What this adds up to is mysticism, and a mystical view is a natural result of contemplative practices that apparently have captivated Mackie. Mysticism is not a matter of transcending logic or thought; it is actually contra logic and thought. This is why all contemplative teachings downgrade the mind . It is always found in esoteric teachings that there is something profound beyond words and reason that one can experience – a hidden or secret experience and/or wisdom. This is exactly how I thought for over 20 years.
Mackie is planting not only the idea that gaining perception of “another reality” or a “super reality” is positive, but he is offering the means for it through the contemplative practices, which will alter perceptions over time.
…and other popular ideas such as the “shadow self” Current popular teachings, mainly due to the recent influence of the Enneagram which include Jungian ideas of the dark side […]
“Breathe in God’s peace, breathe out anxiety.” Are such prayers for the Christian? These techniques do not appear out of nowhere but have mystical, Eastern, and New Age origins and purposes. If they work, are they compatible with God’s word? Read more and find out.
Do certain scriptures in the Bible indicate that God may pass by if we are not trained to hear him? Is God’s “native language” a whisper? This message from Tyler Staton is examined, along with the Bible passages he cites, in this article.
Tyler Staton has increasing influence. As a contemplative who attended Ruth Haley Barton’s Transforming Center, Staton displays many of Barton’s traits such as misuse of Scripture and the belief that mystical contemplation is superior to normative prayer.
Pete Greig claims Jesus had 4 unanswered prayers while on earth. Is this true?
Peter Greig, the founder of the 24/7 Global Prayer Movement, and author and teacher on prayer, is heavily promoted by JOHN MARK COMER. The term “24/7 Prayer” sounds good until one investigates what Greig teaches about prayer.
The practice of Lectio Divina, or “sacred reading,” is a monastic practice that officially started in the 6th century and developed in the Middle Ages into a process of four […]
Are Christians aware of what John Mark Comer teaches in this book? If not, they need to be. Despite Comer’s avowal of not being an Open Theist, the god in this book is closer to Open Theism than to the true God of Scripture. Beware is the word for this book.
Dallas Willard (1935-2013) was a highly regarded pastor, professor, and Christian philosopher. His main influence has been on what I call Contemplative Spirituality. He partnered with Quaker […]