Mysticism Infiltrating the Church(es) ....

[j102]

And herein lies the problem .... The cults use these terms that are biblical to their own advantage, often seemingly harmless, like meditation, for example, which in the realm of Mysticism can easily lead one straight into the occult. Many people think they are entering the presence of God, when in fact, they are opening up doors to the other spiritual realm, with demonic activity instead ....

Even signs and wonders can be from the enemy, deceiving many, as we see with Todd Bentley and associates ......

I think this just begs the question: If demonic activity can be biblically supported (using the bible to their advantage), confuse believers to think they are in the presence of God when they're in the presence of demons, and can perform signs and miracles, how does one know they haven't been decieved? How does one know that their biblical knowledge isn't founded on half-truths twisted by demonic spirits, how does one know that the presence/guidance/relationship of God isn't really an evil spirit pretending to be benevolent which has snared them into their trap, how does one know that the miracles they witnessed are not of demons and really of God?

one just needs to be familiar enough with the bible in order to know if something isn't biblically correct. the bible also says to test the spirits to see if they come from god and also pray for godly wisdom and discernment

[Guest borderline]

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[Guest borderline]

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Edited July 16, 2012 by borderline

[nChrist]

I'm not going to strain gnats with definitions - we can agree to disagree. I would also point out that nobody participating in this thread is an Apostle, and the Apostles were definitely dealing with God. The Scriptures do apply to the topic, and it's a topic that's needed. If you disagree - that's fine. This is why some are more susceptible than others in being sucked into these practices. Now we're back to the purpose for the thread.

[Guest borderline]

[

Edited July 16, 2012 by borderline

[nChrist]

I'm not going to strain gnats with definitions - we can agree to disagree. I would also point out that nobody participating in this thread is an Apostle, and the Apostles were definitely dealing with God. The Scriptures do apply to the topic, and it's a topic that's needed. If you disagree - that's fine. This is why some are more susceptible than others in being sucked into these practices. Now we're back to the purpose for the thread.

All I'm saying is that mysticism isn't idolatry, witchcraft, soothsaying, false prophecies, astrology, magic, etc.

Though many Christian's like to believe it is.

Several of God's people in the bible like Paul and John have mystical elements to their experiences and writings. And mystics like John of the Cross and Catherine of Siena have attained a higher level of Christian faith and fruitage through it.

The word is twofold. It comes from the word myeo meaning to initiate or consecrate, and myo, meaning close the eyes or mouth. Myticism is the higher consecration of man. And the question remains whether mysticism is genuinely scriptural, even in it's Christian form. It's difficult to define the word even in Christian terms. It's doubtful that there is any biblical support for mysticism. It's not an obvious occurance in scripture unless we deduct it ourselves in our interpretation.

One meaning is to press beyond the external forms of religion to an attempted direct knowledge of God.

The word isn't found in scripture.

All you're saying is that you disagree and we disagree. Your disagreement doesn't change the truth and reality. The truth and reality are as stated, and the Scriptures do apply to the topic. Your narrowing the topic down to something isolated doesn't change the absolute facts that the larger picture still exists. In other words, you're arguing against facts that are intentionally addressed bluntly by the Holy Bible.

Mystic

MYS'TIC

MYS'TICAL, a. [L.mysticus.] Obscure; hid; secret.

The above is the big picture. If you still disagree with the facts - that's your problem. It's like saying this marble is blue, so marbles of other colors don't exist. Sure they do - you just have to look at other marbles. In other words, you're saying that because there are good examples that bad examples don't exist. Regardless, I'm through with this topic until new and anticipated information is posted.

[vja4Him]

I'm not going to strain gnats with definitions - we can agree to disagree. I would also point out that nobody participating in this thread is an Apostle, and the Apostles were definitely dealing with God. The Scriptures do apply to the topic, and it's a topic that's needed. If you disagree - that's fine. This is why some are more susceptible than others in being sucked into these practices. Now we're back to the purpose for the thread.

All I'm saying is that mysticism isn't idolatry, witchcraft, soothsaying, false prophecies, astrology, magic, etc.

Though many Christian's like to believe it is.

Several of God's people in the bible like Paul and John have mystical elements to their experiences and writings. And mystics like John of the Cross and Catherine of Siena have attained a higher level of Christian faith and fruitage through it.

The word is twofold. It comes from the word myeo meaning to initiate or consecrate, and myo, meaning close the eyes or mouth. Myticism is the higher consecration of man. And the question remains whether mysticism is genuinely scriptural, even in it's Christian form. It's difficult to define the word even in Christian terms. It's doubtful that there is any biblical support for mysticism. It's not an obvious occurance in scripture unless we deduct it ourselves in our interpretation.

One meaning is to press beyond the external forms of religion to an attempted direct knowledge of God.

The word isn't found in scripture.

All you're saying is that you disagree and we disagree. Your disagreement doesn't change the truth and reality. The truth and reality are as stated, and the Scriptures do apply to the topic. Your narrowing the topic down to something isolated doesn't change the absolute facts that the larger picture still exists. In other words, you're arguing against facts that are intentionally addressed bluntly by the Holy Bible.

Mystic

MYS'TIC

MYS'TICAL, a. [L.mysticus.] Obscure; hid; secret.

The above is the big picture. If you still disagree with the facts - that's your problem. It's like saying this marble is blue, so marbles of other colors don't exist. Sure they do - you just have to look at other marbles. In other words, you're saying that because there are good examples that bad examples don't exist. Regardless, I'm through with this topic until new and anticipated information is posted.

What do you think about Rick Warren and his staff members promoting books by the late Mystic Henri Nouwen? It shouldn't be hard for any true believer in Jesus Christ, who believes the Word of God (the Bible) to clearly understand that Christians should NOT be promoting books by Henri Nouwen!

[nChrist]

What do you think about Rick Warren and his staff members promoting books by the late Mystic Henri Nouwen? It shouldn't be hard for any true believer in Jesus Christ, who believes the Word of God (the Bible) to clearly understand that Christians should NOT be promoting books by Henri Nouwen!

I think it's insane. From what I understand, Nouwen was a gay universalist priest who leaned heavily toward Hindu teachings and practices. This would be a perfect example for this thread. I read a few quotes from him after seeing your question, and I find it ridiculous that any Christian would recommend his books and materials. However, Rick Warren doing this doesn't surprise me at all. I think these are signs of the end times of this Age of Grace where there is a departure from sound doctrine with a mixture of evil.

[Dionysiou]

What do you think about Rick Warren and his staff members promoting books by the late Mystic Henri Nouwen? It shouldn't be hard for any true believer in Jesus Christ, who believes the Word of God (the Bible) to clearly understand that Christians should NOT be promoting books by Henri Nouwen!

I think it's insane. From what I understand, Nouwen was a gay universalist priest who leaned heavily toward Hindu teachings and practices. This would be a perfect example for this thread. I read a few quotes from him after seeing your question, and I find it ridiculous that any Christian would recommend his books and materials. However, Rick Warren doing this doesn't surprise me at all. I think these are signs of the end times of this Age of Grace where there is a departure from sound doctrine with a mixture of evil.

lol everyones got their own ideas on everything. Wheres the guidance of the Holy Spirit? They have been saying it's the end times for thousands of years, every generation thinks they are really close.

Edited March 10, 2011 by Dionysiou

[Guest man]

lol everyones got their own ideas on everything. Wheres the guidance of the Holy Spirit? They have been saying it's the end times for thousands of years, every generation thinks they are really close.

What does it matter if we're in the end times or not? A lie is still a lie, no matter the time of day. Evil knows no season, is always prevalent and on the attack.

Luke 12

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.

Matthew 24

48 But if that evil servant says in his heart,