Churches: Send your missionaries into AA

(When do we start sending missionaries into AA, not just for the lost, but for the thousands of deceived Christians who partake in 12 Step spirituality?)

Mama and Papa,

We are in America at last. The Lord has sent us into the strangest belief system. The men and women here seem impervious to the Gospel, but the Lord has given us great love for them.

This religion teaches that virtually anything can be defined as a god. During their meetings these people gather and pray in unity, but the “god” each individual prays to can be as varied and unique as particles of sand in our African desert. It is unsettling watching them join in the Lord’s Prayer, because most do not know Jesus, and therefore cannot know the Father.

This religion was founded here in America in the 1930s. It is a very American system of belief and worship. Very democratic, one might say. In this belief system, it is not important what one worships, only that one must worship something. In fact, initiates who come seeking help, but who have trouble inventing or envisioning a god, are often told they can worship a “doorknob,” or even the group itself to begin their spiritual journey. LINK: http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-3574/Brannon-Howse/John-Lanagan

The many gods of 12 Step Spirituality

In Alcoholics Anonymous, the Serenity Prayer and Lord’s Prayer are invoked at every meeting. These are prayed out loud, together, and in unity.

So, who are Christians praying with? Could be just about anyone, really. AA has Mormons, universalists, other Bible-believing Christians, followers of the new age Jesus, and numerous folks with their own custom-designed gods. You name it, you can probably find someone in AA who believes in it. As the AA Big Book (the AA “bible”) states, “We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we, believe to all men.”[1]

Christians in AA may not see it this way, but they are in agreement with a belief system that lifts up strange gods. (Amos 3:3) In Alcoholics Anonymous all gods are called the “higher power,” thus relegating Christ our King to commonality, as if He were simply one nameless deity among many.

“I am the Lord, that is My name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to idols.” (Isaiah 42:8)

In 1941, Jack Alexander of the Saturday Evening Post wrote the article that provided AA its first national publicity. Describing AA’s “higher power,” Alexander noted the alcoholic “may choose to think of his Inner Self, the miracle of growth, a tree, man’s wonderment at the physical universe, the structure of the atom, or mere mathematical infinity. Whatever form is visualized, the neophyte is taught that he must rely on it and, in his own way, to pray to the Power for strength.”[2]

Nearly seventy years later this salad bar approach-make your own god-has seemingly become a cultural norm. “Spiritual” is in. “Religion” is out. Many Americans now refer to their god as “higher power.” This is simply to say that AA’s 12 Step program has made its mark (?) on the culture. REST Of ARTICLE: http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-3477/Brannon-Howse/John-Lanagan

Yes, you are right. This is one of the Archive classics.

What is contemplative spirituality?

What is the deal with all this meditation? What exactly is all this contemplative prayer, contemplative spirituality stuff? Ray Yungen gives a clear and concise explanation in this video. LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaccrwYGOsA&feature=related

Fresh Hope: Creation or Evolution

There is the most interesting discussion going on over at Fresh Hope, an awesome and underappreciated site. Check it out. You can also find them on my Links. http://www.fresh-hope.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30798

Most significant 2009 book author on radio today

Castles in the Sand author Carolyn A. Greene is on radio today. It is at 5 pm Pacific Standard Time. Greene will be on with Deborah Dombrowski of Lighthouse Trails Ministries. Here is the LINK: http://www.gcnlive.com/programs/dividedKingdom/

This is, I believe, a call-in show, and it ought to be pretty interesting as Greene and Dombrowski discuss how this book drags contemplative spirituality into the light. 

I hope the numerous readers of this blog (all six of you) have the opportunity to listen.

Homosexual Bishops by Ron Graham

Here is a take-no-prisoners article by Ron Graham about homosexuality in the church. The Episcopalians are solid gone. I agree with most, if not all, of this article. I also appreciate Graham is taking a stand on something where so many will not.

I think–actually, I know–we have to be careful when dealing with sinners. Many homosexuals are in a bondage they would do anything to escape from. Many others are totally given over, like, I have to say, the numerous heterosexual degenerates we see in these Last Days.

That being said, I am grateful for bold saints like Ken Silva and Ron Graham. Their boldness means they will be among the first to be hauled away, so appreciate them now. One last point: When homosexuals repent, and come to Christ, love them. Love them before they repent. Some will come out of this bondage over time, some immediately. May they sin no more.

Graham is very consistent where sin is concerned. Homosexual, heterosexual, Republican, Democrat. Here is a link to his articles: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

And now, with no further pontification, Ron Graham’s article:

“The Episcopal Church has once again committed heresy. Not only have they named a woman as bishop, but she is a lesbian. What does the Bible teach on such things? “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” 1 Timothy 3:2. Blameless means that a bishop must be without reproach and living a godly lifestyle to the best of his ability.

We read throughout scripture that homosexuality is condemned by God, so a homosexual is not without reproach. They are making no attempt to live a godly life. According to Paul, when held to just the first adjective in the above verse a homosexual/lesbian would be automatically disqualified from such a position as bishop in the church.” LINK: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/g103.html

AA and spiritualism

Spiritualism: –noun 1. the belief or doctrine that the spirits of the dead, surviving after the mortal life, can and do communicate with the living, esp. through a person (a medium) particularly susceptible to their influence. (Dictionary.com, Bold mine)

According to AA’s official biography of AA co-founder Bill Wilson, “Bill would lie on the couch, in the living room, semi-withdrawn but not in a trance, and ‘receive’ messages, sometimes a word at a time, sometimes a letter at a time.”[1] Bill’s wife, Lois, stated, “Bill would lie down on the couch. He would ‘get’ these things. He kept doing it every week or so. Each time, certain people would ‘come in.’ Sometimes, it would be new ones, they’d carry on some story.”[2]

Although it is an issue that angers some, the creation of the 12 Steps is chained to Bill’s immersion in spirit (demonic) communication. We can also see that many of the prominent figures in AA history had a similar interest or involvement.

There was, of course, Emanuel Swedenborg, called the “father of modern spiritualism.” Swedenborg believed he communicated with many deceased figures, including Luther and the Apostle Paul. Bill Wilson married into a Swedenborgian family, and learned about Swedenborg’s Biblically forbidden activities.[3]

Two of the most hallowed figures in AA history are William James and Carl Jung. As Matthew J. Raphael notes, “[Both men that] Wilson considered forefathers of Alcoholics Anonymous were deeply involved in spiritualism.”…”It was precisely James’s openness to spiritual manifestations in The Varieties of Religious Experiences that made him so simpatico with Wilson.”[4] 

William James served as president of the American Society for Psychical Research for a time, and participated in numerous seances over some decades. His interest, unlike Bill Wilson’s, was scientific, though no less anti-Biblical.

And what of Carl Jung, known as one of the “godfathers” of AA? Raphael writes, “Carl Jung, too, took occultism seriously, beginning with his doctoral dissertation, ‘On the Psychology and Pathology of So-Called Occult Phenomena.’ (1902: the same year as Varieties). This was a psycholanalytic study of his cousin Helene (“Helly”) Preiswerk, whom Jung had encouraged to practice as a medium. throughout his career. to a degree that was fully apparent to only a small circle of his intimates, Jung cultivated his own fascination with and susceptibility to occult experience.”[5] (Bold mine)

Don Koenig writes, “Both Carl Jung and [Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder] Bill Wilson claim in their own writings that they heard the voices of spirits that gave them some of what they wrote. Bill Wilson wrote a letter to Carl Jung and at the end of the letter, he refers to psychic phenomena among AA members and he gives praise for “I Ching” (an ancient Chinese philosophy and system of divination.”[6]

Endnotes:

1. PASS IT ON, pg. 278

2. PASS IT, pg. 278-279

3. Tweve Steps Before AA Existed   http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/08/18/twelve-steps-before-a-a-existed/

4. Matthew J. Raphael, Bill W. and Mr. Wilson, pg.161

5. Ibid., pg. 161

6. Don Koenig, http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/don-koenig-aas-bill-wilson-and-carl-jung/ From: http://www.thepropheticyears.com/comments/The%20woman%20on%20the%20beast%20in%20end%20time%20prophecy%20has%20dominion%20theology.htm

Castles in the Sand vs. The Shack

Castles in the Sand, by Carolyn A. Greene, looks like a novel and reads like a novel, but it is something far greater. It is a trumpet. It is intended to warn believers and non-believers about the dangers of contemplative spirituality. Perhaps, after reading this very interesting story, there will be those who turn away from contemplative prayer and other forms of anti-Biblical meditation.

Perhaps. Popular pastor Rick Warren now openly endorses contemplative spirituality.[1] It is tearing through the church and it is…changing us. Its adherents follow the path of the desert fathers and mothers, who sought union with God in the meditative Silence where thoughts are stilled. 

As noted in ‘Alcoholics Anonymous and Contemplative Spirituality,’[2] “Roger Oakland writes, ‘When [someone] is introduced to meditation, which produces a feeling of euphoria and well-being, he mistakes this for the presence of God. And thus the foundation of his faith is not on Christ or the Word of God, but rather on this feeling.’”[3]

The Bible tells us, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Historically, around the world, much has been experienced in the meditative silence. Bliss. Spirit-guides. A higher self. Oneness. And there have been false “christs,” wrapped in shining deception, communicating instructions and “wisdom” to some.[4]

You will meet such a false “christ” in Castles in the Sand, encountered by the novel’s heroine through the meditation she has learned in her “spiritual formation” classes. This is actually happening in numerous Christian colleges throughout the United States and Canada.

When Paul Young had his first copies of his novel, The Shack, he went on the public speaking circuit. He is warm, charming, and funny, and people wanted to believe in his false version of “god.”  

We have seen the havoc wreaked upon the Body of Christ through The Shack, with its heretical theology cleverly presented as fiction. Will Castles in the Sand, rich with interesting characters,  humor, and its compelling message, be equally effective, but in a positive way? Will readers consider how deeply we have fallen into this meditative abyss?

This is my hope. May this book be found on coffee tables and in bookstores, and may its message be burned into the hearts of God’s people.

For excerpt and more information: http://www.lighthousetrails.com/blog/?p=86

Endnotes:

1. Apprising Ministries http://apprising.org/2009/12/09/rick-warren-now-openly-promoting-contemplative-spiritualitymysticism/

2. Alcoholics Anonymous and Contemplative Spirituality http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/contemplative-spirituality-and-alcoholics-anonymous/

3. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone, Lighthouse Trails Publishing, pg.112

4. Alcoholics Anonymous and Contemplative Spirituality http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/contemplative-spirituality-and-alcoholics-anonymous/

Helping alcoholics with LSD and a pagan symbol

One of pro-AA author Dick B.’s more recent books is ‘The Conversion of Bill W.,’ a sadly misleading title considering everything AA cofounder Bill Wilson was involved in. In experiments in the 1950s, hoping alcoholics could be helped by LSD, Bill Wilson stated, “It is a generally acknowledged fact in spiritual development that ego reduction makes the influx of God’s grace possible. If, therefore, under LSD we can have a temporary reduction, so we can better see where we are going-well, that might be of some help. The goal might become clearer.”[21]

Call me legalistic, but LSD to facilitate “the influx of God’s grace” doesn’t sound all that Biblical.

Wilson’s explanation for choosing the triangle within the circle as AA’s symbol is equally pagan. In ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age,’ he writes, “That we have chosen this symbol is perhaps no mere accident. The priests and seers of antiquity regarded the circle enclosing the triangle as a means of warding off spirits of evil, and AA’s circle of Recovery, Unity, and Service has certainly meant all that to us and much more.”[22] See: http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-3537/Brannon-Howse/John-Lanagan

There is a battle going on. The past, the actual nature of AA’s creation, has been presented as Christian. Although he received the 12 Steps from a familiar spirit, we have been told the 12 Steps are Biblical in origin. This is simply not so. Most would be absolutely astounded to discover what Bill Wilson, the man who “wrote” the 12 Steps, was involved in. See: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/seances-spirits-and-12-steps/

Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, in rebellion against Christ, nevertheless loved their fellow alcoholics. But then, ultimately, what is love? Is love leading people away from eternity with the One True God?

You may have read about Bill Wilson’s drunken trek to the mission’s altar. Some have used this as “evidence” that he came to Christ. Yet Bill Wilson, of course, was never a Christian. Biographer Francis Hartigan was the secretary for Lois Wilson, Bill’s wife, for thirteen years. He had many conversations with Lois about Bill. He writes, ““[A.A. cofounder Bill Wilson's] belief in God might have become unshakeable, but he could never embrace any theology or even the divinity of Jesus, and he went to his grave unable to give his own personal idea of God much definition. In this sense, he was never very far removed from the unbelievers.”(Bold mine) –From ‘Bill W.’ by Francis Hartigan, pg. 123

Who is our God? Is He holy and righteous? Or just our good, good buddy, like the creature portrayed as “god” in The Shack? The enemy is clever. Although many Christians are wary of AA, the 12 Steps are considered necessary, so we still use them with Christ as “higher power.”

You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. (Leviticus 18:3)

T.A. McMahon, Editor of the Berean Call, writes, “A.A.’s official biography indicates Bill Wilson received the details of the 12 Steps through spirit dictation. Does anyone see a simple, idolatrous problem here?”

McMahon then addresses the well meaning effort to offer “Christ centered” 12 Step support groups. “But what about evangelicals just using the methodology the familiar spirit gave to Bill Wilson? Simple again: God condemns the source, and the approach is contrary to the way He wants to transform our lives. Furthermore, why turn to such a spiritually toxic system? Where are the evangelical pastors’ heads in this?”

In writing about all this, I have failed in several areas. Many Christians who participate and promote AA and the 12 Steps have no Fear of the Lord. Indeed, few Christians even think about God in these terms.  Judgment, righteousness, wrath, these are not popular with people. But it is this very understanding of God that would keep us safe from incursions like the 12 Steps, and The Shack, and so much else. Hopefully, we can soon see how the Lord sees Himself through His Word. 

While it has been necessary to show just what Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith really believed, and the various anti-Biblical activities they engaged in, it is time to deal with our understanding of the Biblical God. The God of grace and holiness. The 12 Steps never came from Christ, and are not blessed by our God. I will stand on that statement. It very much matters where they came from.

Writing about AA is like trying to peel layers from an onion. As a culture we have accepted many untruths. For instance, if you have been in AA you have certainly heard many times how only AA can help. This is not so. Yet you have never been warned about the emotional damage that people have suffered in AA.

This is why a non-believer has written the book, AA Horror Stories. This book has its share of profanity, as these are worldly people, but it also courageously tells what many suffer in 12 Step spirituality. So much unreported damage to people. AA has the media behind it, and education, and the courts. Even though AA has been ruled as religious by the U.S. Supreme Court, many still get mandated into 12 Step spirituality. So much for the Constitution.

It is amazing, also, the way Christians are portrayed in AA, how the church is supposedly cold and cruel and totally without understanding when it comes to dealing with alcoholics.  And we have our pin-heads, no doubt about it. But AA has damaged many, while simultaneously convincing the culture it is the only hope.

Alcoholism is miserable. Do not hesitate to invite AA members to your church, and tell them of Christ. Love them as He loves them. We weren’t so wonderful ourselves. Remember? We still aren’t…but, incredibly, we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ…and this is the grace-filled Truth.

Hard Truth About Alcoholics Anonymous: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/hard-truth-about-alcoholics-anonymous-2/

Most Significant Book of 2009

Castles in the Sand is the first novel by Carolyn A. Greene. I could not put this book down, an experience I have not had for some time. An absolutely great read. Greene has managed to demonstrate the very real threat of the spiritual formation movement.

On the back cover we are told: “This fiction with a message takes a compelling and thought-provoking look at the true nature behind contemplative spirituality, which has impacted Christian churches, colleges, seminaries, and universities across the globe.”

Indeed. 

Who was Teresa of Avila? Will meditative techniques bring us to God–or to something else? Get this book and let Greene take you on an eye opening journey into this mysticism that now pervades the culture…and the church.

Here’s the deal: If something dark and cruel was sneaking up on those you loved, wouldn’t you want to know about it? Greene uses fiction to show exactly what is happening today.

Info: http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=CA

Oh, yeah, one more thing. My daughter never reads my boring blog, so she doesn’t know I’m giving her a copy for Christmas. This is an awesome gift for girls and young women, as the heroine is a brand-new college student.

Merry Christmas, Meghan!

You can order copies here: 866-876-3910

Excerpt: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=351