Amy, over on her site Berean Research, shared an article written by Gregory Reid about how New Age ideas have slowly been creeping into our churches.
Recently on my blog, I’ve been sharing how emotionalism and subjectivity are being used against Christians to deceive them. Gregory knows all too well the net being cast at Christians who simply are unaware, and some refusing to acknowledge what is happening.
See:
- (1) Should We Use Our Emotions As Truth? | What Is Emotionalism?
- (2) Contemplative Prayer/Spirituality | What You Need To Know About That “Still, Small Voice”
- (3) The Still Small Voice | Problems With People Speaking As “Jesus”
- (4) Christian Mysticism | Are We Putting God In A Box?
“As the internet grew, I began to understand the power of the appeal to our emotions. More than once, I had seen almost an entire five to ten-minute video on some issue and found myself in tears before I found out at the end that not only was it not a Christian video and did not have a Christian message, but it was produced by people and represented a view that was unbiblical, new age and worse. I got emotionally hooked before I learned the truth. Those without a biblical foundation of truth just get hooked.” – Gregory Reid
https://bereanresearch.org/the-progressive-disease-of-spiritual-deception-in-our-time
This quote is during the portions he discusses the movie and book, “The Shack.” He explains how he lost friendships for questioning the book, and people being upset at him questioning material that helped “get” their relationship back with, “Papa.” (For an in-depth breakdown see this review by Got Questions: What Is Got Questions.org Review of The Shack by William P. Young?) & A Review of The Shack by Tim Challies)
A lot of what Gregory writes here, I see some similarities with the trend and love for the current Christian show, “The Chosen.” There are people emotionally connecting with the Jesus character and feel their relationship with Him is restored because of the media. Sadly, what I see is emotional manipulation and confusion.
Now, I’ve stated in the past, I’m not against any good that The Chosen is doing. I’m all for people picking up their Bibles, discussions about the natures of Christ, etc. Anything good, noble, and pure, as scripture says, I am on board with. But there are questionable things happening, as well. If you would like to learn more, please see my post: Concerns With The Series “The Chosen” or if you would like the post broken down, please see:
In his article, Gregory brings up Roma Downey and how Roma had adapted New Age beliefs and some of those beliefs made their way into her Bible series.
“How much scripture bending or ignoring would they accept and justify as ok because it was “just fiction” before they had enough and said no more?” – Gregory Reid
https://bereanresearch.org/the-progressive-disease-of-spiritual-deception-in-our-time
We are seeing this everywhere.
People are mixing ideas from anything else, but Christian, into the church. If it makes us feel good, why are people against it? People should stop being so judgmental! (Misconceptions Of Judging Righteously| “Don’t Judge” Unintentional Hypocrisy & If We Cannot Judge, Then Convos Are Made Void)
See Also: Enneagram Hidden Truth (Marcia Montenegro)
Christians, we need to know doctrine and stop relying on a blind faith that is so easily manipulated through the twisting of scripture and words itching to our ears. A blind faith is often not on a solid rock, but a castle of sand. As soon as the wind and rain come, that faith falls because it never knew the true Jesus to begin with, and the only way to stand upon the Rock is to know and put our faith in the true Christ.
Berean Research is a website I recommend on my page Recommended Websites For False Teachers/Teaching. Amy’s, among other talented writers, goal for the website is to help people not be deceived. False teachings and teachers are held up to the word of God and it’s important to discern between what is true and what is mostly true.
From the Berean Research About page:
“Amy Spreeman is the owner of Berean Research. She began reporting about cults and counter cults in 2010 with the launch of the radio program Stand Up For The Truth. Amy is a speaker and journalist. She is the founder of Berean Research and Naomi’s Table, writes the Berean Examiner blog over at Pirate Christian Radio, and co-hosts the podcast, A Word Fitly Spoken. Contact her at our Berean Research email.
Marsha West is a veteran reporter who has researched the movements and leaders deceiving the flock. Our sources come from a variety of discernment ministries and researchers. While we strive to share from sources we know and trust, we may not necessarily agree with each and every doctrinal distinctive held by other reporters.”
https://bereanresearch.org/about-berean-research/
Gregory Reid is involved in Youthfire Ministries. The goal is to minister the truth to the current generation today.
Scripture To Memorize/Meditate On – (ESV) Romans 5:08, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
*To learn more about what Jesus did on the cross and why His atonement sacrifice is so needed please see: Why Did A Loving God Kill His Son? (Does God Hate?)
*If you do not know the Gospel, do not turn away. If you think you know the Gospel, check out these questions and see how prepared you are for the day someone might ask you why you believe: The Gospel Challenge (30 Question Quiz) – Are You Ready To Defend Your Faith?
Community Prayer – December ’21
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