New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 4: Convincing Counterfeits
Prosperity and complacency have gradually diluted the church with a gutless form of counterfeit godliness that trivializes sin in the name of tolerance. Concurrently, more and more false prophets claim to have attained “Christhood”; and technological breakthroughs fabricate powerful signs and lying wonders that threaten to seduce the gullible with what the Bible calls “strong delusion.”
Although knowledge will be multiplied in these last days, the Bible likewise prophesies a famine for God’s Word. These last thirty years, we’ve generated more data than in the previous five thousand years combined, yet knowledge of biblical truth has waned proportionally to the point of being rationalized altogether out of existence.
Devoid of any spiritual compass, religious Universalists contend that all religions (or none) provide an equal basis for enlightenment. Accordingly, Brian McGuire of The Wall Street Journal endorses theosophy as “a religion for anyone—those who already have a religion and those who neither have nor want one.”²
It stands to reason why this perplexing blend of Eastern philosophy and Western thought—best described as neo-pantheistic syncretism—enjoys universal endorsement. What’s not to like? Rather than contemplate the omnipotence of God, theosophists investigate instead “the powers latent in humanity.” According to Ascended Master Ramtha, “You become by worshipping you.”
A Superior Species for the Esoteric Now
Those “having arrived” comprise a superior species (called homonoeticus). Presumably their quantum leap to “cosmic consciousness” has fitted them for higher levels of existence in the so-called “esoteric now.” In contrast, the “perfect” (mature) man of the Book of Ephesians achieves “the measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ”—not by “paradigm shift,” awakened consciousness, or by attaining Christhood—but rather by embracing and following Jesus as Savior and Lord.³
This superior species acts as “Custodians of the Plan” by watching over and even guiding all of humanity’s spiritual progress. The desired outcome is for the old “Piscean Age” with its obsolete traditionalism to give way to an anticipated “Age of Aquarius,” marked by promises of peace, harmony and brotherhood.
• Self-proclaimed Maitreyas
Since the 19th century, non-Buddhist spiritual movements have adopted the name and selected characteristics of Maitreya for teachers in their respective traditions. Since onset of the 1930s, Ascended Master teachings have honored Maitreya as "World Teacher." In 1956, he was elevated to the stature of "Cosmic Christ."
Artist, author, self proclaimed esotericist, Scotland-born Benjamin Crème owns Share International magazine, which equates Maitreya with prophesied figures of multiple religious traditions. To Crème, Maitreya is the "Avatar for the Aquarian Age."
His message: Within everyone sits a god. That god is one’s true Self. To practice honesty of mind, sincerity of spirit and detachment is to come to Self-Realization.
The Emerging Church
Notably, the broad, transformational movement of the postmodern Emerging Church emphasizes interfaith dialogue and is open to new revelation, enlightenment and experiences in the here and now.
Also called the Emergent stream, the Emergent Church refers to an official organization, the Emergent Village, which is associated with Brian D. McLaren. In 2005, Time magazine recognized him as one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America." For this reason alone, McLaren warrants a closer look.
• Compromised Theological Grid
That McLaren allegedly denies hell and Christ’s substitutionary atonement at the cross undermines basic tenets of the Christian faith. Once on board with McLaren, Pastor Mark Driscoll eventually broke away from the Emergent Church. Driscoll could not abide McLaren’s referring to God as “a chick,” his questioning god’s sovereignty and dismissing the central role of Scripture, all of which align with New Thought mysticism.6
• Contemplative Prayer
While rote methods, as those employed in mystical “contemplative prayer,” have gained foothold in many Christian circles, these nevertheless miss the mark. For example, some EC members engage in contemplative forms of prayer. To achieve a so-called “cloud of unknowing,” where God’s presence is thought to be waiting, those who ponder aright are instructed to “shut down” and “turn off” while whispering some supposedly sacred word.
Truth be told: Being still before God in its truest sense is taking time to relax, ponder God’s goodness, reflect upon His Word and acknowledge Him at work. In doing so, there is no need for altering one’s consciousness because, by its very nature, waiting on God is decidedly cognitive.
• Holistic Ancient-Future Church
For EC members, holistic involvement takes diverse forms of social activism in performing acts of kindness—i.e., "missional living." This key social drive in the West sometimes cloaks old lies in the garment of new spirituality.
The Emerging Church relates to what they identify as the 21st century culture of mysticism; consequently, postmodern spirituality becomes but a new form of ancient mysticism. To reflect the local community's tastes, the church embraces eclectic expressions of spirituality. For these reasons, the Emerging Church is sometimes called the "Ancient-Future" church.
• Eco-theology Connection
The church’s passion for justice is expressed in critiquing systemic and coercive power structures while, at the same time, working for environmental causes. While it’s biblical for good stewards to tend, keep and subdue the earth for life’s necessities, the error of eco-theology, as promoted by the Green movement in America’s churches, isn’t. Falling prey to a guilt-driven global movement that demands action even in the face of scientific uncertainty is certain to sidetrack those within the Emerging Church who advocate the deconstruction of modern Christian dogma.
Summary
In assessing the worth of any belief system, one principle prevails—let God be true and every opposing man (or spirit) a liar. The line is easily crossed when discernment is lacking. To embroil oneself in deceitful spirituality is to forfeit love of truth.
In order to distinguish between truth and a credible counterfeit, one first must know “the real thing” inside-out, top-to-bottom. For Christian believers, this is accomplished through lifelong, Holy Spirit-directed study of God’s Word line upon line, precept upon precept.
Knowing the Bible and yielding to the Holy Spirit protect Christians from distracting doctrines and deceit.
1. 2 Thessalonians 2:11.
2. http://www.austheos.org.au/tsia-article-is-theosophy-a-religion.html.
3. Ephesians 4:13.
4. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra39.htm.
5. http://www.inplainsite.org/html/maitreya.html.
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church.
7. Romans 3:4.
8. Isaiah 28:10.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Cult of Oprah
New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 3: The Cult of Oprah
Rightly named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, Oprah Winfrey likewise received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1998). Oprah purports to serve “a higher good.” She boasts having “a contract with the universe” and, in its execution, is numbered as a foremost spiritual authority among swamis, yogis and Tibetan masters.
Arguably the most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey gushes over the unimaginably creative, never-before-seen visuals and profound spiritual lessons to be derived from Avatar. Everyone, she insists, must see it. Lessons to which Oprah alludes are soundly embedded in the doctrinal grids of her endorsees. Her theology incorporates a worldview that sociologist Philip Rieff calls “the therapeutic society.” It is obsessed with self, thus raising self-preoccupation to the level of religious duty.
The fact remains: Whom Oprah endorses, the world embraces.
Marianne Williamson: Course on Miracles
For example, the press dubs Oprah’s spiritual mentor, longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne Williamson “a modern-day shaman” and “Hollywood’s answer to god.” Through Williamson’s transformational teachings on self-realization, her disciples awaken to memory of their Divine Inheritance.
Self-described “ex-cabaret-singing Jew from Texas,” Williamson is an energetically engaged (and no doubt engaging) woman whose “feel good” message is compelling, maybe, but strikingly devoid of Bible truth. In the 1980s Williamson lectured on A Course in Miracles.
Williamson views the course as "a self-study program of spiritual psychotherapy" that expounds upon New Thought, similar to Unity teachings. Unity's fundamental belief is that the true "church" is but a "state of consciousness,” and god is simply the sum total of our thoughts about him. In fact, god is mind; and his Law of Mind is oneness. Hence, our “holy minds” are perfect; “as we were, so are we now and will forever be” (Lesson 167). That is to say, everything—everyone—is god.
Williamson’s recent book, The Healing of America, synthesizes A Course in Miracles with Unity principles. Hers is a whole-system approach to transforming American culture. In this endeavor, she founded and works through the American Renaissance Alliance, conjoining spirituality with political activism.
Caroline Myss, Ph. D.: Energy Medicine
New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss, Ph. D. (pronounced /mace/), takes cues from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung known for his theory of the collective conscience. So compelling is Myss’ message in fields of energy medicine and human consciousness, intuition and potential that, for one entire year (2003), Winfrey gave the doctor her own half-hour television program on the Oxygen Network.²
Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth
There exists today a worldwide Tolle-propelled “Cult of Oprah.” The Gospel according to Tolle indicts Christianity and its claim to ultimate truth. Biblical dogma, he claims, serves ego and results in an “illusory sense of superiority” that “corrupts to the point of insanity.”
Never mind that this self-proclaimed “spiritual leader” boasts pantheistic self-deification! In Tolle’s misguided view, Christ is every man and woman. True, he references “universal law,” but Tolle ascribes the Ten Commandments as necessary only for those cut off from their own “I AM”-ness. Note that it was not Tolle, but rather co-Masonic Hierarch and famed occultist Alice Bailey who conceptualized and coined the term for this—namely, “Christhood.”
Living in Tolle’s “now” ostensibly enables transformation of consciousness from illusive thought (“wanting,” “thwarted wanting” and “indifference”) to self-god awareness. Having triumphed over matter by self-mastery, the fully “conscious” trade their tradition-bound “phantom selves” for their purported “I AM”-ness.³
Deepak Chopra: A Third Jesus
In 1999, Time magazine named Deepak Chopra one of the top 100 icons and heroes of the 20th century. Oprah-endorsed author of A Third Jesus, Chopra explores Christ-consciousness beyond any denominational dogma, national or ethnic identity.
Over time, humans have evolved from hunters to farmers to industrialists to the techno-savvy. The alleged final step in his evolutionary process is Christhood; and Chopra contends that each of us is here to discover this, “our true Self.” “We're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences,” he adds. “We're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences.” For the sake of the planet, it behooves us to realize our potential as “pure divinity right here on earth.”
“Exuberant Religiosity”: Church of Oprah and Obama Worship
As rightly observed by Peter L. Berger in The Chronicle of Higher Education, our purportedly rational age is distinguished, ironically so, by “exuberant religiosity.” Case in point: the divisive tone of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's “exuberant,” while highly incendiary messages. Although Oprah Winfrey and President Barak Obama share in common previous membership at Trinity United Church, both stopped attending. Clearly, Rev. Wright was a major reason.
Of necessity, theirs is an inclusive message crafted to resonate with fan bases in mainstream America and throughout the global community. Notwithstanding the “Church of Oprah” and “Obama Worshippers” exercise their own version of “exuberant religiosity.”
Check it out on You Tube; and you will see young African-American men locking their fists in front of them as they bark, “Yes, we can!” Shouting with military precision, each extols Obama for the many blessings of his Health Care Plan. It’s expressly “because of Obama” that each young soldier can claim by faith the certainty of realizing his life’s dream.
Having donned army fatigues, Obama’s youth of the Junior Fraternity Regiment march in cadence while bellowing the mantra “Alpha-Omega,” “Alpha-Omega.” But, wait. In the Bible, it’s the Lord Jesus who alone qualifies as the Beginning and the End. Sorry, folks. It’s not Obama.
It’s not even Oprah.
1. http://www.marianne.com/.
2. http://www.myss.com/.
3. http://www.eckharttolle.com/home/.
4. http://www.google.com/search?q=%E2%80%A2+Deepak+Chopra:+A+Third+Jesus&hl=en&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&ei=Sf-jS5quKYW2sgPH_dki&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum =4&ved=0CCIQqwQwAw.
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO9K7FNAYbk.
Part 3: The Cult of Oprah
Rightly named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, Oprah Winfrey likewise received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (1998). Oprah purports to serve “a higher good.” She boasts having “a contract with the universe” and, in its execution, is numbered as a foremost spiritual authority among swamis, yogis and Tibetan masters.
Arguably the most influential woman in the world, Oprah Winfrey gushes over the unimaginably creative, never-before-seen visuals and profound spiritual lessons to be derived from Avatar. Everyone, she insists, must see it. Lessons to which Oprah alludes are soundly embedded in the doctrinal grids of her endorsees. Her theology incorporates a worldview that sociologist Philip Rieff calls “the therapeutic society.” It is obsessed with self, thus raising self-preoccupation to the level of religious duty.
The fact remains: Whom Oprah endorses, the world embraces.
Marianne Williamson: Course on Miracles
For example, the press dubs Oprah’s spiritual mentor, longtime friend and special XM Satellite Radio reporter Marianne Williamson “a modern-day shaman” and “Hollywood’s answer to god.” Through Williamson’s transformational teachings on self-realization, her disciples awaken to memory of their Divine Inheritance.
Self-described “ex-cabaret-singing Jew from Texas,” Williamson is an energetically engaged (and no doubt engaging) woman whose “feel good” message is compelling, maybe, but strikingly devoid of Bible truth. In the 1980s Williamson lectured on A Course in Miracles.
Williamson views the course as "a self-study program of spiritual psychotherapy" that expounds upon New Thought, similar to Unity teachings. Unity's fundamental belief is that the true "church" is but a "state of consciousness,” and god is simply the sum total of our thoughts about him. In fact, god is mind; and his Law of Mind is oneness. Hence, our “holy minds” are perfect; “as we were, so are we now and will forever be” (Lesson 167). That is to say, everything—everyone—is god.
Williamson’s recent book, The Healing of America, synthesizes A Course in Miracles with Unity principles. Hers is a whole-system approach to transforming American culture. In this endeavor, she founded and works through the American Renaissance Alliance, conjoining spirituality with political activism.
Caroline Myss, Ph. D.: Energy Medicine
New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss, Ph. D. (pronounced /mace/), takes cues from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung known for his theory of the collective conscience. So compelling is Myss’ message in fields of energy medicine and human consciousness, intuition and potential that, for one entire year (2003), Winfrey gave the doctor her own half-hour television program on the Oxygen Network.²
Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth
There exists today a worldwide Tolle-propelled “Cult of Oprah.” The Gospel according to Tolle indicts Christianity and its claim to ultimate truth. Biblical dogma, he claims, serves ego and results in an “illusory sense of superiority” that “corrupts to the point of insanity.”
Never mind that this self-proclaimed “spiritual leader” boasts pantheistic self-deification! In Tolle’s misguided view, Christ is every man and woman. True, he references “universal law,” but Tolle ascribes the Ten Commandments as necessary only for those cut off from their own “I AM”-ness. Note that it was not Tolle, but rather co-Masonic Hierarch and famed occultist Alice Bailey who conceptualized and coined the term for this—namely, “Christhood.”
Living in Tolle’s “now” ostensibly enables transformation of consciousness from illusive thought (“wanting,” “thwarted wanting” and “indifference”) to self-god awareness. Having triumphed over matter by self-mastery, the fully “conscious” trade their tradition-bound “phantom selves” for their purported “I AM”-ness.³
Deepak Chopra: A Third Jesus
In 1999, Time magazine named Deepak Chopra one of the top 100 icons and heroes of the 20th century. Oprah-endorsed author of A Third Jesus, Chopra explores Christ-consciousness beyond any denominational dogma, national or ethnic identity.
Over time, humans have evolved from hunters to farmers to industrialists to the techno-savvy. The alleged final step in his evolutionary process is Christhood; and Chopra contends that each of us is here to discover this, “our true Self.” “We're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences,” he adds. “We're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences.” For the sake of the planet, it behooves us to realize our potential as “pure divinity right here on earth.”
“Exuberant Religiosity”: Church of Oprah and Obama Worship
As rightly observed by Peter L. Berger in The Chronicle of Higher Education, our purportedly rational age is distinguished, ironically so, by “exuberant religiosity.” Case in point: the divisive tone of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's “exuberant,” while highly incendiary messages. Although Oprah Winfrey and President Barak Obama share in common previous membership at Trinity United Church, both stopped attending. Clearly, Rev. Wright was a major reason.
Of necessity, theirs is an inclusive message crafted to resonate with fan bases in mainstream America and throughout the global community. Notwithstanding the “Church of Oprah” and “Obama Worshippers” exercise their own version of “exuberant religiosity.”
Check it out on You Tube; and you will see young African-American men locking their fists in front of them as they bark, “Yes, we can!” Shouting with military precision, each extols Obama for the many blessings of his Health Care Plan. It’s expressly “because of Obama” that each young soldier can claim by faith the certainty of realizing his life’s dream.
Having donned army fatigues, Obama’s youth of the Junior Fraternity Regiment march in cadence while bellowing the mantra “Alpha-Omega,” “Alpha-Omega.” But, wait. In the Bible, it’s the Lord Jesus who alone qualifies as the Beginning and the End. Sorry, folks. It’s not Obama.
It’s not even Oprah.
1. http://www.marianne.com/.
2. http://www.myss.com/.
3. http://www.eckharttolle.com/home/.
4. http://www.google.com/search?q=%E2%80%A2+Deepak+Chopra:+A+Third+Jesus&hl=en&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&ei=Sf-jS5quKYW2sgPH_dki&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum =4&ved=0CCIQqwQwAw.
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO9K7FNAYbk.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Seducing Spirits
New Spirituality; Old Lie
Part 2: Seducing Spirits
Given the genius of modern cinematography and unmatched access to cutting-edge technology, deceptive spirituality packs a wallop never before possible. This was demonstrated by the 20th Century Fox production, Avatar, which out-grossed even Hollywood’s blockbuster of all time, the Titanic.
Briefly, Avatar (roughly meaning incarnation) is a futuristic, body-snatching saga in which enlightened humanoids, animals and vegetation experience spiritual “bonding” or “connecting.” Mystically-minded enthusiasts with utopian fantasies promote what clearly is science fiction to the presumably more reputable rank of “science.”
Seduction of the “Sciences”
In general, science is systematized knowledge. Because many perceive knowledge to be sexy, cults of esoteric knowledge are hugely popular today—e.g., neo-Gnosticism, knowledge of transcendence arrived at intuitively. Literally, agnosticism is to be without said gnōsis (knowledge).
• The Noetic Sciences
The word “noetic” has no precise English equivalent; however, it refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness. To the illumined Freemason, for example, rediscovering “the Lost Word” is to possess knowledge of the divine self, or Christ-state. Moreover, it is to wield “the key of the phenomena of nature,” the concept for which is classic witchcraft. Those persuaded that exclusive, esoteric knowledge, exceptional talents and aptitude guarantee their right to rule over less illumined counterparts serve as custodians of a divine cosmic plan.
• Science of the Whole: Philosophy
Psychology Professor Jean Twenge has coined the term “iGeneration”—“i” as in iPod, yes, but also “I” as in “me, me, ME.” Speaking of which, in “the science of the whole,” better known as philosophy, solipsism maintains that “the self” is the only thing known to exist; everything else merely reflects one’s own consciousness.
Neo-pantheists discover this “self” through renewed relationship with the planet. No doubt Avatar is the latest, greatest poster child for Cosmic Humanism. Upon passing, a character played by Sigourney Weaver joins the “Divine Her” (goddess Mother-Earth) and, in the process, convincingly testifies that Gaia truly is “real.”
Prominent educator, globalist and occultist Dr. Robert Muller apparently agrees. He defines that self as “the earth having become conscious of herself.” This being the case, modern man is charged with moral responsibility to embrace a heightened ecological consciousness enforced by draconian laws designed to preserve biodiversity.
• Panetics
In April of 1986, Professor Rudolph Krejci first coined the term “Panetics” which offers a new, broadly endorsed approach to research, policy making, analysis and management. Its fundamental principles were first advanced by Ralph G. H. Siu.
Yet another synthesis of East-meets-West, Panetics is an evolving, panethical search for ways to reduce human suffering and victimization through governments, institutions, social groups and the professions. Meaning "to suffer" in the ancient language of Buddha, the dukkha is a quantitative unit used by Siu to measure suffering.
In Avatar, a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Corporal Jack Sully, gets a fresh start as an avatar in a distant world. He finds Pandora inhabited by the Na'vi whose alien inhabitants and arcane culture beguile him. In the face of military action spurred by corporate greed, Sully “gets religion”; once this blue-hued avatar goes Green, Sully’s empowered to save Pandora from suffering and victimization much the same way that eco-warriors of Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and their ilk commit to putting Earth First! (parent organization from which ELF evolved).
The Seduction of “Possibilities”
Best known as father of progressive education, John Dewey was a Marxist Fabian-Socialist whose obsession with inquiry learning toppled the overpowering Protestant character of the early public schools. After Dewey’s death, an esteemed social engineer and futurist, also a transformational Marxist, Dr. Benjamin Bloom introduced mastery learning. Bloom’s famed taxonomy of educational objectives are at the heart of today’s educational restructuring efforts.²
Whereas the former, an avowed atheist, epitomized secular humanism, the latter leaned more toward humanism’s cosmic counterpart. To Bloom, the purpose of education is “to change the thoughts, feelings and actions of students.” Simply put, good teachers are ones who destroy fixed beliefs. Indeed, Bloom regarded moral relativism as the highest possible cognitive goal.
In but a few decades, America’s public education system has morphed from no spirituality (Dewey) to new spirituality. Enter, Dr. Robert Carkhuff. What is now dubbed “dysfunctional” traditional math gives way to “constructivist learning,” requiring students—not to solve a problem with the correct answer—but rather to use their “team voices” to “think about mathematics” and how it makes them feel. In The Possibilities Mind (HRD Press 2000), Carkhuff identifies “god” as “the possibilities mind” that co-processes with us to illuminate his mysteries.
Dr. Carkhuff poses a similarly troublesome new science of possibilities. His utopian brave new world of infinite possibilities is achieved by the Links Project that demeans facts and fixed beliefs as “cumbersome anchors” that “block the dialectic process,” otherwise known as “group think.” Carkhuff’s school of the future is a place where children and adults together “follow their bliss”—reminiscent, perhaps, of Paradise Pandora? ³
The Seduction of Spiritual Experience
Seeking ever deeper revelation, mystics are drawn to tangible, supernatural experiences that become ends in and of themselves and thereby take the place of God.
• Yoga
Tens of thousands of copies have been circulated of a video tutorial created by Marsha Wenig of Michigan City, Indiana. Techniques within her Yoga Kids video and adult certification program (to teach yoga to children) have captivated young moms everywhere. Many rush to their local bookstores to snatch up Yoga Baby and I Can’t Believe It’s Yoga for Kids.
The term “yoga” means “union with Brahma,” allegedly the divine spirit of the universe. Virtually all standard yoga texts link psychic powers and other occult abilities with yoga practice. In giving way to one’s true divine nature, the goal for hardcore mystics is occult enlightenment accomplished by controlling vital energy in the act of breathing. Meditative practices associated with yoga feature mental passivity and mantra meditation, both of which attract spiritually-minded Christians who tend to be long on experience, but short on doctrine.
• The Indigo (Chrystal) Child Phenomenon
Today, many children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Labels as these imply imperfection. It’s no wonder that parents readily fork over big bucks when told, to the contrary, that the bluish hue of their child’s aura signals mental superiority, coupled with psychic ability. Not some defect.
Indigos are said to be highly evolved, uniquely gifted youngsters whose mission is to teach their elders and, thus, ensure planetary transformation into a golden era of peace and brotherhood. Ascending to “Christhood” through multiple, upward mobility reincarnations is no more clearly evident than in the phenomenon of the Indigo (or Crystal) Child. Because they’re so “advanced” and alert to “better ways” of doing things, Indigo Kids aren’t inclined to obey, wait in line, or participate in ritually-oriented systems.
Summary
Today’s new spirituality is downright seductive. Forget the apostle Paul’s lament, “wretched man that I am!” Instead, neo-pantheists claim the bluish hue of mental superiority and “inner knowing.” In exercising “the possibilities mind” of God Himself, highly evolved adepts self-qualify as custodians over humanity’s spiritual progress. They free captives of “cumbersome anchors” imposed by biblical mandate and Western civilization. In so doing, however, these fall into an insidious trap of “strong delusion.”
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Siu.
2. http://www.eecs.usma.edu/cs383/bloom/default.htm; http://www.valdosta.edu/~whuitt/psy702/cogsys/bloom.html; www.eecs.usma.edu/usma/academic/eecs/instruct/howard/slidesho/sigcse2/index.htm; www.uct.ac.za/projects/ cbe/mcqman/mcqappc.html.
3. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra2.htm.
4. ttp://www.google.com/products?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&q=Yoga+Baby&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=nLGjS_mpJoqsswO7iIW9BA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved= 0CCMQrQQwAg.
5. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra34.htm.
Part 2: Seducing Spirits
Given the genius of modern cinematography and unmatched access to cutting-edge technology, deceptive spirituality packs a wallop never before possible. This was demonstrated by the 20th Century Fox production, Avatar, which out-grossed even Hollywood’s blockbuster of all time, the Titanic.
Briefly, Avatar (roughly meaning incarnation) is a futuristic, body-snatching saga in which enlightened humanoids, animals and vegetation experience spiritual “bonding” or “connecting.” Mystically-minded enthusiasts with utopian fantasies promote what clearly is science fiction to the presumably more reputable rank of “science.”
Seduction of the “Sciences”
In general, science is systematized knowledge. Because many perceive knowledge to be sexy, cults of esoteric knowledge are hugely popular today—e.g., neo-Gnosticism, knowledge of transcendence arrived at intuitively. Literally, agnosticism is to be without said gnōsis (knowledge).
• The Noetic Sciences
The word “noetic” has no precise English equivalent; however, it refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness. To the illumined Freemason, for example, rediscovering “the Lost Word” is to possess knowledge of the divine self, or Christ-state. Moreover, it is to wield “the key of the phenomena of nature,” the concept for which is classic witchcraft. Those persuaded that exclusive, esoteric knowledge, exceptional talents and aptitude guarantee their right to rule over less illumined counterparts serve as custodians of a divine cosmic plan.
• Science of the Whole: Philosophy
Psychology Professor Jean Twenge has coined the term “iGeneration”—“i” as in iPod, yes, but also “I” as in “me, me, ME.” Speaking of which, in “the science of the whole,” better known as philosophy, solipsism maintains that “the self” is the only thing known to exist; everything else merely reflects one’s own consciousness.
Neo-pantheists discover this “self” through renewed relationship with the planet. No doubt Avatar is the latest, greatest poster child for Cosmic Humanism. Upon passing, a character played by Sigourney Weaver joins the “Divine Her” (goddess Mother-Earth) and, in the process, convincingly testifies that Gaia truly is “real.”
Prominent educator, globalist and occultist Dr. Robert Muller apparently agrees. He defines that self as “the earth having become conscious of herself.” This being the case, modern man is charged with moral responsibility to embrace a heightened ecological consciousness enforced by draconian laws designed to preserve biodiversity.
• Panetics
In April of 1986, Professor Rudolph Krejci first coined the term “Panetics” which offers a new, broadly endorsed approach to research, policy making, analysis and management. Its fundamental principles were first advanced by Ralph G. H. Siu.
Yet another synthesis of East-meets-West, Panetics is an evolving, panethical search for ways to reduce human suffering and victimization through governments, institutions, social groups and the professions. Meaning "to suffer" in the ancient language of Buddha, the dukkha is a quantitative unit used by Siu to measure suffering.
In Avatar, a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Corporal Jack Sully, gets a fresh start as an avatar in a distant world. He finds Pandora inhabited by the Na'vi whose alien inhabitants and arcane culture beguile him. In the face of military action spurred by corporate greed, Sully “gets religion”; once this blue-hued avatar goes Green, Sully’s empowered to save Pandora from suffering and victimization much the same way that eco-warriors of Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and their ilk commit to putting Earth First! (parent organization from which ELF evolved).
The Seduction of “Possibilities”
Best known as father of progressive education, John Dewey was a Marxist Fabian-Socialist whose obsession with inquiry learning toppled the overpowering Protestant character of the early public schools. After Dewey’s death, an esteemed social engineer and futurist, also a transformational Marxist, Dr. Benjamin Bloom introduced mastery learning. Bloom’s famed taxonomy of educational objectives are at the heart of today’s educational restructuring efforts.²
Whereas the former, an avowed atheist, epitomized secular humanism, the latter leaned more toward humanism’s cosmic counterpart. To Bloom, the purpose of education is “to change the thoughts, feelings and actions of students.” Simply put, good teachers are ones who destroy fixed beliefs. Indeed, Bloom regarded moral relativism as the highest possible cognitive goal.
In but a few decades, America’s public education system has morphed from no spirituality (Dewey) to new spirituality. Enter, Dr. Robert Carkhuff. What is now dubbed “dysfunctional” traditional math gives way to “constructivist learning,” requiring students—not to solve a problem with the correct answer—but rather to use their “team voices” to “think about mathematics” and how it makes them feel. In The Possibilities Mind (HRD Press 2000), Carkhuff identifies “god” as “the possibilities mind” that co-processes with us to illuminate his mysteries.
Dr. Carkhuff poses a similarly troublesome new science of possibilities. His utopian brave new world of infinite possibilities is achieved by the Links Project that demeans facts and fixed beliefs as “cumbersome anchors” that “block the dialectic process,” otherwise known as “group think.” Carkhuff’s school of the future is a place where children and adults together “follow their bliss”—reminiscent, perhaps, of Paradise Pandora? ³
The Seduction of Spiritual Experience
Seeking ever deeper revelation, mystics are drawn to tangible, supernatural experiences that become ends in and of themselves and thereby take the place of God.
• Yoga
Tens of thousands of copies have been circulated of a video tutorial created by Marsha Wenig of Michigan City, Indiana. Techniques within her Yoga Kids video and adult certification program (to teach yoga to children) have captivated young moms everywhere. Many rush to their local bookstores to snatch up Yoga Baby and I Can’t Believe It’s Yoga for Kids.
The term “yoga” means “union with Brahma,” allegedly the divine spirit of the universe. Virtually all standard yoga texts link psychic powers and other occult abilities with yoga practice. In giving way to one’s true divine nature, the goal for hardcore mystics is occult enlightenment accomplished by controlling vital energy in the act of breathing. Meditative practices associated with yoga feature mental passivity and mantra meditation, both of which attract spiritually-minded Christians who tend to be long on experience, but short on doctrine.
• The Indigo (Chrystal) Child Phenomenon
Today, many children are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Labels as these imply imperfection. It’s no wonder that parents readily fork over big bucks when told, to the contrary, that the bluish hue of their child’s aura signals mental superiority, coupled with psychic ability. Not some defect.
Indigos are said to be highly evolved, uniquely gifted youngsters whose mission is to teach their elders and, thus, ensure planetary transformation into a golden era of peace and brotherhood. Ascending to “Christhood” through multiple, upward mobility reincarnations is no more clearly evident than in the phenomenon of the Indigo (or Crystal) Child. Because they’re so “advanced” and alert to “better ways” of doing things, Indigo Kids aren’t inclined to obey, wait in line, or participate in ritually-oriented systems.
Summary
Today’s new spirituality is downright seductive. Forget the apostle Paul’s lament, “wretched man that I am!” Instead, neo-pantheists claim the bluish hue of mental superiority and “inner knowing.” In exercising “the possibilities mind” of God Himself, highly evolved adepts self-qualify as custodians over humanity’s spiritual progress. They free captives of “cumbersome anchors” imposed by biblical mandate and Western civilization. In so doing, however, these fall into an insidious trap of “strong delusion.”
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Siu.
2. http://www.eecs.usma.edu/cs383/bloom/default.htm; http://www.valdosta.edu/~whuitt/psy702/cogsys/bloom.html; www.eecs.usma.edu/usma/academic/eecs/instruct/howard/slidesho/sigcse2/index.htm; www.uct.ac.za/projects/ cbe/mcqman/mcqappc.html.
3. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra2.htm.
4. ttp://www.google.com/products?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GFRC_enUS217US218&q=Yoga+Baby&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=nLGjS_mpJoqsswO7iIW9BA&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved= 0CCMQrQQwAg.
5. http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra34.htm.
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