Yoga, Mysticism & Moody Bible Institute
Moody Bible Institute Responds to Lighthouse Trails
"...Moody's response states they agree that according to our definition of contemplative spirituality, it is wrong. Our definition states:
"A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology; the premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all)."
The email states that MBI does not endorse this type of spirituality. They say that although they use books by contemplative authors in their courses, it does not necessarily mean they adhere to the teachings of these authors. They say they are using these books to possibly discuss the errors of these books and authors. But this defense is contrary to evidence in their ministries and on their web sites that show they are promoting these authors and their teachings in a favorable fashion.
So the real question is, is the spirituality of "Christian" contemplatives (those named in this article) truly Christian, biblical spirituality, or is it no different than eastern spirituality that is taught in Hinduism and other religions which premise is based on pantheism (God is all) and panentheism (God is in all)? If the latter is true, then MBI and its students are heading for serious detriment....
To read the entire article, click HERE or go to http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/spirituality/lighthousetrails/yoga-mysticism-moody.htm
The following (in red) is an excerpt from our 2006 article titled "Moody Bible Institute - Whatever Happened?"
Midday Connection, a ministry of Moody Bible Institute, is featuring an author (and a guest on their show) who promotes contemplative spirituality, Keri Wyatt Kent. Wyatt Kent is a writer for Willow Creek Community Church and often speaks on spiritual formation. Her recent book, Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life (published by the emerging/contemplative promoting publisher, Jossey-Bass), teaches readers to "listen" to God through "spiritual practices," including the practice of silence. The author quotes extensively throughout the book both contemplatives and New Agers, including Henri Nouwen, M.Scott Peck, Sue Monk Kidd, Anne Lamott, Julia Cameron, Rick Warren, Richard Foster, Ruth Haley Barton, and Eugene Peterson.
When Midday Connection (MBI ministry) was recently asked about their obvious promotion of Wyatt Kent and of contemplative spirituality, they stated that they were committed to spiritual formation and named "solid guests" like Larry Crabb and Dallas Willard who were teaching people "spiritual disciplines." They said they were just "re-stating some old truths in new ways." ...
In 1987, Moody Monthly wrote an endorsement for Sue Monk Kidd's book, God's Joyful Surprise. In this book, one of Monk Kidd's earlier books, she unfolds her journey into contemplative spirituality, largely from reading Thomas Merton and other contemplative authors. Once a conservative Southern Baptist Sunday School teacher, today she promotes neo-paganism and goddess worship. ...
So the real question is, is the spirituality of "Christian" contemplatives (those named in this article) truly Christian, biblical spirituality, or is it no different than eastern spirituality that is taught in Hinduism and other religions which premise is based on pantheism (God is all) and panentheism (God is in all)? If the latter is true, then MBI and its students are heading for serious detriment....
