Sunday, December 6, 2009
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?
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24 comments:
Im glad you are here to check messages out from a balance prospective
Can't we all come together and sing one happy song as one?
On the surface this question and the message given in the above appear to be one of loving acceptance of all. As all Christians are called to do.
However, Christians are also instructed to test all things in light of scripture and the Word of God (The Bible) is the only source of truth.
Therefore, I have to agree with your Ahhhh Man...
A true minister of the gospel will always preach repentance and obedience. Jesus did, John the Baptist did, Paul did, and they were all killed for doing it. Don't expect to get popular preaching the true gospel.
Does it matter what we believe?
You bet it does. "In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." ~ Jesus, John 18:37b
If you, a friend or family member was a part of his church, is there any reason to be alarmed?
Yes. I would have every reason to be alarmed. But I woudn't stop at just a friend or family member. I am alarmed that ANYONE would be invovled with this "church."
If you are a Christian and guardian of truth, do you believe you have a responsibility to tell that truth?
Yes, I do. "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge..." ~ Paul, 1 Timothy 6:20
Do you know the truth?
Yes - Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Truth is that which corresponds to reality.
Is there any noticeable difference between his church and yours?
Very much so!
What are your thoughts?
My thoughts are this is what we are called to do - to defend and guard the Truth. To chase after it with all that we are and to help others see it as well.
Beckwith was a panel member of "The Secret" DVD, and is therefore also in the book, "The Secret" (the DVD was actually produced by first). When Oprah promoted "The Secret" on 2 shows, Beckwith was on both. He told her that after the 1st show, so many people came to his site that it crashed.
There are a lot of faulty statements that he makes. One is saying that his church's teachings are along the lines of "the Gnostic teachings of the earliest Christian mystical sects." Well this was not Christianity and never accepted as such by the first Christians. And the Gnostics did not fully develop their beliefs until the 2nd century, which is when a lot of the Gnostic gospels were written. They were around in early versions of their religion in the early church, and scholars see refutations in a few NT books of some of these early Gnostic teachings in Colossians and 1 John and elsewhere.
Another faulty statement: The Bible Beckwith's church uses is "a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic, rather than the Greek translation used in traditional Christian churches." Note that the word "traditional" here is used to put down the real Bible because "traditional" is meant to sound stuffy and uptight (I am very up on how New Agers/New Thought people use words to put down Christianity - they have a lot of terms they use to do this). And of course, the Gnostic writings came after the Bible, so they are not authentic or as early as the NT.
And they are wrong about who Jesus is, of course. You have to twist Scripture to make it say that Jesus was just an enlightened man who attained "cosmic consciousness," since nothing in the Gospels gives this idea at all. This is why they use their Gnostic version of the Bible (which is not the Bible, of course).
New Thought people can sound Christian, however, and Christians should be more aware of these type of beliefs. For example, I've seen Christian booksellers sell books by Emmet Fox (who was a Divine Science minister) and Anne Lamott, a Christian writer, promotes Emmet Fox.
Ahh man!!! It's a mess.
New Thought goes into mind science. Jesus an enlightened being? Sounds like the wrong Jesus to me. As Christians we are called to defend the truth of the Christian faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Sounds like something is missing at Agape International. What a mess!!
Thank you for the post, Shawn. I had never heard of Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith before reading this. But I went to his website and I think he is someone discerning Christian apologists will need to be aware of.
He presents New Age teaching in the traditional style of a Christian gospel worship service. His belief that we are all reflections of an amorphous God is very much in line with the kind of popular "spirituality" promoted by the likes of Oprah Winfrey. The fact that his congregation appears to be multi-racial will also appeal to many.
Many people in Christian churches attend just for the music, or the community, or out of habit rather than because of convictions about the truth of God and salvation throught Christ. I wouldn't be surprised if the popularity and influence of Beckwith grows in the near future.
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:5
B. S.
Does it matter what we believe?
-It absolutely matters what we believe because we will likely follow and portray what we believe.
If you, a friend or family member was a part of his church, is there any reason to be alarmed?
-The mix of doctrines being practiced is alarming. The quote mentioned referencing world scriptures and sacred texts which implies they are teaching from multiple faiths' writings. I would find it alarming if on one hand principles and precepts are being taught from the Bible but then precepts from the Qu'Ran are taught. This is alarming.
If you are a Christian and guardian of truth, do you believe you have a responsibility to tell that truth?
-I had to think about this one for a minute; yes and no. Using scripture, yes; 2Tim tells us to rightly divide the truth. NIV says "correctly handles". However, I discovered that the truth can be veiled to those who are perishing. - 2Cor 4:3
Do you know the truth? - I believe I do.
Is there any noticeable difference between his church and yours?
-Besides everybody being draped in some colorful dashiki, probably not until the word is being spoken.
To Shawn Hayes - I appreciate your understanding of the word and the way you challenge our minds on the word. I pray that your ministry continues to prosper.
As Hank Hanegraaff puts it,"The tragedy is that too often we look for God in all the wrong places. The real experience is found not in counterfeit formulas but in Christian fundamentals."
Shawn,
Hello. This is indeed a cause for concern. It does matter what one believes, and moreover what one comprehends. Individuals such as Beckwith can lead individuals without discernment astray. Those looking for a belief system can be vulnerable and or develop with such teachings to the level of Jim Jones, or David Koresh. If one is a christian, I do believe one has a responsibility but the interpretation of what one comprehends can be boundless. Therefore, to whom does the truth belong? It is the ability to understand and interpret what one says that develops comfort. It provides security and kinship. It is the unknown that brings insecurities and fear. There is a noticable truth between his church and mine and that is...Whatever and wherever I receive a message. I make connections, interpretations, and comprehension that suits me. I am in his image and the message of no man...walking this earth will overpower and lead askew my belief. The building and the man are the venue and the vessel. I receive, interpret, and believe ultimately for me. I don't say "Amen or Ahhhh Man?", I will say "Hmmmm" Keep your eyes open.
Well, I'm coming from the other side on this one. I've attended Agape and I am a fan of New Thought. There is also such a church in Atlanta, GA with Dr. Barbara King. I am well versed on my bible, the history of Christianity, as well as eastern spiritual thought, and my journey has taught me that there is a place for all of it.
The main point of New Thought and any other inclusive faith is that God is bigger than any particular religious sect, be it Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, etc. I find that putting God in a box is counter-productive to all kinds of progress amongst people of God. So, I think that if we can all focus on being the faith instead of defending the faith, then we could all help take each other closer to what we aspire to be, which is the incarnation of all that God is.
Now, I know that someone will probably spend some time breaking this down and finding the unchristian in it, but why? I think that time could be put to better use by focusing on prayer and being an example. A good example has a much better chance of swaying someone than the dogmatic proclamations of an apologist.
Peace
Here's what God's word says,
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the TRUTH, and be turned aside to fables." -2 Timothy 4:3-4
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron..." -1 Timothy 4:1-2
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the thing which they affirm." -1 Timothy 1:1-7
"But know this that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a FORM of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
...always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the TRUTH." - 2 Timothy 3:1-7
" I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches another gospel to you have received, let him be accursed."
-Galatians 1:6-10
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, beacause they did not receive the love of the TRUTH, that they might be saved.
And for this reason God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
-2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
You may ask, " why use Bible?"
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
-2 Timothy 3:16
Oh, what should the Man of God do?
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching,
...But you be watchful in ALL things, endure afflictions, do the work pf an evangelist, fufill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:2&4
Under the authority of Christ and engaged by the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul and the other apostles described the reality of false doctrines and false teachers influence amongst the Church age whether it be the past, present, or future. That we as Christians should hold "every thought captive to Christ" and "not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Scripture reveals also the way to distinguish the spirit of error to the Spirit of truth, " By this we know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world."
The Bible says, the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you into all truth, and that the truth shall make you free.
And Jesus clearly states that, " I am the way, the truth, and the life"
And Paul says, "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth."
So the Gospel is offensive to the world and its false teachings because it (the Gospel) is the TRUTH.
Jesus not claiming to be a savior, but the SAVIOR!
"because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as GOD, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,...who exchanged the truth of God for a lie,
and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator."
As Christians we must know that Christ is in us, the hope of glory. And that in Christ all things consists, and in all things He has preeminence. So we are complete in Him, and can operate in the Truth and not in a lie.
This video is candy, rotting our teeth away so we cannot consume the meat of God's word.
The hold hands and peace and purpose presentation, truly emmits the demonic agenda of the world to oppose the distinction and truth of the Gospel. Glorifying themselves rather than glorifying God, they operate in motivational speaking, self-changing events, and forms of godliness in promise of promotion of health, wealth, and self fufillment. While true gospel says,"lose your life, and gain it." The only way to salvation and the promise of eternal life is faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus promises that in the world we will have tribulation" and the bible says, " If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us."
In all, we must walk in wisdom, as Ephesians 5: 16-17 says, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Last bu not least, " Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." -Matthew 7:13-23
A definite Ahhh Man to the third power.
I watched the video clip and was moved by the worship and heartfelt expressions of the ministers but quickly realized that this was not a Christian church. I am very curious how it is that the members are able to practice Christianity along side those practicing the teachings of Buddha and other spiritual masters when in fact they all have conflicting/competiting views.
Beckwith’s beliefs, bible and Jesus are all fabricated it seems to produce “a new” belief system that allows "you" to be the central focus with Jesus merely being a cosmic consciousness that helps you feel and live better. The Jesus of Christianity is Lord and encourages you to not only do better but be better.
It saddens me that today’s church attendance is driven widely by worship and spiritual aerobics performed from the pulpit. Churches and Pastors must remember why they exist – to be the voice for the common good of the community; to be representatives and guardians of the Truth; to meet the needs of the elderly, widow, etc. Stop giving people what they want but rather, deem it important, to give them what they need…the TRUTH.
I agree with mjhudson on this one. I think it is a waste of time arguing with the dogmatists and apologists and we should focus on praying to our own God and loving each other...unless your God tells you to hate people and that praying is wrong. And don't ask me to justify that last comment. I know it was dogmatic, but I don't hold it dogmatically. If your God tells you to hate other people, then that's cool too. I don't want to put God in a box. Heck! It is okay for you to believe that God wants you to kill all the humans and save all the whales. There is a place for all faiths. Or you could be like the Zen Buddhists and not believe in God at all. You don't even need a God to worship God. But again, don't ask me how to justify that. I know that it is a contradiction to claim that there is a God and there is not a God, but that is only because you are confined to Western logic. In the East that makes totally sense. But again, I don't mean that dogmatically. Western logic is good too. Eastern logic and western logic are both right. Can't put God in a box. But I don't hold that both eastern logic and western logic are both right dogmatically. I'm just saying...crap. I'm confusing myself by making all these dogmatic statements and then telling you that it's wrong to make dogmatic statements.
The sad part about this is that you have people in this congrergation that don’t understand or even care about sound doctrine. Coming from a similar church as this I know that they are blinded by there feelings as well as being deceived by this false doctrine.
What is truth or sound doctrine? The Christian will tell me it's Christ's teachings. Buddhist's may tell me it's Buddha's teachings. Hindu's may say Krishna, a Muslim Mohammed, and on and on. And all of these individuals will feel just as certain in their "truth" as the next, as they all point to and quote from their particular "word of God" text to prove their position. Thus, I believe the truth must lie somewhere in between.
Until we start to respect other faiths, and possibly even learn from each other as we take our spiritual journeys, we will be at a perpetual stalemate, bogged down with my truth versus your truth. This just doesn't seem like a Godly course to take. This is why the message of people like Michael Beckwith resonates so well with many. It lifts one out of the cat fight game and just focuses on knowing God, loving God, and reflecting God in your walk. it doesn't matter where you come from, it only matters where you're trying to go.
So, it's our choice. We can focus on finding fault in other faith traditions until the end of time, or we can find a way for our "truths" to work together in peace, love, and harmony. I, and a growing number of others, chose the latter.
I can go on and on with this, but my job is done here. If you want more, check out my forthcoming blog.
peace
Mjhudson, what you fail to realize is that Micheal Beckwith is not bringing people together. He is telling all these other religions that they are wrong! He is just as dogmatic as anyone else. Why should I believe him over the person who has historical evidence that supports the veracity of the claims of a religious leader? New Thought provides no such support. It is simply another religion among many. Second, how do you know that what is godly must be in the middle? What is the source of your information about God and what He likes?
Thank you Shawn for your courage in challenging all of us to think about what we hear in our pulpits and churches. Just because someone stands in a position of authority and says they are preaching a Biblical message, does not mean that is the case. So, we must all listen carefully, study the Bible and test every message against the Word of God. Your challenge at the end is also wise. Do we understand what truth is? Can we define it? Or, has it all just become "truth to me" in these pluralistic, tolerant, multicultural times?
I've really enjoyed reading all of the comments. To often we bail out of commenting on blogs like this because they tend to produce more heat than light. MJHudson made some great points, one of them was that Michael Beckwith's message resonates with many because "It lifts one out of the cat fight game and just focuses on knowing God, loving God, and reflecting God in your walk." It's a kind of, "Can't we all just get along" message. But here is the problem; they all can't necessarily get along because they all teach contradictory things. And I don't think we are being very respectful to other faiths when we tell them Michael has it right and the rest of the world (Muslim, Hindu or Christian) have it wrong. MJHudson said, “Beckwith’s message focuses on knowing God, loving God, and reflecting God in our walk, but how is it that Beckwith’s way of knowing God, loving God, and reflecting God in our walk is right and every one else way is wrong? It doesn’t sound like he [Beckwith] is truly being respectful of other faiths. In actuality, I don’t think the issue has anything to do with respect, but rather, truth. The Jehovah’s Witness say Jesus is “a” god and Michael the Archangel, Mormon’s say he is the brother of Lucifer and one of many gods, Christianity teaches, he is Lord, Savior, and the only way, and Michael Beckwith teaches that he is an enlightened being, who attained cosmic consciousness and is one of many ways. Who should I believe Charles Russell, Joseph Smith, the Apostle Paul or Michael Beckwith? Are there good reasons to believe any of them? They may all be wrong, but one thing we cannot say is that they are all right! If Michael Beckwith truly wants to be respectful, he should encourage each person to hold firm to their personal conviction without compromise. Here’s what I’m saying: if a Muslim is to be a good Muslim, he should believe the words of Muhammad; if a Buddhist is to be a good Buddhist, he should follow the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha; If the Christian is to be a good Christian, he should follow the teachings of Christ. Why is it ok for New Thought and other Mind Science leaders or believers, to say, “This is what I was taught, and this is what I believe,” but its not ok for Christians, Muslims or Buddhist to hold their beliefs with the same convictions? Remember, I defend Michael Beckwith’s right to preach his message and to disagree with me in areas of philosophy and theology, but will he and others give me the same liberty and not ask me or the church to water down our beliefs to make people happy? In short, I just want to be a good Christian.
My Mind, My Thoughts, My Heart, My Words
Thank you sharing with us what is on public tv we are all called to hide the word of God in our hearts that we might not sin against thee..psalm 119:16
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