TEACHER TO AVOID: Richard Foster

This weeks teacher to avoid award goes to: Richard Foster!

Foster has become a nearly household name in the Christian world following the 20 years success of his book, “Celebration of Discipline.” What most Christians fail to realize however, is that Foster pushes a Christianized form of Eastern Mysticism and is heavily influenced by Inclusivistic religious philosophy.

So, why should you avoid Richard Foster? Well…

First, his books can be found not only in most Christian bookstores in America but he is also an author carried by Theosophical Society bookstores! (yes the occultic-new age organization)

Secondly,  he endorses imaginative worship. This is the practice of visualizing Christ or God and worship them through this process. This is nowhere presented in Scripture as an acceptable method of worship. In fact, we first find this type of worship originating within eastern religions (i.e. Buddhism, Hinduism…etc…).

Thirdly, he quotes as spiritually authoritative the following people:
THOMAS MERTON: A monk who indulged in Hindu and Buddist forms or religious expression.

ELIZABETH O’CONNOR: She has gone on record with praise for the New Age leader, Lord Maitreya.

AGNES SANDFORD: A Catholic Mystic whose books are used and distributed by various Luciferian sociteties.

EVELYN UNDERHILL: Author of “Practical Mysticism.”
MEISTER ECKHART: Denounced by the Catholic Church for her pantheistic-mystic teachings.

MARTIN BUBER: A Jewish Mystic.

HARVEY COX: A former outright atheist who believes that all religions are equally valid.

Fourthly, Foster makes outlandish un-biblical claims! The following are just two of and endless array of borderline apostate teachings:

“As you enter the story, not as passive observer but as an active participant, remember that since Jesus lives in the Eternal Now and is not bound by time, this event in the past is a LIVING PRESENT-TENSE EXPERIENCE for Him. Hence, you can “ACTUALLY”* ENCOUNTER THE LIVING CHRIST in the event, be ADDRESSED BY HIS VOICE and BE TOUCHED BY HIS healing power. It can be MORE THAN AN EXERCISE OF THE IMAGINATION it can be a GENUINE CONFRONTATION, Jesus Christ will actually COME TO YOU.” (COD pg. 25)

“After awhile there is a deep yearning within to go into the upper regions beyond the clouds. In your imagination ALLOW YOUR SPIRITUAL BODY, shining with light, TO RISE OUT OF YOUR PHYSICAL BODY. Look back so that you can see yourself lying in the grass and reassure your body that you will return momentarily. Imagine your spiritual self, alive and vibrant, rising up through the clouds and into the stratosphere. Observe your physical body, the knoll, and the forest shrink as you leave the earth. Go deeper and deeper into outer space until there is nothing except the warm presence of the eternal Creator….listen carefully…Note any instruction given….return to the meadow. Walk joyfully back along the path until you return home full of new life and ENERGY.” (Ibid. pg. 27)

I could go on and on, but why waste time? Simply Google  “Richard Foster” and notice the number of orthodox Christian organizations that denounce his teachings. Take some time and read their full exposes’ regarding his theological leanings. In the meantime avoid this ecumenical-new age mystic at all costs.

Thanks

I just went over the 500 reads mark in just a few short weeks! Thanks to everyone reading!

How to I.D. A….

As a student of comparative religion I have come to believe firmly that any serious apologist should be equipped to recognize adherents to various religions based on a few basic criteria. Looking to one group within modern day Judaism the following represents five basic criterion by which we can I.D. an Orthodox Jew.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most misunderstood religions in the modern world is Judaism. When most of the Western world thinks of the Jewish faith, they view it as a single monolithic entity. This is true especially within Christianity. The average Christian believes that the Judaism of the Scriptures is the same Judaism practiced today. Yet, this could not be further from the truth. Judaism is in fact made up of many divergent sects and factions who are only unified in general ethics rather than specific theology.[1] The following represents but a brief profile of the sect known as Orthodox Jews, just one of the many divergent groups within Judaism.

 

IDENTITY

 

One of the most important elements to understanding Orthodox Judaism is to look at how they view themselves. “Orthodox Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs and practices of normative Judaism.”[2] They define normative Judaism as the faith “accepted by the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive generations in an ongoing process that continues to this day.”[3] Contrary to what many other divisions in Judaism believe about themselves (many assume that they are correcting the Judaism of antiquity, while others believe that they are in fact an entirely unique and new Jewish expression), the Orthodox Jew believes that he or she is following in the faith of the great Jewish patriarchs of the past. The only difference is that they have adapted their faith into a post-temple and post-sacrificial system context. Unlike many other sects of Judaism the majority of Orthodox Jews believe the temple and accompanying sacrifices will be restored upon the appearing of the Messiah.[4]

 

THEIR DIET

As a result of the sincere belief that they are continuing the traditional Jewish faith, Orthodox Jews (traditional Jews) are kosher in their diet. In this process they are observing all the major dietary restrictions traditionally found within classical Judaism. These restrictions are based upon the coupling of Levitical distinctions set forth in the Torah and a “number of extrapolations”[5] from the rabbinical traditions. In order to properly observe the many dietary prohibitions, the Orthodox observant must avoid the consumption of all aquatic creatures unless they have scales.[6] Their consumption of fowl is limited to basically chicken, goose and duck.[7] Perhaps the best-known dietary restriction is “the prohibition of mixing meat and milk at one meal.”[8] Often times in order to maintain a separation of meat and dairy, Orthodox Jews will have multiple sets of dishes and eating utensils within their homes. The first is designated for use with meat and the other for consumption of dairy products. The process of maintaining a diet that is in agreement with the Torah is a difficult task to say the least. However, it is a task that-for the Orthodox Jews-displays their devotion to the Law.

 

THEIR DRESS

One of the primary modes of dress that is readily recognized today as being uniquely Jewish is the practice of wearing a Telfillin.[9] These are “small black boxes containing Scripture portions that must be wrapped around the arm and forehand according to a set time and pattern.”[10] Another easily recognizable feature of Orthodox Judaism is seen in the excessive and long, curly sideburns worn by Orthodox Jews. They base this practice upon Leviticus 19:27[11], a passage in which Jewish men were forbidden to cut the hair along the sides of their heads.

 

The vast majority of the time their dress is what one would consider regular street clothes. Contrary to what many assume, Orthodox Jews do not wear the long black coats and large black hats. These are dress-related distinctions of the Hasidim. World religions expert Winfried Corduan describes one of the most telling Orthodox Jewish dress customs as follows: “An observant Jewish man always keeps his head covered. When he is not wearing a hat…he wears a small skullcap called a yarmulke (Yiddish) or kippah (Hebrew).”[12] It should be noted that depending upon one’s level of devotion, some even wear the yarmulke under other hats. Overall, when observing the dress of the Orthodox Jews on an everyday basis, nothing about their appearance presents itself as far from ordinary. On the contrary, besides the wearing of a yarmulke, one could quite possibly engage in conversation with an Orthodox Jew and be completely unaware of that they are an Orthodox Jew.

 

THEIR WORSHIP

The center of worship for the Orthodox Jew is the synagogue. In post-temple Judaism the synagogue became a “church” of sorts. It is literally the hub or center of all Jewish life. For the Americanized Orthodox Jew, the synagogue is most often referred to as “temple.” These “temples” contain a model of the Ark of the Covenant, the Bema (Bima) and a Menorah.[13] When inside the synagogue for “services,” men and women are to sit separately and they are to keep their heads covered.[14] An average service for the Orthodox Jew would be conducted in classical Hebrew and is to be accompanied by the signing of various Hebrew hymns.[15]

The prayer within Orthodox Judaism (which may or may not take place within the synagogue) is prescribed to occur three times daily. If at all possible the adherent is to pray facing Jerusalem.[16] When performed in its formal method, prayer begins with the donning of the Tallit. The Tallit is “a large, fringed, blue and white prayer shawl, which is wrapped around the person’s head or shoulders.”[17] The most recognizable exercise of this prayer is often seen taking place before the “wailing wall” in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jewish men wear phylacteries on their forehead and arms and go into rhythmic bowing while facing the wall.[18] Many view the level of intensity with which the adherent moves to be a sign of the fervor with which they are praying.

 

THEIR LEADERSHIP

The leadership for the modern Jew isn’t as straightforward as in the past. In the past, the spiritual leadership for the Jewish people was held by the high priests. In post temple Judaism however, their significance is greatly diminished. Today, those of priestly lineage[19] hold a unique place of honor rather than authority. They are given the right to pray the first blessings over the Torah and the congregation during special occasions and services.[20] The position of greater importance in modern Orthodox Judaism is that of the Rabbi. He is not considered to be of necessarily greater value than the average Jew. However, he is viewed as an adviser and teacher. As part of his responsibilities he is to lead services at temple and to be prepared to instruct congregants in the ways of the Torah.[21] This position could be seen as the Orthodox counterpart to the evangelical pastor.

Of great secondary importance among the Orthodox are the Gabbai and Chazzan. The Gabbai is a layperson, who as a result of their great moral character is bestowed with a position that requires them to practice public reading of the Torah while in services at the synagogue.[22] The Chazzan, on the other hand, may either be a professional or a layperson. However, on average only large congregations have a full time, professional Chazzan. Their primary responsibility is to lead the congregation in prayer and music.[23] This has obvious parallels to what many evangelical churches possess in a full time pastor of music or worship.

 

CONCLUSION

What has been shown is but a brief glimpse into the world of an Orthodox Jew. Volumes could be spent describing the small variances found within the various movements that exist as subgroups within Orthodox Judaism. What has been established is that first, the Orthodox Jew is a strict observant of the Law, which affects all aspects of daily life. Secondly, their worship has taken on an almost church-like flavor, from the synagogues’ function to the methodology of their services. Finally, while they do have unique aspects to their wardrobe, these elements are not a major part of their day-to-day dress. Instead, they are largely ceremonial in nature. What has been discussed is sufficient for giving the student of world religions a basis upon which to recognize and identify this specific brand of Judaism from amongst its Jewish contemporaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The New American Standard Bible. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan Publishing, 2001.

Corduan, Winfried. Neighboring Faiths. Downer Grove, IL.: Inter Varsity Press, 1998.

Halverson, Dean. Compact Guide to World Religions. Bloomington, MN.: Bethany House Publishers, 1996.

House, Wayne. Charts of World Religions. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 2006.

 

Internet Sources

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/worship/synagogue_1.shtml (retrieved 4-1-07)

http://www.jewfaq.org/rabbi.htm (retrieved 4-1-07)

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Orthodox.html (retrieved 4-1-07)

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[1] These sects are divided into three major divisions that include Orthodox, Reform and Conservative. Within these groups there are a myriad of subgroups.

 

[2] http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Orthodox.html (retrieve 4 – 1 – 07)

 

[3] Ibid.

[4] Wayne House, Charts of World Religions (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006) Chart 23.

 

[5] Winfried Corduan, Neighboring Faiths (Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1998), 64.

 

[6] This would mean that shellfish cannot be consumed.

 

[7] Corduan, Neighboring Faiths, 65.

 

[8] Dean Halverson, The Compact Guide to World Religions (Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers), 128.

 

 

[9] These are also called phylacteries.

 

[10] Halverson, The Compact Guide to World Religions, 128.

 

[11] “You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard.” (NASB)

 

[12] Corduan, Neighboring Faiths, 64.

 

 

[13] Ibid, 66

 

[14] http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/worship/synagogue_1.shtml

 

[15] Ibid

 

[16] This could be contrasted with the Islamic practice of facing Mecca when praying.

 

[17] Corduan Neighboring Faiths, 66.

 

[18] Ibid.

 

[19] Called kohanim (of Aaron) or Levites (of Levi)

 

[20] http://www.jewfaq.org/rabbi.htm

 

[21] Ibid.

 

[22] Ibid.

 

[23] Ibid

Teacher to AVOID: Kent Hovind

This week my featured teacher to avoid is: Kent Hovind (aka Dr. Dino).

The reasons for Mr. Hovind receiving this dubious honor are plentiful. Allow me to share just a few.

First, he is a strong supporter of the sensationalist and dishonest Jack Chick.

Secondly, he firmly believes that there is a real, historical Alexandrian cult that sought to alter the Scriptures. Thus he is KJV ONLY! (I cannot even begin to explain how much this proves that this man is not just uninformed but academically challenged!)

Thirdly, his doctorate came from a degree mill known as Patriot Bible University. Therefore, he is not legitimately qualified to discuss at length the matters he attempts to handle. (And no KENT, being a science teacher for nearly 2 decades does not qualify you either).

Fourthly, he uses scientific theories (if you can call them that) that are denounced with disdain by other conservative young earth creationists.

Fifthly, he is a conspiracy theorist of the worst kind. He peddles semi-racist material from anti-semetic groups who preach that the world is being run by a Zionist organization in conjunction with a Luciferian secret society called the Illuminati. They will one day initiate a one world government led by the Antichrist.

Finally, he is in jail for illegal tax practices and will probably not see the light of day for the rest of his life. (I’ve read his position on taxes and he is dead wrong and his understanding of the tax laws are seriously lacking, the plain truth is: HE IS A CRIMINAL!)

DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT look to Dr. Dino for anything other than a good example of what NOT to do when defending Scripture. I have viewed his entire “creation seminar” video series and I am appalled at the falsehoods and blatant lies he tells in the name of defending Scripture. He is a crook, academically and legally! Avoid him at all costs!

Dawkins VS. McGrath

One of the major opponents to the horrid (and in the words of USC philosophy professor Alvin Plantinga, sophmoric…) philosophy of Richard Dawkins is Oxford’s own, Alister McGrath. click the following link to listen to a discussion/debate between these 2 great thinkers.

DAWKINS VS. McGrath

Keep an eye out for McGrath’s new book “The Dawkins Delusion” in which he picks apart the mindless rantings of Richard Dawkins famous (or perhaps infamous) book “The God Delusion.”