The ‘new old spirituality’ of the US Mennonite Brethren
In this month’s Christian Leader Magazine, a publication of the US Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, is an article called The new old spirituality (PDF here) which correctly states that many people are searching for truth in new and unconventional ways, but unfortunately the article portrays these ‘new old’ ways in a positive light by saying…
“Returning to ancient spiritual practices can help a new generation re-imagine the power of the gospel…”
These are the ‘new old’ ways mentioned in the article:
The Prayer Labyrinth
The Prayer Path
Lectio Divina
Taize
The Jesus Prayer (mantra)
Stations of the Cross
Ignatian Examen
Spiritual Direction
Contemplative spiritual disciplines
The Desert Fathers
Besides using these contemplative terms, the author of this article, Tim Neufeld, also recommends the following contemplative resources:
~The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice, by Tony Campolo and Mary Darling (Jossey-Bass, 2007)
~Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, by Richard J. Foster ( HarperOne, 1988 )
~Soul Shaper by Tony Jones(Zondervan, 2003)
~Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus, by Mark
Yaconelli (Zondervan, 2006)~Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (InterVarsity Press, 2005)
~Weavings Journal: a Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, published bimonthly (Upper Room)
~Ancient-Future Faith: Rethinking Evangelicalism for a Postmodern World by Robert Weber
According to Christian Leader Magazine, Tim Neufeld is a professor of contemporary Christian ministries at Fresno Pacific University (see Can Christians support Buddhist monks?) and is on the pastoral staff at North Fresno MB Church. According to his blog (click here), he is also studying at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where he is learning to dwell in the word using Lectio Divina, a practice that can be traced back to the Desert Fathers. Also promoted on his blog are Bono, U2, and the One Campaign. (Read further about these here: ONE world, ONE faith, ONE plan and The RED 3-legged Stool).
Between the pages of The new old spirituality in the Christian Leader Magazine is an article called Church incorporates prayer labyrinth into Holy Week by Lori Belden Pope, describing the prayer labyrinth at one California community church in commemoration of Good Friday which was all about the journey through this world, with God as the guide.
Carl Teichrib of Forcing Change exposes this myth about the Labyrinth being a Christian practice in the following article:
The Labyrinth Journey: Walking the Path to Fulfillment?
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/05/teichrib/labyrinth.htm
If anyone has concerns about the promotion of the ‘new old spirituality’ promoted in the Christian Leader Magazine, which is THE official magazine of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches, send your comments here:
Editor: Connie Faber, editor@usmb.org
ROM Index: High
NOTE - Additional recommended reading:
The Evangelical Attraction to Mysticism -Berean Beacon
Oops, sorry about that last one. What I wanted to say was that you list a bunch of things you’re concerned about in this post, but I don’t know much about any of them. I’d be interested in reading your thoughts about what’s wrong with this stuff.
That’s a very good question Nathan. It’s a good thing that you have not yet encountered any of these terms. Now when you do, you will be forewarned. The problem with the methods and resources listed is that they are all part of a growing trend in the church towards contemplative spirituality. While many Christians are attracted to these new (old) ways, the fact is that at the heart of this spirituality is mysticism.
Here is an excellent ariticle about contemplative prayer and mysticism:
http://www.svchapel.org/Resources/Articles/read_articles.asp?ID=108
No where in the Bible are we told to use certain prayer techniques to experience God’s presence. As Christians we can boldy approach Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. The methods taught in contemplative spiritual formation are based on the teachings of mystics. Here is a list of mystics who are often quoted by contemplatives: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/christianmysticspast.htm
The problem with mysticism, according to author/researcher Ray Yungen, is this: “As a movement, those who practice contemplative prayer, on the whole, tend to develop spiritual kinship to Eastern religions, especially Buddhism.”
One of the more popular mystics is Thomas Merton, who said:
“I see no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity … I intend to become as good a Buddhist as I can.” He basically tried to relate the mystical traditions of other religions (Taoism, Buddhism) into Christianity - a spiritual bridge, so to speak, from the East to the West. That is what contemplative spirituality is all about.
The Bible warns us that this will happen (1 Tim 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3).
Many of the links provided within the above article will help to explain these issues, please take a look at them.
The core issue is whether my opinion or personal sense of fulfillment leads to reality over against historic experience based on the authority of God’s revelations. Both alternatives promise internal peace–but only one has a peace that is strong enough for whatever troubles that lie ahead. God’s peace is a living reality that comes as a byproduct of seeking to be right with God as God has outlined the walk. Cheers, Herb
These are important topics for Christians today - thanks for your website!
Please note that your link to my website under “Blogroll” was to an old site that is now down, so the link is broken. The new website is http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org
In line with your concerns, I have an article on Contemplative Prayer at http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_ContemplativePrayer1.html
and one on Labyrinths at
http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Labyrinth.html
God bless!
Marcia Montenegro