Monthly Archives: February 2009
The Emergent Contemplative Prayer Model
The Emergent Contemplative Prayer Model
(Continued from the previous post) This lengthy introduction to transcendental meditation is not the focus of this study, however. The immediate concern is the fact that identical tenets, beliefs and practices to those of transcendental meditation have been repackaged under the Christian-sounding title of “contemplative prayer” and are being taught as biblical concepts by popular Emergent leaders.
I know of numerous Christians who maintain that contemplative prayer is not necessarily synonymous with transcendental meditation. I find myself doubting that, yet will leave that argument for another day. The focus of this portion of the series is specifically the contemplative prayer model practiced and encouraged by Emergent leaders, which is clearly nothing more than a warmed over demonic tradition, recast in Christian robes. Continue reading
Emerging Mysticism
Emerging Mysticism
In preparation for the next post a short introduction of certain mystical practices is necessary. It will be contended that a particular worship practice of the Emergent mainstream is deeply rooted in pagan traditions which recently have been described categorically as “New Age” thought and practice. Thus, an examination of these practices is a good preparatory exercise. This section will make no attempt to connect Emergent practices to New Age, as that correlation will follow. Rather, this side-bar fragment will simply identify and describe a mystic principle from pagan traditions which will later be demonstrated to have been adopted by Emergent tradition. Continue reading
