Laodicea!...You May be Wealthy, But YOU'RE POOR!!!!

In 2010 I did a post on Tyler Perry's confession to Oprah Winfrey, called "Tyler Perry & The Placed Of Parted Company". In that post I praised Perry for his open confession of the sexual abuse and molestation that he had suffered as a child and stated that I am not willing to throw him under the bus because of what many held to be his speculative sexual past, especially in light of what he had suffered both as a child and young adult. 

I yet praise that confession, because the cesspool of sexual abuse is devastating and no child or person deserves to go through life changing events such as those in any way. However, over time, there has been additional information revealed that I believe adds context to both past and historical events regarding the issue and what we have become to accept as the "Christian "church. 

Follow The Timeline

First, looking back, Tyler, according to his statements during that period of time, was in a relationship with whom I believe we can safely assume was the woman currently carrying his child, Gelila Bekele. I say safely assume, because in a 2011 interview in Ebony Magazine, Tyler did not actually say who it was that he "thought" was pregnant by him even though he claimed that she was "really special" to him. 

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MegaFest To Mega-Controversy

If controversy was what Bishop T.D. Jakes wanted as a result of MegaFest 2013, then he got ALL that he asked for and then some...

Put T.D. Jakes, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry together in one room, and what do you have? 3 of the wealthiest Black business people in the United States and 3 of the most popular individuals associated with the modern entertainment industry and at least one of which is associated with the gospel and gospel ministry. 

Now, place the same three people at a 3 day MegaFest Conference, add to that by having Tyler Perry lay hands on Jakes,  and Jakes and Oprah share the stage to talk about fatherlessness in America, and top all of that off with Oprah saying, while she's reaching out to God, "I need you"...and what do you have? Probably one of the most controversial and talked about events of the year. 

From pillar to post this event and what happened at the event is reverberating around facebook, google, and every internet venue.  If that was the point of the conference, then on that merit alone, it was a high success.

Why We Are Shocked. 

Many people are shocked because they don't want to believe that any of these people are real. Look at the criticisms, according to them; Tyler is gay, and if he isn't gay, he is unsaved. Look at the reasons why. His
stage presentations are more and more secular and worldly and he dresses in drag to entertain the masses. (which is a shameful thing that most Black actors have been made to do at some point in their entertainment careers) 

Then Oprah, a self proclaimed "Christian free-thinker" who has taken God "out of the box", as we all know, has embraced eclecticism and universalism and what I have called the "many paths" doctrine stating that God can be accessed through many other and various faith paths and beliefs any or all of which have nothing to do with Jesus and some of which are even contrary to the teachings of Jesus. For instance, she has embraced the spiritual deception and ramblings of Eckhart Tolle as I have documented in my series "The New Enlightenment", and teaches that Jesus did not come to die upon the cross, but came to show us the "Christ consciousness" which we all can have just like Jesus did...Oprah has been criticized by some as a modern type of "Jezebel" and a false "prophetess" for all of the aforementioned reasons and more. 

Then T.D. Jakes himself is also controversial. Aside from all that he has done and continues to do to better the plight of humanity through the work of his ministry, the critic says he is not saved because he doesn't understand or teach the trinity and or he too is an "in the closet" homosexual...Well, it is a fact that he tried to suggest that Ruth and Naomi had a lesbian relationship and that David and Jonathon's relationship was suspect as well. In fact here is his exact statement from a message:

“Ruth turns to Naomi and says “I shall not leave thee.” She makes her statement to this woman…that sounds somewhat, somewhere in between poetry, intimacy, and borders on lesbianism. People don’t even know how to explain what Ruth said to Naomi. It makes them uncomfortable. They’re afraid to talk about it. They don’t want to teach on it. Same thing with David and Jonathan…where there were same-sex relationships getting too close, people don’t even know what to say.” ~ [Bishop T.D. Jakes, "Nothing Just Happens" 2001 Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference]

Now, I am yet awaiting anyone who knows whether Bishop clarified or straightened up that statement to let me know...I am awaiting ANYONE who can clarify Oprah's statements and beliefs with additional statements she has made recanting the previous ones to point me toward them also. I certainly don't want to bear false witness. If either of these have corrected their statements, because they are human and may have spoken wrongly, we can promote their corrections just as readily as what was spoken was in obvious error.

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"Confessions" Of Juanita Bynum II, The Law Of Attraction & Devaluing God

On Juanita Bynum's "Inspirational Vitamin, The Power Of Purpose" on V 103 Radio of Atl. she made the startling confession that she has done it all including lesbianism.

Juanita II at V 103

“I’ve been there and I’ve done it all, I’ve [done] the drugs. I’ve been with men. I’ve been with women.” “It’s not a line, it’s my life!”...“That abuse that I suffered was because I attracted after my own kind. That abuse was already sitting in me.”

Now some are up in arms because Juanita so readily and easily admitted that she experimented with lesbianism throughout what she calls her many "conversions". Yes, this is strange and should be alarming. but the truth is that every "sinner" doesn't sin the same and we all know that Juanita has long had a mental challenge that was made worse when her marriage to Bishop Thomas Weeks II was destroyed. 

There is no way that anyone could think that this lady was thinking with a full deck when she changed her name and showed up to her birthday celebration in her wedding gown and with a sword in hand...FYI: Juanita was far gone at that point and all most of her fans wanted to know was when she was going to next preach so that  they could receive some type of prophecy or to help make a conference budget if they were the sponsor. Y'u-know, they wanted to know when Juanita was going to be able to help make one of those $300,000 to $500,000 offering nights. Plain and simple Juanita was and still is a "cash cau" in many places and in many circumstances. 

The Blame Game

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Bishop T. D. Jakes On OWN ~ Many Paths, 1 God, 1 Door...Did He Answer?

New ---> The Tithe & The New Testament ~Overcoming Modern Criticisms <---- New 

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I saw this interview last Sunday evening, but did not hear the Bishop's comments in full context. However, after hearing it this time, it seems that Jakes is saying something that it doesn't seem that he wants to be forced into saying. Not because he doesn't believe it, but because it may not be popular. However, you can make that determination as I could be wrong:

How Bishop T.D. Jakes Describes God

This was part of an hour long interview on OWN. Bishop Jakes was asked by Oprah, were there other "paths" to God.

I was left somewhat confused by the answer. He started off talking about celebrating freedom of religion and "tolerance" THEN changed the conversation to explain how some find God at the church, house, bedroom and even prison. Finding God at various places has NOTHING to do with freedom or tolerance. Why the confusion???

He then affirms that there may be different paths, but only one God and one Door.

Not satisfied with the answer (as well as she should not have been) Oprah ask Jakes more specifically "Are all the religions leading to that path or is it only Christianity leads to that path?"

Jakes then responds by saying that even Christians within Christianity can miss the path....and more specifically that he believes that many people can start in other religions and cross over, even at their last breath, because he believes that Jesus is that door.

Update:
I watched this interview again on Sunday April 15th. Later in another segment in the same interview, Jakes came back to this question and affirmed to Oprah that there "had to be many different paths to God, because we all have different experiences" to which Oprah affirmed that everyone's understanding is a t a different level. so that makes sense.

Jakes equivocated on the word "path" he presented it as if, being saved out of different experiences in life was acceptable. That God can save at home or in church. Oprah believes that ALL RELIGION leads to the same GOd. She believes in eclecticism and universalism.

This was a deceptive move filled with obfuscation. After watching, anyone not concerned about the Bishop's answer that is receiving spiritual guidance from him ought to have him clarify what he means. He denied the same doctrine when Carlton Pearson presented it years ago.  Why does he embrace it now???   

Did he answer the question? I think he did and it is disturbing. 

Blessed!

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When The Church Is Silent

The Podcast pertaining to this article is "What Has The Church Become Pt. 3" 

 Since her show in which Tyler Perry presented his startling revelations of childhood physical and sexual abuse, Oprah Winfrey has increased her conversation on the issue of sexual molestation especially as it pertains to men.

In her mini-series on the issue, Oprah has presented an audience and panel of guests consisting of over 200 men that have suffered and experienced sexual abuse at the hands of either parents, adults, or other family members, and yes…even religious leaders, during their lifetimes.

Two of the formerly abused include twins Patrick and Kevin who were 8 years old church workers who were sexually molested by their priest almost everyday for over 13 years. At one point the priests would pay them for their services as if they were prostitutes. One of the twins, Patrick, said:

"It started with just simple spanking,"… "I'd go over his knee, and he'd casually touch our private parts."

During the most horrific event, multiple priests gang raped he and his brother as if they were solely there for their perverted sexual pleasure. Kevin said:

"I can remember smelling alcohol on their breath,"..."[They] held us against our will."…”You go to school and come back and do your homework or slip in a little abuse during the day during school or after school,"

In my post, 'Have you been A Victim of Clergy Sexual Misconduct', we find that all abuse is evil, but sexual abuse from clergy seems to be especially gut wrenching because it is not only a violation of the spiritual body, but also of the spirit. This is the devastating effect of CSM and the effect that many of the gentleman on Oprah’s panel have discussed.

Where Is The Church?

Aside from shuffling offenders from place to place to cover their atrocities, or providing out of court settlements and loosing places of worship as a result of settlements or judgments that exceed insurance

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Tyler Perry & The Place Of Parted Company

Hear The Accompanying Audio Podcast

What Has The Church Become? Pt. 3

This week playwright and comedian Tyler Perry was on the Oprah Winfrey Show detailing, for the first time, his history of physical abuse, sexual abuse and the adult life struggles that ensued as a result. Tyler described times when beatings were so severe that he once blacked out for 3 days, and sexual abuse from both men (3 before age 10, including one minister who performed oral sex on him) and at least one woman that also wanted to fulfill her lust with a child. Here's a video excerpt of one of the events of physical abuse that changed Tyler forever: Opra.com

Tyler Perry's description of his early years:

"[It was] a living hell,"...(When shown this picture) "That's hard for me to look at,"..."I feel like I died as a child."..."I could go to this park [in my mind] that my mother and my aunt had taken me to. ... I'm there in this park running and playing, and it was such a good day," he says. "So, every time somebody was doing something to me that was horrible, that was awful, I could go to this park in my mind until it was over."

Tyler Perry on coming to know God: 

"I thought, 'What is the point of living?'" he says. "My mother was truly my saving grace, because she would take me to church with her. I would see my mother smiling in the choir, and I wanted to know this God that made her so happy. If I had not had that faith in my life, I don't know where I would be right now."

Let Me Be Clear:

At first, I was under the impression that this interview would be like the Kirk Franklin interview simply outlining the numerous sins and hypocrisy of yet another popular gospel personality. After viewing the show and listening intently to what was said, I can only say that I have a new, deeper and more profound respect for Tyler Perry and what he has endured. I part ways with the punditry that continues to criticize and mischaracterize this man's experiences and desires. Although there is legitimate, ongoing conversation that must be encouraged, I hear LOUD and CLEAR, by his own testimony that Tyler is not nor has ever been a homosexual.

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Ho Rules & The Woman With No Conscience Or Brain

This article is dedicated to all those in the church who are caught or contemplating some sort of extramarital relationship. I know there are many, so don't try to front. There are some principles of whoredom that are consistent. I call them Ho Rules. They are designed to let you know that no matter how things may appear to serve you right now, sexual immorality has an immense cost and toll on a person for a number of years. In some cases it may never be overcome. The aim of this post is to help you avoid the predictable pitfalls of sexual immorality, especially in the church. There is some humor, but please don't miss the message. 

Note: to the GODLY WOMEN, some of you may have been what I point out here, but because of Jesus you are no longer what you were. Thank God and we honor that and let you know that you are precious, valuable and needed now like never before! Teach these men how to identify these things because too many of us really don't know. (I sorry but I placed her picture on the other side of the page, it was too close to mine) Let's proceed: 

Proverbs 6:26

"For by means of a WHORISH WOMAN [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life."

Thursday April 29th, Queen Oprah presented the the story of Rielle "The Psychopath" Hunter, who was, for a time, the mistress of Senator, and then Presidential Candidate, John Edwards.

"I'm conservative that way. I believe in truth. You must live a life of integrity and get all your ducts in a row before you step out."

"I'm a person very much committed to the truth"

On a show that was revealing and personal, I couldn't help but think to myself, "This woman is CRAZY as 2 left shoes on a double clubbed right foot" Rielle tried to paint the picture of her normalcy, her humanity, her realness, her values, her conservatism as IF they were anything close to reality. She tried to explain her sex tape with a married man that she intended to be found...she tried to explain her bond with another woman's husband, which she has no regrets about hurting. Believe me John is in no way exempt and is much worse than this psychologically messed up woman in my opinion, but she the one doing the talking and blaming everyone but herself.  

What she did successfully was reveal that she is suffering from deep psychological problems, an intimate fixation and the whole nine, which from all evidence, she suffered from before she met former Senator and Presidential candidate John Edwards. Rielle suffers from more than an overdose of overt selfishness, and sleepy, calculating stupidity that will bite and sting for life if one is caught in her site.

Ho Rule 1: The ho always wants others to believe that she is a good person and a person who wouldn't hurt or damage anything or anyone.

This is a sham and the ho knows it is a sham. It is a lie to make her feel better about herself and her actions which she knows she wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of. Proverbs 4 and 5 are clear. The ho is destructive and ready to destroy on every hand. Her intents are no good and she will take you to hell. Her words are good and smooth, just like Rielle's, but they are full of deceit. If you didn't know, now you know!

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The Legacy Of The Modern Church

Time To Air Some Dirty Laundry

The 21st Century church is undergoing a modern metamorphosis of epidemic proportions and if it were not for the prayer of Jesus:

Lk. 22:31-31~ "31-And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: 32-But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

The church and all believers would certainly be without hope.

If it were not for the promise of God, I would also be confident that the mutations that we see are irreversible. Why? Because what is emerging does not look like, act like, taste like or even smell like what the apostles and early church died for and what the pioneers of the faith contended for. In fact what is emerging doesn't even resemble any part or type of the dedication that the church had 50 years ago.

Pt. I: Pastor, We've Advanced So Much

Yes we have made our advances in the 21st Century. As noted in my post What Does 21st Century Holiness Look Like?, we as a people, now look better than ever. We live in better homes, we are more mobile and more adept on an array of issues. We are regular thespians in our Platonic and Socratic understandings of the world in which we live. We have made progress in networking, information exchange, systems upgrades, ecumenical ministry target marketing and all, but at what cost has this success come? What has the church paid in return for many of the advances that we have made? Has it cost us a debt that we cannot pay?

One only need to look around to see why I'm even asking the question. From leadership on we seem to be

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The New Enlightenment Pt.4

Rev. 2:18-21 ~ "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."

The July 2008 issue of Charisma Magazine featured a story about Oprah Winfrey entitled "Oprah’s Strange New Gospel" by Ken Walker

In the article, Oprah, a self described "Christian Free-Thinker" is said to have reconciled her current beliefs with her Christian beliefs. She said she "took God out of the box." In the "box" were belief systems, rules and doctrines. She took God out of that box. WOW!

All this time God was waiting for Oprah to liberate HIM. More specifically, it seems as if Oprah has done what over 2000 years of some of the greatest Christian teachers in history, and in her case even Jesus himself, could not do. Get God out of that "box". Self exaltation has many forms even the form of "box openers".

Rev. 2: 22-25- "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come"

As bad as it may be, Oprah is not alone in her quest to help the nation arise to this New Consciousness and metaphysical mysticism that is being promoted both on her show and web-broadcasts. One of the greatest efforts to indoctrinate individuals into New Age philosophical teachings and constructs have been undertaken by corporate America and the public school systems across the country. Collectively called the "Human Potential Movement" these programs teach, and introduce the same or similar concepts to an even grater captive audience. The employees and in many cases students are sometime unwilling participants in "mandatory" seminars and classes designed to tech people how to "think positively", "reach or achieve their potential" or "reflect on yourself to create a better humanity"

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The New Enlightenment Pt. 3

Acts 19:18-20 ~ "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

One of the most dynamic aspects of the New Consciousness is the partnerships that have been developed to proliferate ideas and the enlightenment’s agendas. As stated in The New Enlightenment Pt. 1, New Ageism is currently being taught amongst secular corporations under the guise of worker productivity training, schools under the guise of literacy training and efficient learning techniques and in formal education venues under the guise of transcendental meditation and personal performance and confidence building.

Even health clubs have joined the fray by instituting programs such as Yoga, hypnotism and self-centering. There are NBA coaches such as Phil Jackson aka "The Zen Master", who are known for their practices of Zen Buddhism, which teaches that Zen is the way to the Buddha, which is the way to the mind which is the way to the "nature" (spiritual nature) which is the way to god because all is god. (Say What?)

Hollywood further promotes the New Enlightenment. One of it’s most famous and celebrated series ever in history was "Star Wars" by George Lucas, who admittedly introduced Yoda as a good "Zen Master" in order to draw contrasts between good and evil forces. ("Rolling Stone July 24th 1980 pg. 37) Still other stars such as John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and reportedly even Will Smith are avid Scientologists, who believe in the preeminence of the mind, Pantheism (all is God) and many metaphysical constructs clearly taught within the new enlightenment.

The food industry has joined the move with new, appealing, energy and conscience enhancing foods and drinks such as "Vitamin Water" which offers drink mixtures, some named after many of the 43 elements of the bodhipakkhiyā dhammā (Pali Dhamma) or Qualities Conducive or Related To Enlightenment as found within Buddhism. Even medicines for sexual dysfunction have been given names and variations of names based on eastern religions and constructs. For example Viagra is a variation of the term Viraga (also Buddhism) which means absence of desire. Viraga is one of the six special elements of enlightenment found within the Pali Canon’s Netti discourse.

As stated one of the most prolific examples of this new strategy is the partnership between New York Times Best Selling Author Eckhart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey’s O Web Network. It is reported that there have been over 27 Million downloads of Tolle’s Monday night e-web-cast seminars on the O-Web Network which proliferates the message the book "A New Earth" which is a newly repackaged version of spiritual bondage, eclecticism, mysticism, new ageism, Hinduism, and the new enlightenment in general. Modern history has not witnessed such a wholesale interest in mysticism and non-church spirituality as we are seeing through this book "A New Earth" and Oprah’s Web Network.

The problem is in part because the stage and venue of Oprah Winfrey is large and very popular. This unfortunately, has led to a validation by many of today’s top Christian leaders such a Bishop T.D. Jakes and gospel singers such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and of course the Winan Family who have been friends and associates with Oprah before she became famous.

The result is that many Christians trying to find comfort, direction and inspiration have unknowingly been duped and baptized into these mystical teachings unknowingly, some without even questioning the content or spiritual outcomes of following occultism.

So that you that are spiritual can get an idea of just how insidious many of these teachings are, I have decided to summarize some of the more disturbing lessons from Eckhart Tolle’s best seller, "A New Earth."

First, Some History:

According to The Christian Research Institute Mr. Tolle suffered from a rather disturbing childhood in which there was abuse, neglect and a host of experiences unbefitting for a child to suffer. It was during that time at approximately ages 7 to 10 that he began to experience depression and feelings of suicide. In the midst of that despair, reportedly, he suddenly became aware of his interconnectedness with the universe. This feeling of "oneness" with creation eventually led him to begin receiving certain information or "wisdom" regarding life’s circumstances and situations. This cosmic knowledge and teaching has followed him and shaped his work even until today.

Initially, I wondered why Mr. Tolle’s book was simply, "A New Earth" instead of "a new heaven and a new Earth" but it didn’t take long to find the answer:

• "Collective human consciousness and life on our planet are intrinsically connected. "A new heaven" is an emergence of a transformed state of human consciousness, and "a new earth" is a reflection in the physical realm. Since human life and human consciousness are intrinsically one with the life of the planet, as the old consciousness dissolves, there are bound to be synchronistic geographic and climatic natural upheavals in many parts of the planet, some of which we’re already witnessing now." Pg. 23

According to Mr. Tolle we may blame all of the natural tragedies such as hurricaines, global warming, typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes and other upheaveals on him and Oprah for stirring the human consciousness. I am left to wonder what will happen before the universal consciousness is fully reached. Besides his utter confusion and desire for deification, the concept that jumps out here is Pantheism or "oneness" with all existence, which is an underlying staple of the entire book. In this case human life and human consciousness as "one with the life of the planet" This is further affirmed:

• "...the divine life essence, the one indwelling consciousness or spirit of every creature, every life form, recognize it as one with their own essence and so love it as themselves." Pg. 4
• "Any life form in any realm-mineral, vegetable, animal, or human-can be said to undergo "enlightenment." Pg. 3

Mr. Tolle borrows labels from Hinduism such as "ego" to indicate the "unawakened" individual self (Pg. 7) and "collective Ego" to indicate institutions such as the church or governments in which there is order. Here is what can only be amounted to as a prophecy against "collective ego":

• "We are witnessing not only an unprecedented influx of consciousness at this time but also an entrenchment and intensification of the ego. Some religious institutions will be open to the new consciousness; others will harden their doctrinal positions and become part of all those other manmade structures through which the collective ego will defend itself and "fight back" " Pg. 19
• "But ego is destined to dissolve, and all of its ossified structures, whether they be religious or other institutions, corporations, or governments, will disintegrate from within, no matter how deeply entrenched they appear to be. The most rigid structures, the most impervious to change will collapse first. Pg. 19
• "A significant portion of the earth’s population will soon recognize, if they haven’t already done so, that humanity is now faced with a stark choice: evolve or die." Pg. 21

• "We are coming to the end of not only mythologies but also of ideologies and belief systems." Pg. 21

The book itself is a treasure-trove of mysticism and convoluted thoughts. One only need open and read any paragraph and a host of problems are presented. The amazing thing is that he sees clearly what is happening and defines it openly.

• "In Hindu teachings (and sometimes in Buddhism also), this transformation is called enlightenment. In the teachings of Jesus, it is salvation, and in Buddhism, it is the end of suffering. Liberation and awakening are other terms used to describe this transformation." Pg. 13
• "Partially as a result of spiritual teachings that have arisen outside the established religions, but also due to the influx of the ancient eastern wisdom teachings, a growing number of followers of traditional religions are able to let go of identification with form, dogma, and rigid belief systems and discover the original depth that is hidden within their own spiritual tradition at the same time as they discover the depth within themselves. They realize that how spiritual you are has nothing to do with what you believe but everything to do with your state of consciousness." Pg. 18

• "All religions are equally false and equally true, depending on how you use them." Pg. 70

One of the more troublesome issues with Mr. Tolle’s book is his complete and wholesale redefinition of scripture and especially the teachings of Jesus.

On The Holy Spirit’s Roll In The Earth:

• "This is why these three "en-lightened" life forms have played such an important part in the evolution of human consciousness since ancient times; why, for example, the jewel in the lotus flower is a central symbol of Buddhism and a white bird, the dove, signifies the Holy Spirit in Christianity. THEY have been preparing the ground for a profound shift in planetary consciousness that is destined to take place in the human species. This is the spiritual awakening that we are beginning to witness now." Pg. 5

Now, notice in Tolle’s world view the Holy Spirit is working in tandem with Buddhism’s lotus flower the and "crystal" of Hinduism to prepare humanity for a great spiritual awakening. If that wasn’t bad enough he also redefines terms, especially biblical terms, and especially the teachings of Jesus and biblical doctrines. The following are examples:

Redefinition of Sin:

• "According to Christian teachings, the normal collective state of humanity is one of "original sin". Sin is a word that has been greatly misunderstood and misinterpreted. Literally translated from the Greek in which the New Testament was written, sin means to miss the mark, as an archer who misses the target, so to sin means to miss the point of human existence. It means to live unskillfully, blindly, and thus to suffer and cause suffering." Pg. 9

• "This results in a total unawareness of my connectedness with the whole, my intrinsic oneness with every "other" as well as with the source. This forgetfulness is original sin, suffering, delusion. Pg. 22
  

Redefinition Of Heaven:

• "We need to understand here that heaven is not a location but refers to an inner realm of consciousness. This is the esoteric meaning of the word, and this is also the meaning in the teachings of Jesus." Pg. 23

Redefinition Of Humanity's Relationship With God:

• "I am the way the truth and the life." These words uttered by Jesus are one of the most powerful and direct pointers to the Truth, if understood correctly. If misinterpreted however they become a great obstacle. Jesus speaks of the innermost I Am, the essence identity of every man and woman, every life form in fact." Pg. 71

As if that weren’t enough:

• "He (Jesus) speaks of the life that you are. Some Christian mystics have called it the Christ within; Buddhists call it you Buddha nature; for Hindus it’s Atman, the indwelling of God. When you are in touch with that dimension within yourself-and being in touch with it is your natural state, not some miraculous achievement- all your actions and relationships will reflect the oneness with all life that you sense deep within. This is love. Laws commandments, rules and regulations are necessary for those who are cut off from who they are, the Truth within." Pg. 71-72
  
  
• "A new heaven and a new earth are arising within you at this moment, and if they are not arising at this moment they are no more than a thought n your head and therefore not rising at all. What did Jesus tell his disciples?" Heaven is right here in the midst of you." pg. 309-309

Reinterpretation Of Scripture Especially The Meek Inheriting The Earth:

• "...the meek are the egoless. They are those who have awakened to their essential true nature as consciousness and recognize that essence in all "others" all life-forms. They live in a surrendered state and so feel their oneness with the whole and the Source. They embody the awakened consciousness that is changing all aspects of life on our planet, including nature because life on earth is inseparable from the human consciousness that perceives and interacts with it. This is the sense in which the meek will inherit the earth.
  A new species is arising on the planet. It is arising now, and you are it!" Pg. 309

On the atrocities of Christianity towards the world especially during medieval times Mr. Tolle says the following:

• "The truth was considered more important than human life. And what was the Truth? A story you had to believe in; which means a bundle of thoughts." Pg. 70
  

In teaching on "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding" Mr Tolle sums up his observations as such:

• "You realize your true identity as consciousness itself, rather than what consciousness had identified with. That’s the peace of God. The ultimate truth of who you are is not I am this or I am that, but I Am." pg. 57

Mr. Tolle clearly teaches relativism. There is No right and certainly no wrong. In this instance he redefines covetousness as just "consciousness" (ego). He says that it is neither right or wrong.

• "Is it wrong then to be proud of one’s possessions or to feel resentful toward people who have more than you? Not at all." pg. 41

Mr. Tolle's declaration of the self existence of man is clear. He reverberates Exodus 3 where God described himself as "I AM" which is the ultimate statement of self-existence. Just in case one would doubt it he says it even more clearly regarding "truth":

• The truth is inseparable from who you are. Yes, you are the Truth. If you look elsewhere, you will be deceived every time. The very being that you are is truth." Pg. 71

In Tolle’s world the addict, rapist, child abuser and the dedicated, God fearing, law abiding citizen are all morally equal to the truth. There is no commendation or reward for doing the right thing other than becoming "enlightened". Over 27 Million individuals have partaken of this doctrine of devils to some degree.

2 Tim. 4:3-4 ~ " For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables."

The scripture in the beginning of this segment Acts 19: 18-19, is telling. After devils had been cast out in Ephesus, and miracles done among God’s people. People were able to more clearly hear and understand the voice of God. The "many of them that believed" came and "confessed their deeds".

Some interpret this scripture to be regarding only them who beforehand did not know Christ and were coming to saving faith. This is an incorrect interpretation. Although, there may have been individuals who did originally come to Jesus this verse focused on those who already had a conviction of salvation but were "bound" with the wrong practices. The word "believed" or Pisteuo – deals with one who has had a moral conviction and has cone to believe and yield in trust to…

I began to wonder how many Christians had misplaced their trust, placing it in Oprah or Tolle or someone else? How many had picked up some habits and materials that yet bind s their hears and keeps them away from the full experience of blessing in Jesus?

Them that "believed" turned in 50,000 pieces of silver, which is roughly the equivalent of $1,600,000. Being bound is easy, being free comes with a price. Thankfully Jesus has paid it all.

You think this is confined to Oprah and Eckhart Tolle? I've got news for ya. In Pt. 4 we will discover how these same teachings have infiltrated many of our top U.S. corporations through the guise of performance and workplace teaching and training. We’ll show how these same concepts have infiltrated our school systems through literacy education training and seeks to destroy our families through redefining truth and family values.

Blessed!

Additional Resources Regarding Eckhart Tolle:

Paradise Still Lost

by the Christian Research Institute

Additional Resources Regarding The New Enlightenment:

When Skeptics Ask

By Norm Geisler & Ron Brooks

Additional Information:

Read more!

The New Enlightenment Pt. 1

There is an emergence of a new enlightenment or new consciousness evangelizing both secular and religious society and seeking to alter and or remove the message of Jesus in particular from every fact of daily life. At the very least this new enlightenment seeks to place all religions on equal level by borrowing bits and pieces from each one, creating a new spirituality that supposedly transcends thoughts, material and being. Further, this enlightenment has no boundaries and will use every means possible to promote itself and proliferate its message.

Often called the New Age movement by many within Christian circles, these teachings are eclectic (inclusive of many brands of religious and secular thought) and humanistic in nature. The adherents are unrestrained by current religious and doctrinal teachings and are especially rejecting of Christian truths which are often criticized as divisive, weak and ineffective dogma’s.


This new consciousness appeals to the masses and is marketed through corporate productivity and personal improvement seminars, popular books and book clubs, (Alas, my dear beautiful Oprah Winfrey-Ooh how forsaken I feel!) and for credibility’s sake, implores the use of educational terms such as cognitive science (CS) or cognitive science religion (CSR), modern psychology and scientific psychological mapping.

The goals of this new consciousness are noteworthy:

To help humanity achieve it’s potential
To help individuals reach their goals
To help individuals live a better life
To help individuals create more meaningful relationships
To create better workplace environments
To accentuate and focus on the positives and positive thoughts
To help unite humanity in a common cause against hunger, poverty, illiteracy and civil and social injustices.

The problem is not so much the goal, but the method used and encouraged to achieve the end. I am afraid that if we are not careful, our desire to relieve the burdens of the world will only lead to a greater and deeper frustration and ultimately judgement from God.

In order to achieve success new age apostles whether knowingly or unknowingly are generally following the orders of Paul Kurtz and the Humanist Manifesto 2000 in one form or another. As I stated in "The Legacy Of Atheism’s Queen" The objectives and mission statement of the Council For Secular Humanism are as follows:

"…The wider platform for human progress as part of a New Enlightenment needs, I submit, to advocate secularism in the above three senses:
(1) the separation of religion from the state;
(2) the humanization of values that satisfy the deeper interests and needs of human beings; and
(3) the decline of religious practice, entailing the growth of the Human City in place of the City of God."

As you may note, the emphasis is on values, education and the removal of God or religion in general from society. There are several ways that this is being achieved.

• Remove God and any inference to religion from our schools (X)
• Removed God and any inference to him from our courts (X) *
• Remove God and any inference to him from our currency (X)
• Replace all values with humanistic values (X)
• Eliminate biblical morality (X)
• Establish a new morality based on human reasoning, understanding and benefits (X)
• Redefine family values and civil rights by promoting homosexuals and lesbian marriages (X)
• Retrain the mind to believe that all spiritual inclinations are only an extension of biological functions (X)
• Remove God, specifically Jesus, from our hearts (__)
  * = excludes humanistic religion
  I left # 7 blank on purpose, because you may be the last part of the plan still yet standing.

Rev. 13:18 ~ "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

God has been removed from the schools as an uninvited guest, now we have rampant behavioral problems, guns, violence and gross underperformance in far too many places. "In God We Trust" is now being imprinted on the side of currency in effort to move any reference to HIS being. It is obvious, we are witnessing the effort to remove God from society in general. We must admit that the secularists have been successful and that the popular tide is against God.

This is regardless of how many hurricanes we experience, earthquakes we witness, uncontrollable fires that occur and droughts that we experience. Unfortunately, terrorist attacks and wars are short-lived inconveniences that cause us to pause and reflect on ourselves and God briefly and then recommit to strengthen the goals of humanity and double our sins.


Rev. 16:8-11 ~ "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds."

In all of this there is one thing that we must note. Man, being the spiritual vessel that he is, has a desire to replace what is lost after asking God to exit. Cognitive science religion (CSR) has declared that man’s brain is "hard-wired and psychologically prepared to believe in God" and further "pass on religious ideas to others in the form of religions and rituals" (The Christian Research Journal Vol 31 No. 2, "Does Religion Originate In The Brain" pg.36 Paul Copan) Whether or not this is true, The whole subject is a bain of conflict for the humanist and materialist.

As stated, lofty goals can be set, but there must be a vehicle in place to help one achieve. So although the humanist believes that he/she is in total control of their futures and destiny, according to their own approved brand of current studies, there must be a path or pattern whereby one can compensate for any perceived spiritual deficiencies and also achieve their goals and supposedly take back control of their own lives.

If this sounds like it’s above your head, don’t be intimidated AT ALL. One thing we are sure of is that it’s nothing new:

Eccl. 1:9 ~ "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."

From the late night security guard to the televangelist, everyone is talking about laws, keys, and steps to success and personal fulfillment. From Russell Simmons "Do You" outlining 12 Laws to success to












Rhonda Byrne’s "The Secret" explaining and promoting the understanding of the overarching Universal Law Of Attraction to











Eckhart Tolle’s "A New Earth" and "The Power Of Now", which is repackaged Hinduism and mysticism for a western audience, there is a preoccupation and obsession with laws and principles to help you achieve your success.








To keep up with the trend, there is currently a whole host of "Christian potential" books on the market. Some of the titles are

"Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits" by my man Bishop T.D Jakes,











"Birthing Your Dreams" 2004 Paula White,














"Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential" 2004 and "Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day" 2007 along with the study guide to help you "Live At Your Full Potential" by Pastor Joel Osteen











Then there was Bishop Thomas Weeks III,"Even As Your Soul Prospers: Realize Your Purpose Release Your Blessings."2004,

and his former spouse Juanita Bynum’s "Matters Of The Heart: Stop Trying To Fix The Old. Let God Give You Something New." 2002











Last but certainly not least, there’s Dollar Creflo’s "Total Life Prosperity: 14 Practical Steps To Receiving God’s Full Blessing" 1999 and my all time personal favorite title "8 Steps To Create The Life You Want" 2008,






Amazingly most of these writings are designed to do one or all of the following:

• To help raise higher thoughts and conscious awareness
• To help increase spiritual focus
• To help clear the focus on actual desires
• To help eliminate the "noise" of life or center ones self
• To help increase your God given or natural abilities and potentials
• To help bring you out of fear and into faith
• To help increase you personal and material wealth
• To help improve you physical health and wellbeing

Although various authors implore various methods the goals are generally the same or very similar as those I’ve outlined. To be specific, what we are experiencing is a resurgence of religious eclecticism, Eastern mysticism and metaphysical thought systems.

For the Christian the message has become about appealing to the masses and seeker sensitivity. This is to our utter shame. The reason that mysticism and the new enlightenment have become so appealing is due to the church's lack of consistency of both message and living. The message of sin and repentance has now become a message of "brokeness" and "psychological and spiritual healing". The encouragement to free ourselves from negative thoughts is requires that we relieve ourselves of critical thinking capacities toward leadership and replacing good stewardship and accountability with degrees of personality, sensationalism, association and assimilation.

Our desire to not offend and to win mass appeal, has led to the dysfunctionalisms that we observe in many of our churches and experience through many of our ministries. During a recent battle for the culture of our school system CLICK HERE, I exposed a particular evasive teaching that "stirred up" many individuals in our city.

During the heat of the battle I was contacted by a "spaghetti-backed" pastor telling me that he didn't want to be "professionally associated" with me because of my stance against allowing occultism in the schools system was overbearing. After pondering the issue and checking as to what may have been this persons motivation, there were quite a few discoveries made. One of the most significant ones was that he (the pastor) about a year prior, had lost a church because he had an affair with the secretary... CHURCH secretary!

Now, that's beyond belief...A defrocked, adulterous Pastor didn't want to be "professionally associated" with me because he thought I might make "him look bad" or " taint his image"....Shockingly, he was right...His image was certainly not the image of God and I would have adequately tainted his image of flesh with righteousness and holiness.

Little does the average apostate know that the reason the new enlightenment is tricking and attracting so many is because of what we live, not so much as what we say, but what we live or in all too many cases DON'T live.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Blessed!

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