -- a setting which psychologists and social scientists discovered was ideal to mold and manipulate human beliefs and behaviors. The New Apostolic Reformation (Rick Warren's 2nd Reformation) also heavily utilizes small group dynamics (e.g., cell structures) to change people's beliefs and behaviors in order to propel forward this global church transformation. Click here to read this entire article.

[Emergence & Global Peace] This article or excerpt is from Herescope blog on January 16, 2006 @ 10:10 am.


Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

 "… the recognition of and respect for the dignity of each human person, regardless of circumstance, is the starting point for all our actions and responses. By protecting the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS and promoting an attitude of care and solidarity which rejects all forms of stigmatization…. their dignity as human beings is best protected.

    "We are called, too, to break down the barriers of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and join with people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in our response to the pandemic…. In response to God's gracious and inclusive love for all of humanity, the church is called to model acceptance for all....

     "In their prophetic role, churches should not be afraid to offer visible and strong social support for effective methods of prevention….  

      “By working together, we often can be more effective.”

Huxley's Brave New World    

"As political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase. And the dictator... will do well to encourage that freedom.

    “In conjunction with the freedom to daydream under the influence of dope, movies and the radio, it will help to reconcile his subjects to the servitude which is their fate."

 The elements of P.E.A.C.E. are not new or different than traditional missions. The difference is not so much in what is done, but rather both how it is done and who does it. The acronym “P.L.A.N.S.” details some of the key values that make the P.E.A.C.E. Plan so revolutionary.

P - Purpose Driven: Based on the five biblical purposes (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission)

L - Led by small groups: All small groups accept, support, and direct P.E.A.C.E. Reproducible methods....

A - Attacks the global giants: All five global giants are addressed holistically.... Led by the Holy Spirit for the global glory of God. ...

N - Networks church to church: Local church members to local church members.

S - Sends to the whole world: Exponential thinking is required to be worldwide.
 

Advice for the journey into community ministries: "God called me to combine racial/social reconciliation with divine reconciliation, to preach and practice a holistic gospel. Ephesians 2:1-10 calls us to divine reconciliation; Ephesians 2:11-22 calls us to human reconciliation -- Jew and Gentile. Galatians 3:28 calls us to reconcile Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female."

A view of the mosaic generation by Richard Land: "George Barna - '...they also need to be exposed to teaching that isn't just a morsel here and morsel there - but is more of a holistic, integrated style of teaching, world-view-oriented teaching."

Webster tells us that Holistic means "...viewing the situation as a whole." Holism: "...affirms the principle of emergence: life as concerned with the making of larger and larger organic wholes, greater than the sum of their parts."

"system thinking," the esoteric philospophy behind todays' new management systems

“Warren of Rwanda”

    “For months [Warren] has alluded in general terms to an immense volunteer effort…aimed at transforming 400,000 churches in 47 nations into centers to nurse, feed and educate the poor and even turn them into entrepreneurs. ...

      “The project also enjoys the moral support of White House faith-based initiatives czar James Towey, who says, ‘In the past, government has been indifferent or hostile toward efforts such as this one. That is not the case with this Administration."

 Time Magazine, August 15, 2005

"Warren... mobilized pastors and their churches to be part of 'Stand for Africa,' a Philadelphia-based organization... that has made a goal of providing HIV/AIDS prevention, education, treatment and care in 11 African countries....

    "Stand For Africa sponsored a July 2 benefit concert ... that featured various artists such as Bon Jovi, Will Smith and Stevie Wonder. The event was part of musician Bob Geldof's global ‘Live 8’ network of concerts....

    "This concert represents a broad coalition from every spectrum, including religious, political, social and medical," Warren said…

“This is the intersection of faith and culture. If Jesus walked the earth today, he'd be right here."

 “Take a stand for Africa's children!”

by Laurie Arnold @ http://www.pastors.com