Amen or Ahhh Man?

As I was getting ready for church Sunday morning, I turned on the T.V to listen to some word while I was getting dressed. As I scrolled through the channels to find something interesting, I came across the name Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and the Agape International Choir. The Choir was jammin' and as he began to speak, I said Amen! But my Amen soon turned into Ahhh mannn. As Dr. Beckwith began to speak, it became clear to me that his message was one that was not Christian. Now, I defend his right to share his message and faith, but what I thought about was how many believers could discern the difference between a minister and a mystic. While Dr. Beckwith’s message might make you happy, if the Christian worldview is true, it will not make you healthy. Here is what he teaches:


Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith is the founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, CA. Complete with a Choir, Praise Dancers, Ministers, Counselors and Study time, Agape International boast of over 6,000 members including several of Hollywood’s top celebrities.

Reverend Michael Beckwith and AISC, teaches universal truth principles found in the New Thought-Ancient Wisdom tradition of spirituality. Through New Thought-Ancient Wisdom teachings, each individual can realize that they are a unique emanation of God.

“In Agape’s services and classes we refer to the world’s scriptures and sacred texts, as well as the writings of ancient and contemporary mystics, teachers, sages, philosophers, pundits, scientists, and even the enlightened person next door!”

If you have questions, Dr Beckwith and Agape do not leave you without clear answers:
(information quoted from his website: www.agapelive.com)

Is Agape Christian? No, and yes.

“No, if by Christian you mean the acceptance of Jesus as the only savior and Christianity as the only path to God and eternal salvation.

Yes, in the sense that New Thought- Ancient Wisdom history includes the Gnostic teachings of the earliest Christian mystical sects.”

What about the Bible?

“The Bible is referenced in Dr. Beckwith’s services and Agape’s classes. However, the version that is used is a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic, rather than the Greek translation used in traditional Christian churches such as the King James Version, or the Saint Gregory version used by the Catholic Church.”

What about Jesus?

“Agape teaches that Jesus was not the great exception, but rather the great example. He is an enlightened being, one who attained cosmic consciousness or liberation from a sense of separation from the Source of all that is. Jesus is revered as a wayshower, as an exemplar of unconditional love, selfless service, and self-mastery.”

Can I still practice my Judaism/Christianity and become a member of Agape?

“Absolutely, many within the Agape community maintain their Jewish/Christian faith, while others continue to practice the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, or other spiritual master teachers of past or present generations. As a result, mixed-tradition couples and families often find common ground at Agape without compromising other loyalties.”


Does it matter what we believe? If you, a friend or family member was a part of his church, is there any reason to be alarmed? If you are a Christian and guardian of truth, do you believe you have a responsibility to tell that truth? Do you know the truth? Is there any noticeable difference between his church and yours? What are your thoughts?