PASTOR RALPH OVADAL'S UPDATE ON REFO500: "A POPISH OCTOPUS WITH A VERY LONG REACH"

Pastor Ralph Ovadal of Pilgrims Covenant Church, Monroe, Wisconsin, www.pccmonroe.org, has just released a consolidated and updated report on the Dutch REFO500, which has very little to do with the real Reformation and a lot to do with Protestant apostate ecumenism and the Catholic counter-Reformation. Below is the entire report unedited:

The Transcript of a Heart of the Matter Documentary on Refo500: "A Popish Octopus with a Very Long Reach"

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Pilgrims Covenant Church <pcc@pccmonroe.com>	Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 7:22 PM
The Transcript of a Heart of the Matter Documentary on Refo500: "A Popish Octopus with a Very Long Reach" AUDIO LINK:  http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=523132214375 Main speaker, Ralph Ovadal, pastor of Pilgrims Covenant Church Closing commentary by Rev. Ivan Foster, Free Presbyterian Church, Ret. All facts stated in this documentary are from primary sources. w.refo500.nl/en/ Hello, everyone; welcome to this special edition of the Heart of the Matter. For quite sometime now, a few of us, a precious few of us, have been very concerned about a large, well organized, very far-reaching organization called Refo500. I hope you will take the time to listen well to this documentary, which is an in-depth look at a very deep well of ecumenical corruption, which is in truth nothing less than an instrument of popery, part and parcel of the strategy conceived and announced by Vatican II, and which has been so successfully carried out now for almost fifty years. I have spoken many times about that strategy, and I have written on it as well. It is hard not to speak on it now, but there are many facts I need to set before you in the next hour or so.  Thus, I am going to only give you two quotes from two different Vatican II documents. These are things to keep in mind as we progress with this documentary. Concerning "ecumenical dialogue" with "non-Catholic communities," especially, of course, evangelical Christians--this ecumenical dialogue which is at the heart of the Vatican II ecumenical cooperation strategy--we have this, that it "serves to transform modes of thought and behavior and the daily life of those Communities [that is, non-Catholiccommunities]. In this way, it aims at preparing the way for their unity of faith in the bosom of a Church one and visible: thus 'little by little,' as the obstacles to perfect ecclesial communion are overcome, all Christians will be gathered, in a common celebration of the Eucharist, into that unity of the one and only Church which Christ bestowed on His Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, dwells in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose . . .'" And of course, that is the Roman Catholic Church. And then we have this: "ecumenical cooperation is a true school of ecumenism, a dynamic road to unity. Unity of action leads to the full unity of faith:'Through such cooperation, all believers in Christ are able to learn easily how they can understand each other better and esteem each other more, and how the road to the unity of Christians may be made smooth.'"Concerning "ecumenical dialogue" with "non-Catholic communities," especially, of course, evangelical Christians--this ecumenical dialogue which is at the heart of the Vatican II ecumenical cooperation strategy--we have this, that it "serves to transform modes of thought and behavior and the daily life of those Communities [that is, non-Catholic communities]. In this way, it aims at preparing the way for their unity of faith in the bosom of a Church one and visible: thus 'little by little,' as the obstacles to perfect ecclesial communion are overcome, all Christians will be gathered, in a common celebration of the Eucharist, into that unity of the one and only Church which Christ bestowed on His Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, dwells in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose . . .'" And of course, that is the Roman Catholic Church. The purpose of this special Heart of the Matter program is to give a much more in-depth report on Refo500 than we have ever done before, either on this program or in several articles in which Refo500 was not the sole subject. Those articles and at least one of the programs caused quite a bit of controversy and brought us a good deal of vitriolic criticisms. You can find the articles on our church web site at www.pccmonroe.org. Refo500 is a very large topic; but I will strive to present enough information in the next hour or so to give the listener an understanding of the true, evil nature of Refo500, and in that, plenty of reason as to why faithful ministers, and all faithful Christians, must separate entirely from Refo500 or be in disobedience to the word of God and acting contrary to the honor of Christ Jesus, the good of His blood-bought flock, and the true faith once delivered unto the saints. We are going to close out this program with a brief commentary by my good friend Rev. Ivan Foster, a long-time, faithful contender for the faith once delivered unto the saints. We do not expect to be widely commended for this program since names by necessity in such a warning must be named. We are not out to "get" anyone any more than we have any interest in being respecters of persons. Our concern is for the honor of Christ Jesus who purchased us with His own blood, Christ Jesus and the authority of His word and the well-being of His own blood-bought church. This is what we're concerned with. Now, I am a minister, a preacher of the word of God; but this particular program is a documentary, a fact-filled documentary. It is a rebuttal to those who have insisted ministers of Christ can be a part of Refo500. We are going to lay on the table exactly what Refo500 is. As a minister, I have preached many times on biblical separation, but today my aim is to expose and document as much as possible, in the time we have, the nature of Refo500. It is a cage of unclean birds; it is a haunt of Roman Catholics, apostate Protestants, and a few high-profile Reformed ministers who are sound in basic doctrine, but they are deeply, dangerously, treasonously, we might say, corrupted in practice. With those men in mind, allow me to give you a quote from Charles Spurgeon, a minister who, unlike some Reformed ministers whose names you will be hearing soon, would have had nothing to do with Refo500, but rather he would have exposed it and rebuked it. This is from Spurgeon's morning sermon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on October 7th, 1877. This is what he said during that sermon: "I know what would happen if we feared God more: we should sooner die than remain in any fellowship with popery. Every man who saw any fear of his being found in complicity with Antichrist would at once say, 'I will not have it. Popery is abhorred of the Lord, and they who help it wear the mark of the beast. I hate Antichrist, and therefore I denounce it and cry, Down with it, raze it even to the ground.' Everything that is of the Pope and popery would soon be put aside if men were but true to their consciences and their God." And what can I say but, "Amen and amen," to what Charles Spurgeon said? Refo500: Some Foundational Facts Refo500 is nothing less than a religious conglomeration reeking of Jesuitical intrigue. It is an ecumenical stewpot of Roman Catholic and, speaking in the general and broadest sense, Protestant churches, organizations, seminaries, and various institutions. The leadership of Refo500 includes both Roman Catholics and Protestants. The title Refo500 refers to the 500th anniversary of what is known as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, that is, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. However, the name is very deceptive. The reality, as is clear from the Refo500 official web site, is that Refo500 is about many so-called reformations of the 16th Century, including Rome's Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent, which are discussed and analyzed in a very favorable light at various Refo500 events, including but certainly not limited to those hosted by Roman Catholic Refo500 partners, some of which I will list in a couple of minutes. But here is a quote off of the official Refo500 web site: "On the Roman Catholic side, the Counter-Reformation is considered as a consequence of the Catholic reform. In the latter case, one should consider that the church requires constant focus upon inner renewal to realize the Catholic [of course, that's Roman Catholic] ideal of life. As far as the Counter-Reformation is concerned, the Church had to maintain these in the struggle against Protestantism. The Council of Trent (1546-1563) occupies an important place in the history of the Counter-Reformation. It was, on one hand, preoccupied with the renewal of the church, but on the other hand, the various decisions reached that take the doctrine and ecclesiastical practice concern setting themselves against the Reformation again." "The Catholic Reformation and its Lustre"  www.refo500.nl/en/news/view/719/the-catholic-reformation-and-its-lustre.html Also off the official Refo500 web site we have this: "Partners are free to bring their own projects into Refo500, giving their own interpretation of the term Reformation." And we have this: "Out of the Reformation of the 16th century many Protestant churches did indeed arise. This movement also had a significant impact upon the Roman Catholic church. Out of the Reformation, the Roman Catholic church also recognizes namely their own Roman Catholic reform (which is also known as the counter-Reformation). Refo500 also focuses on the Roman Catholic reform." As we get started here, I do want to mention that all documentation presented in this program is accurate as of the date this program airs, and it has also been preserved. Now, I want to read just a few more telling excerpts from the Refo500 web pages which tell about the organization, its nature, make-up, philosophy, aims, vision, partners, mission, and so forth. These are in-context excerpts, representative of much, much more of the same sort of statements. Remember, Refo500 is a deeply ecumenical organization. So a few more excerpts from the Refo500 page which contains basic information about this ecumenical, in truth Romish octopus with many and far-reaching tentacles. The octopus, you know, uses its tentacles to grip its victims and pull them in toward its mouth in order to bite them with a poisonous bite. But, enough of metaphor, here are some additional excerpts from Refo500; I'm just going to read these excerpts; I won't tell what heading each one comes under to save time--just excerpts: ". . . the foundation's [that is, Refo500 Foundation] goal is to function as a platform for meetings and cooperative ventures for partners . . ." Now remember, Roman Catholic and Protestant partners. "The foundation aims at: . . . (helping) . . . to create a platform and/or network of cooperation, consultation, and information exchange, with one another in the broadest sense." "The partners collaborate upon the programs of Refo500 . . ." "Refo500 . . . helps people to understand the meaning of the Reformation, to discover the relevance of the Reformation, and to see and experience the influence of the Reformation in several spheres. [Remember, when they're talking Reformation, they're talking about also the Counter-Reformation.] It pursues this exciting venture in a contemporary and fresh manner, with an open attitude towards the past and the present, towards church, culture, and society." "Refo500 is working on this goal by creating an environment in which project partners can collaborate on the composition of the program and the products appearing within Refo500." Under "Partnership Benefits," we have a number of things, including "Access to an international platform for cooperation and growing." It speaks here about working toward goals; the partners work toward their goals. "Refo500 desires to make connections between themes from the time of the Reformation to our own. Here are the key words: renewal, change, and central relevance." "Refo500 focuses on a broad audience and desires to reach everyone." www.tua.nl /index.php?paginaID=33 Before we go any farther, I should perhaps briefly introduce you to Dr. Herman Selderhuis. The very accomplished Dr. Selderhuis is the director of Refo500 and president of the Refo500 Reformation Research Consortium. He is also the professor of church history at the Theological University of Apeldoorn; it's in the Netherlands. Dr. Selderhuis is a Protestant, speaking in the general sense as we will often be doing in this report; he is a deeply, unashamedly ecumenical Protestant. He is very open about this by word and association. As to the former--that is, word--consider just this Selderhuis excerpt from a 2012 interview he did with the Religion and Liberty publication of the ecumenical Acton Institute, headed up by Robert Sirico, a Roman Catholic priest. The particular question was on the state of Christianity in Europe. Included in Selderhuis's reply is this: ". . . Christianity as a way of life and a way of faith has a future and there are developments among young people. A perfect example is the young Catholic convention in Spain and the Pope attended the event there and hundreds of thousands of young people attended that Mass, and they were enthusiastic about it . . . now who will give us straight talk? Who tells us what way to go? There is a need for that and the Pope is preaching a clear message and young people are attracted to that." As to his associations, Dr. Selderhuis is apparently more than happy to speak and preach with Roman Catholics, as he does in official Refo500 functions. Dr. Selderhuis in the centerwww.joelbeeke.org/2012/09 /ministry-in-the-netherlands-i/ Remember Dr. Selderhuis as we go along here. He is very, very active and engaged in Refo500, and you are going to hear his name again as we mention just a few of many Refo500 events and just a very few of the many Roman Catholics and Protestants involved in those events all around the world. Now, it is important to understand that Refo500, from top to bottom, is spiritually, religiously, ecumenically rotten to the core and that it has been so, and very openly, from its very beginnings. There is no way any minister could involve himself in this organization without knowing what he was involved with, and there is no way any minister would involve himself in this organization if he was determined to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. Official Refo500 Opening in 2010 The official Refo500 web site contains a very short report titled "2000 People Visit Refo500 Opening." This event took place in the fall of 2010 in the Netherlands. That's the headquarters, so to speak, of the Refo500 worldwide organization; it was just tempting to say, "one world organization." Priest Antoine Bodar www.antoinebodar.nl/biografie Now for those with eyes to see, it is most revealing to consider those who were chosen to speak at this official and public opening of Refo500. Dr. Antoine Bodar was a speaker. According to his bio, this man was educated by the Jesuits, and he is an ordained Roman Catholic priest who currently spends about nine months of the year in Rome. In answer to the question of whether the Reformation was a mistake or progress, Priest Bodar replied in true Jesuitical fashion, "Because of reform [that is, certain superficial reforms in the Roman church]: progress; because of the schism [speaking here of those whom the Lord led out of the Roman church, saved, and gathered together in faithful churches]: a mistake." And quoting also from the Refo500 article: "Other speakers that evening, including Mr. Kees van der Staay . . . and Dr. Anne van der Meiden, called the church division after the Reformation a negative result. There was a positive evaluation also, for example on the part of Dr. Heleen Dupuis (VVD), who dubbed Protestantism and liberalism 'obvious partners.'" So that's a good thing; that's a good thing she says. Well, yes, apostate Protestantism and liberalism are obvious partners; and that's called "positive" at the Refo500 event here, the official opening event. I don't have any information on the man I mentioned, van der Staay, and almost none on van der Meiden, other than he is a liberal Protestant. Dr. Heleen Dupuis, past chairman of the Dutch Association for Voluntary Euthanasia www.eerstekamer.nl /persoon/prof_dr_h_m_dupuis_vvd Now as for Dr. Heleen Dupuis, this woman is involved in numerous, but not good, movements and groups, religious and political. In fact, she currently holds political office as well. She is emeritus professor of medical ethics, Leiden University, and she looms very large in the Dutch euthanasia movement, with all its horrors. In fact, she is the past chairman of the NVVE (Dutch Association for Voluntary Euthanasia). We do not have time to say more on Professor Dupuis other than to mention she holds a medal awarded to her by the Masons. Again, this is one of the people chosen to speak at the opening event of Refo500 in Europe. The Refo500 opening event program also included a roundtable discussion with a couple of Muslims, Sadik Harchaoui and Ahmed Akgunduz. The first was from the Institute for Multicultural Development; the second was the rector of the Islamic University of Rotterdam. "Pastor" Christiane Berkvens performs rituals for those committing suicide and for sodomite weddings. remonstranten .org/breda/brepred.htm Another speaker at the Refo500 opening event was Dr. Christiane Berkvens. She is the emeritus professor of European culture at the Radboud University Nijmegen. She's an author; she's a "pastor" in the deeply apostate Remonstrant Church, which is a Refo500 partner I'm going to tell you about later. We talked about them on a previous show on Refo500 quite awhile ago. According to a translation of this woman's web site, she's titled Mother Superior. In that capacity, she performs various rituals, for instance for those committing suicide and for sodomite weddings. We have to move along, but this should suffice to define what sort of "Christianity" Dr. Christiane Berkvens practices and preaches. Again, she was another featured speaker at the official opening of Refo500 in Europe. Three other speakers included representatives of the apostate, very pro-homosexual Protestant Church in the Netherlands (that's a denomination). There were Roman Catholic speakers also, including Mariska Orbán-Haas who was also at that time, and still is, the editor of a publication called the Catholic Newspaper. Two speakers at this event, this opening event of Refo500 in Europe--two speakers, one Roman Catholic and one an apostate Protestant--spoke on the use of social media to reach youth. Quoting now from the Refo500 report: "According to these speakers, Twitter and other social media appear to function as a means to reach youth. Young people are looking for role models, which also can be found through social media. The church must therefore put forth inspiring leaders." "The church"--a Roman Catholic and a Protestant are giving this presentation--"the church." It is obvious that this dangerous error is foundational to Refo500, that is that Protestants and Roman Catholics are all part of "the church"; and what is obvious is that Refo500 is an ecumenical tool of popery to corrupt the Lord's flock, to further Romanize the thinking and understanding of evangelicals and bring Protestants home to Rome. Those Protestants involved with Refo500 are furthering the cause of Antichrist, the pope. But I close this segment of our report on Refo500 with this telling last paragraph from that official report on the opening event of Refo500: "The Refo500 partners indicated that there was a great amount of interest among those who came by their booths. Many partners have also realized that Refo500 is a good platform to collaborate with other organizations, despite their differences in religious background." Yes, indeed, collaborate with other organizations despite their differences in religious background, and the pope and the devil said, "Amen." Official Refo500 Partners and Sponsors I want to take now just a little time--and a little time is all we have for any one topic--and tell you about the official partners and sponsors of Refo500. These include a very broad range of organizations from North America, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere--Africa, for instance--including churches and seminaries and religious organizations, Protestant as well as Roman Catholic; and there is some Jewish involvement as well. There are also state universities and other secular organizations involved. As I talk about this, I'm talking about the specific partners and sponsors. There are other organizations, ministries, etc. involved in Refo500; they're just not partners or sponsors. Now, there are a couple different lists of Refo500 partners and sponsors on the official site. For whatever reason, they vary a little bit. What I'm saying is, several of the sponsors and partners do not appear on one list, yet they'll appear on another list. It doesn't mean they're not partners and sponsors; they are. We know that by seeing how active they are in this organization. You can find a list for partners and sponsors by going to the Refo500 home page, and then click on "Partners and Sponsors" at the top of that home page. Then you can go to another list of the partners and sponsors by clicking also on the same page on "Who What Where," and then you follow through on that, and you'll find lists that way too. From the John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies, Italywww.fscire.it/en/who-we-are/ I am going to give you just a few examples of many official Refo500 partners, as of the date this program airs. And it is important to remember that there are also many individuals involved in Refo500 events who are from organizations and seminaries and so forth which are not official Refo500 partners, for instance, the Roman Catholic Notre Dame University. And one more thing: again, the information on present and active Refo500 partners, like all information I am sharing, is well documented; it's checked and rechecked; it is the reality as of the date this program first airs. Just a few then of the Roman Catholic Refo500 official partners and sponsors which are listed; they include: • the John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies, Italy• the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa, Kenya• the Catholic University Leuven, the oldest extant Roman Catholic University in the world• the Catholic Association for Ecumenism, Netherlands The Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa, Kenya jesam.info/ Another organization we have here that we'll put under Roman Catholic Refo500 partners is Boston Theological Institute, an association of ten theological schools. We'll put this under Roman Catholic; these schools are Roman Catholic, but they're also Jewish, Orthodox, or Episcopalian! So we'll put it here, and we can put it a few other places as well, I guess. Next, here is just a small sample of many of the Protestant Refo500 official partners and sponsors: • Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, USA, Timothy George, dean• Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, Canada, Gerhard H. Visscher, principal• Crossway book publisher, USA• Fuller Theological Seminary, USA, Richard J. Mouw, president--the notorious Richard J. Mouw• Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Dr. Joel Beeke, president, and Reformation Heritage Books, Dr. Joel Beeke, editorial director, both USA• Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA, Dr. Albert Mohler, president• United Theological Seminary, USA: This is a United Methodist seminary which boasts, "United is a seminary of The United Methodist Church that welcomes students from many faith traditions."• The Providence Forum, USA• Westminster Seminary CA, USA, W. Robert Godfrey, president• Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA, Peter Lillback, president• The Remonstrant Church, Netherlands • Theological University of Apeldoorn      Priest Robert Siricowww.acton.org/about /staff/rev-robert-sirico As I alluded to earlier, there are official Refo500 partners which somewhat defy specific categories, such as the Ecumenical Institute for Inter-Religious Dialogue at the University of Trier; that's in Germany. There is the Boston Theological Institute, which I mentioned. There is the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty. The president of that is Robert Sirico--I mentioned this earlier--a Roman Catholic priest; but it is ecumenical with Protestants involved as well. We know that Lord Acton, of course, was a Roman Catholic, and so Acton Institute; but there are Protestants in this too; it's headed up by a priest. Now Witte Travel & Tours, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, is the official North American Refo500 travel agency. The Witte Travel & Tours web site states: "For more than three decades, Witte Travel & Tours has been designing and operating tours for pastors and their congregations, religious organizations, colleges and universities, scholars, historians, and family groups. Each tour is a made-to-order combination of religious activities, popular attractions, hidden treasures, and free time. Whether it's a pilgrimage to a holy site, an in-depth study tour, or an adventure amid the beauty, history, and culture of a region or country, it's a blessing on every level. . . . Witte Travel & Tours has arranged hundreds of tours for Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Baptist groups . . ." We see here that the Witte Travel & Tours web site documents tours to such places as the Fatima Shrine in Portugal and various other Roman Catholic sites in other countries, including other shrines. https://www.facebook.com/terralutravel/posts/10151560428447323 In Europe, Terra Lu Travel, headquartered in Germany, is also a Refo500 travel partner. I told you that Witte is the official North American Refo500 travel agency, and it takes people all over North America and really all over the world. Well, you also have Terra Lu involved; Terra Lu is a Refo500 travel partner.Terra Lu specializes in "Faith Based Travel," same as Witte Travel & Tours; and Terra Lu also includes trips to Roman Catholic sites. So, even the travel agencies for Refo500 are deeply, deeply ecumenical in nature. The Remonstrants www.remonstranten.org/site/templates/oranje/images/achtergrond.jpg Now, in that partial list of Protestant Refo500 partners and sponsors, you heard a number of apostate Protestant organizations, including, but certainly not limited to, Beeson Divinity School and Fuller Theological Seminary. The Remonstrant Church, really a denomination, comes under the heading of apostate Protestant. The Remonstrants, one of the earliest Refo500 partners, deny any number of the essential doctrines of our faith; and on their web site, they boast of such accomplishments as these: "The Remonstrants were the first church in the world to open marriage for same-sex couples. It did so as early as 1986. The Remonstrants were one of the first churches in the Netherlands to ordain women as ministers. The Remonstrants are open for dialogue with members of other Christian denominations and of other religions. They were among the churches that established the World Council of Churches in 1948." These are the bragging points, so to speak, of the Remonstrant Church. The Remonstrants's statement of faith includes this heretical declaration which denies the deity and penal atonement of Christ: "We believe in Jesus, a Spirit-filled human, the face of God, seeing us and disturbing us. He loved humanity and was crucified but he lives, beyond his own and our death. He is our holy example of wisdom and courage and he brings God's eternal love close to us."  A Remonstrant Facebook posthttp://tinyurl.com/remonstrantsfb And let me just quote a little more from the Remonstrants's web site; here's one: "The Remonstrant Church is a community of faith which, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and true to its principle of freedom and tolerance, seeks to worship and serve God. Ever since their foundation in 1619 the Remonstrant Church has been a community of discerning, curious, freethinking people, where a high emphasis is placed on tolerance, freedom of faith and thinking." We have this about the Bible: "Remonstrants see the Bible as a special and inspiring collection of testimonies. It testifies of people's experience of a presence or absence of God in their lives and in the world. It is a special book, because its stories can still guide us today towards an understanding of how God and humanity can be united." Official Refo500 Launch in North America in June, 2010 Well, I have already spoken briefly of the 2010 opening of Refo500 in Europe. Now let me tell you just a little bit about the launching of the North American manifestation of Refo500. I will mention here that this is all one organization, and the main players are active on both sides of the Atlantic, all around the world, in fact. I have before me an official Refo500 press release; it's dated June 23, 2010 and titled "North American Launching of Refo500." It is relevant to note who was involved in that launch event, especially because they are called the staff and also the key North American leaders. Well, let's read a little bit from that press release: "The North American arm of a multi-year project to highlight and celebrate the relevance of the Reformation as a movement of renewal and change was launched in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 21-22, 2010. Meeting at the Emory University Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Dr. Herman Selderhuis, the International Director of the Refo500 project (www.refo500.com), introduced staff and key North American leaders." And then we have the various staff and key North American leaders mentioned. You have Dr. David W. Hall; they say here he's the former director of Calvin500; he was appointed as the North American director for Refo500. You have here mention of Dan Hermen and Jan Peterson-Wayward of Witte Travel, Grand Rapids, Michigan. And then also you have Dr. Joel Beeke; in this case, they mention he's representing Refo500 partner Reformation Heritage Books. You remember Dr. Beeke's seminary is also a Refo500 partner. RHB and the seminary are currently found on the list one finds through the "Who What Where" link. On the main page of the English Refo500 site, three out of four links going to partner lists go to that list with PRTS and RHB included. Later on, you will see that Dr. Beeke himself is very active in speaking with Refo500. Here he is called in this press release--he's not staff, so I guess, key North American leader of Refo500. dev.hrcgr.org/wp-admin/images/BSGT_2010_6.pdf Let's go on here. The Refo500 press release says, "Project Leader Karla Apperloo summarized Refo500 as a project that 'wants to make connections between the past and the present, and also between partners working together. This Atlanta meeting shows perfectly how it works.'" We have a picture included with the press release; it shows the following Refo500 personalities posed together at the 2010 North American launching of Refo500. We have Frank James, Dan Hermen, Herman Selderhuis, David Hall, John Witte, Joel Beeke, Karla Apperloo-Boersma, John Thompson, Jan Peterson-Wayward, Michael Haykin, and Bob Godfrey. dev.hrcgr.org/wp-admin/images/BSGT_2010_6.pdf The First-Ever Refo500 Conference in North America in September, 2010 Now the first Refo500 conference which took place in North America--this would be the first conference now, not the launching--was held at the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Now you know that Albert Mohler is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This was held September 27–28, 2010. That seminary is also a Refo500 partner. A report on this event is found on the Refo500 web site; it's titled "First Refo500 Conference in North America at Southern Baptist Seminary, September 28, 2010, Louisville, Kentucky, USA." Here is just the first paragraph of this Refo500 article: "A growing international network of leaders, scholars, and pastors, focusing on the abiding significance of the Reformation, held an enthusiastic conference at the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, September 27–28. The first North American Conference assembled numerous speakers to launch the movement, which will sponsor a robust series of events through 2017 . . ." www.refo500.nl/en/news/view/125/challenges-and -chances-of-the-reformation-discussed-at-louisville.html Here is a little information from that Refo500 report and the conference schedule on the various speakers at the conference. As might be expected, Herman Selderhuis spoke. Dr. Joel Beeke and Dr. Albert Mohler both spoke as did Frank James of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Dr. John Fesko of Westminster Seminary, California; Erik Herrmann, Concordia Lutheran Seminary; as well as a number of other personalities. Those last three speakers, James, Fesko and Herrmann, I am completely unfamiliar with; that's the first I've heard their names, as far as I know. I am very familiar with the out-and-out apostate Protestant Dr. Timothy George, who was another speaker at this first Refo500 conference in North America. Dr. Timothy George is the dean and professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, and he's the senior theological advisor for Christianity Today. He is also on the editorial boards of First Things and also Books & Culture, and he's currently the chair of the Doctrine and Christian Unity Commission of the Baptist World Alliance. It is an understatement to say, none of that is good! Timothy George, who likes to speak of Mary as the "Mother of God," has also been very active in the International Baptist-Roman Catholic Dialogue and the Evangelicals and Catholics Together movement and documents. Timothy George also joined with the late Chuck Colson and the Romanist Robert George to co-author the Manhattan Declaration, which was made public at a news conference on November 20, 2009, ten months before this first Refo500 conference in North America at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Timothy George www.christianpost.com/ Of course, Mohler also signed the Manhattan Declaration. Among Refo500 Protestants and Catholics, there are a number of Manhattan Declaration signers, and you would expect that, wouldn't you? There were other speakers at this first North American Refo500 event. I certainly do not know anything about a number of them; I know very little about Clifton Kirkpatrick of the far from faithful World Alliance of Reformed Churches. The title of Mr. Kirkpatrick's message was "An Ecumenical Celebration? How to Work Together with Fruit and without Frustration." I have not heard or read that message, but I can tell you that the World Alliance of Reformed Churches for decades has been in ecumenical dialogue with a number of churches including the Pentecostals, the Orthodox, and more than any other church, with the Roman Catholic Church. The World Alliance of Reformed Churches has since that first Refo500 conference combined with another group to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches, which is no improvement whatsoever! Nevertheless, here is a quote from the web site of Mr. Kirkpatrick's organization at the time he spoke at the Louisville Refo500 conference with the individuals I mentioned: "Through international bilateral and multilateral dialogues, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches helps to foster deeper understanding and broader cooperation among different church families . . ." So it is not too hard to imagine what the subject matter of Mr. Kirkpatrick's message would be, that message he gave at the first North American Refo500 conference at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with Mohler, with George, with Beeke et al. By the way, the Refo500 report on that conference also includes this: "Among the widely published authors for a book signing at the Lifeway Bookstore at Southern's campus as part of this conference were: Herman Selderhuis, Timothy George, and Joel Beeke." So they teamed up to sign, autograph their books together at the far from faithful Lifeway Bookstore. Now, I cannot report on every Refo500 event and conference held thus in North America, or for that matter, Europe and elsewhere. Nor do I have information on every such event planned. But, I'm going to mention just two official North American Refo500 gatherings which have taken place. A Theological Menagerie with Refo500 in the Thick of It But first, I want to tell you about an event in which Refo500 played a big part but was not an official sponsor. In October of 2011, Refo500 took part in an event put on by an organization titled the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference. That is the actual name of the organization, and it also puts on conferences. The one in October 2011 took place in Fort Worth, Texas. Refo500 is a very large independent organization; it's worldwide, just as I have described. But Refo500, along with a number of other organizations--Protestant, secular, and Catholic--are also affiliated with the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference. Now, this organization put on a multi-day conference, and Refo500 took part in it. This was back, again, in 2011. And in fact, they had a conference in 2012, I understand, as well, and Refo500 was there, but I have information on the 2011 conference. And it was quite a theological menagerie. Some speakers were from colleges, such as the Mormon Brigham Young University and the Roman Catholic University of Notre Dame. And then you had Fuller Theological Seminary represented, and you had Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary represented as well. Here is a sampling of the titles of some of the many, diverse messages given during this particular conference; here we go: "Knowing God Through Dreams." Here's another one: "Professional Alliances: Whores, Petty Criminals, and Other Working Women." Here's another one: "'Amongst those Beds so bravely deckt': Isabella Whitney and the Construction of Female Narrative Authority." You have "The Roman Curia and 'Works' of Conversion under Gregory XIII." You have one called "Heavenly Witchcraft" which has to do, apparently, with "the Divine Feminine," we're told. "Poetry and Mysticism: Women's Catholic Activism under Hapsburg Rule." You have "Stylizing Sainthood: The Beatification Process and the Autobiography of Agueda de la Cruz." One segment of the conference was titled "The Implementation and Interpretation of Tridentine Reform in Early Modern Europe"; so that's the Decrees of Trent, and they call this reform. This segment included messages with titles such as "From Discipline to Mercy: Model Tridentine Bishops in Italy." Here's one: "A Jesuit textual reading of Christ's Passion and Mary from the Ceiling Paintings at the Church in Antwerp." Dr. Joel Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Benjamin Mayes, Concordia Publishing House; Randall Zachman, University of Notre Dame www.refo500.nl/en/news/view/323/lutheran-calvinistic -and-puritan-traditions-together-around-conscience.html  Now, it bears mentioning that this conference boasted both a Roman Catholic mass and a Protestant church service. But what of the Refo500 speakers; what about that segment of the conference? They were Randall Zachman, from the Roman Catholic University of Notre Dame; Benjamin Mayes, Concordia Publishing House (that would be Lutheran); and last, but not least, Dr. Joel Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Karla Apperloo-Boersma, the project manager for Refo500, was the chair. Refo500 also had another section of the conference as well. The organizer of both of these Refo500 sections at this conference was Herman Selderhuis. The speakers of the other Refo500 section included a Norwegian and a Swede whose names I'm not going to attempt and then also Charles Cortright, Wisconsin Lutheran College. Just a Few of the Many Refo500 Events Held Thus Far Karla Apperloo-Boersma at the Reformation Spirituality Conferencehttp://tinyurl.com/beesonconf The apostate Beeson Divinity School (Refo500 partner) was the host of a Refo500 Reformation Spirituality Conference November 1-2, 2011 in Birmingham, Alabama. The official Refo500 Internet promo for that event sports--and it's not surprising--an idolatrous, very Romish picture of "Christ" on the cross. Speakers at this event were Carl Beckwith, Gisela Kreglinger, Timothy George (there he is again), Gerald Bray, Herman Selderhuis, Karla Apperloo-Boersma, Graham Cole, Piotr Malysz. This conference featured a "Vespers Service" and "Homily offered by Ed Hurley, Senior Pastor, South Highland Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama." Now, on this side of the Atlantic, Refo500 events are not restricted to the USA. I've given you a couple, just a couple, examples of some of the events that have taken place; but they're not restricted to just the USA on this side of the Atlantic. For instance, this past January 18-19, 2013, the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario, a Refo500 partner, hosted a special event called Your Only Comfort Conference. The speakers included Lyle Bierma of Calvin Theological Seminary, Herman Selderhuis, Jason van Vliet of Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, and then again, Dr. Joel Beeke. For our American listeners, I am going to mention here, based on the great many official Refo500 Internet documents we've read, we've researched, if I had to name the two Americans most involved in Refo500 here in North America and elsewhere, and right from the birth of the beast, I would have to say Dr. Timothy George and Dr. Joel Beeke. The latter, that is Dr. Beeke, appears to range far and wide, speaking at Refo500 events; I've mentioned a couple he's spoken at. Of course, he was at the official launch of Refo500 in North America. But I say, he ranges far and wide. For instance, he was a speaker at the May 25-26, 2012 Refo500 Asia Annual International Conference at Chongshin University in Seoul, Korea. In a minute, I'm going to briefly fill you in on an upcoming Refo500 event, a big one and very much promoted, that will take place in Europe which Dr. Beeke is going to be leading and, of course, doing a lot of speaking during that multi-day event. Due to time constraints, we need to then turn our attention, very briefly, to Refo500 events in other parts of the world. I have already told you about the official launch event for Refo500 in Europe. There have been quite a number of Refo500 events since that day in 2010. For instance, we could jump to 2012. February 9, there was an official Refo500 meeting in Leuven, Belgium organized by Refo500 partners, the Catholic University of Leuven, John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies, and the Evangelical Theological Faculty. I doubt the names of the speakers at this event would ring a bell with many, if any, of you listeners. Suffice it to say, they were from those three organizations, two Roman Catholic, one evangelical, so-called. Some titles of the messages included "The Roman Lenten Synods of 1074-1075 and the Impact of the Reform Ideas of Pope Gregory VII on the Local Churches." We have "Protestant Confessions in Ecumenical Perspective." We have "The Critical Edition of the Vatican II Documents." We have also "The Council of Trent Revisited." Those are some of the names of the messages presented. www.refo500.nl/en/news/view/251/conference -vernacular-bible-and-religious-reform.html The Roman Catholic University of Leuven has been from the start a very big Refo500 player, already hosting a number of Refo500 events and with more in the works. We certainly do not have time to consider all those events and everything about them. But I want to just quote one telling statement from an official Refo500 promotion of a Refo500 conference which was held at the Leuven University from the 29th of November through December 1st, 2012. Here is that statement: "In the religious developments in Northwest Europe, the Bible has often been instrumental, whether as a point of reference, as a stumbling block, or simply in and of itself." The organizers of that particular Refo500 event were from the Catholic University of Leuven, the Netherlands Bible Society, the VU University of Amsterdam, Johannes a Lasco Library, Emden; and then also included was Refo500 director--here he is again--Herman Selderhuis, the man who seems to be everywhere. A Few of Many Upcoming Refo500 Events In scanning upcoming Refo500 events already being promoted, one finds Roman Catholic organizations and speakers; a great number of out-and-out apostate Protestants, organizations and speakers; and then also a few high-profile Reformed ministers and teachers--a few--who have the reputation of being solid as a rock in doctrine, but they clearly are badly corrupted as to practice. We really do not have time to run through all of the other events which Refo500, on various web sites, is promoting, including a number of grossly ecumenical and, in some cases, heavily Roman Catholic events, including events favorably dealing with the Council of Trent. One of those upcoming events dealing favorably with Trent is titled "1563 - Heidelberg and Trent. Evangelical and Catholic Boundaries and Approaches." That's September and then also in October of 2013. It's put on by several "Protestant" institutions and the Ecumenical Institute University of Trier. A Refo500 promo says, "Above all, the central question is this: what boost for the ecumenical dialogue of Heidelberg and Trent went out?" At least two upcoming Refo500 conferences are being sponsored directly by Jesuit organizations; I mean, they are, by definition, Jesuit organizations, openly Jesuit. But then again, this whole Refo500 ecumenical stew reeks of Jesuitical intrigue, doesn't it? In the time we have left, I'm going to mention one heavily promoted Refo500 European event since it's going to be taking place in just short of seven weeks now and then also mention a strange Refo500 Train tour coming up, strange for a number of reasons, including the musical performers. And then we are going to have to wrap this very large, troubling subject up. hnrc.org/the-legacy-of-the-reformation This July, the 11th through the 19th, Dr. Jason Van Vliet, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, and Dr. Joel Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, will be leading an official Refo500 tour through historic sites in Germany and the Netherlands. Of those speakers, Dr. Beeke seems to be the one most heavily, very heavily, promoting this tour--on his personal blog, on his seminary web site, and then also on his church denomination web site. The tour is titled The Legacy of the Reformation. In addition to the tour guide leaders and speakers, the two I mentioned--that is, Dr. Jason Van Vliet and Dr. Joel Beeke--Dr. Herman Selderhuis is going to come around on the Lord's Day morning of the tour, July 14, and preach; and then Dr. Beeke is going to lead the evening service, we're told. This particular Refo500 event, The Legacy of the Reformation, appears to be Protestant in nature. Some Refo500 events are Romanist; some are grossly ecumenical, mixing Romanists and Protestants and others; and some are Protestant. But all are part and parcel of the one corrupt whole. Of course, this is the seductive, Vatican II nature of Refo500. It is an absolute desensitizing, devil's brew of truth and error, of Romanism and Protestantism. It is a your truth is truth, and my truth is truth; it is a smorgasbord of doctrine and ideologies. It is an eclectic religious, spiritual egalitarianism in action; it is a dialogue between supposed theological equals, per the Vatican II strategy. www.refo500.nl/en/pages/383/refo500-train.html Now, just a few words on this Refo500 Train tour which takes place in May of next year: it's described as a "Rail Cruise to the Reformation Cities in Europe." There are a number of speakers here; some are from other countries, such as South Korea. I'll mention some of the names that are going to sound familiar to many of you: Timothy George--there he is again. You have Robert Godfrey, Westminster Seminary; you have Michael Haykin, of course the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. There's Peter Lillback, Westminster Theological Seminary; and you have a number of others here. There's Herman Selderhuis again, of course. So those are some of the men who will be on this tour; they'll be doing the leading, and they'll be doing the preaching. Lost and Found www.speedwood.com/ A Refo500 promotion of the train tour declares its purpose to be "Travel, Ecumenical Fellowship and Knowledge." Music on this train tour is going to be provided by a group called Lost and Found. Now, I am going to play you a sample of this group's very bizarre music. Listen to this. Yes, you heard what you just heard. That's from the group Lost and Found; and they're going to be playing the music, providing the music on this Refo500 Train tour. It seems to me that bizarre music is just about right for the unsightly Refo500 conglomeration, no doubt cooked up by Rome. But I want to mention just one more thing about the Refo500 Train tour next May. On the official agenda of the train tour is this: "Evening worship: Baptism Remembrance at St Peter and Paul Center for Baptism." This is in Eisleben, Germany. So what is this baptismal remembrance which is on the Refo500 Train tour schedule here? I had never heard of such a ritual; perhaps some of you have. We did some research, and we found out that the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America all use the baptismal remembrance rite. So what I am going to do is just read you some excerpts from an ELCA web site description of a baptismal remembrance ritual. There is going to be one on this Refo500 Train tour; it says, "Evening worship: Baptism Remembrance at St Peter and Paul Center for Baptism." Let's read this from the ELCA web site, a description of baptismal remembrance, of that ritual. www.wesleybakersfield.org/acs2010report1.htm "Baptism is the foundational event that brings us into the community of faith and gives us our identity as God's people. . . . There are times and occasions when the sprinkling with water of an entire assembly can provide a powerful sign and symbol for the affirmation and renewal of baptism. . . . It is a good thing for communities of faith to affirm their baptism at various times throughout the year. The most important time for the affirmation of baptism is at the Easter Vigil. On this night God makes new Christians, and those of us who are already baptized renew that covenant. Sprinkling with water . . . helps to emphasize and make real the affirmation and renewal taking place. The sprinkling usually happens after the assembly has responded to specific questions affirming their intention to continue to live as God's people. As music is sung . . . an acolyte holding a bowl of water and the Presiding Minister move together throughout the assembly. The Presiding Minister may use a pine branch or a special sprinkler . . . The Presiding Minister dips the branch or sprinkler in the bowl of water as necessary. It is helpful for the Presiding Minister to sprinkle the water using a large arc-type action with the arm rather than just flicking the wrist. In that way large groups of people can feel the touch of the water at the same time. Some people have found it helpful to trace the sign of the cross on themselves as they are sprinkled, thus reminding themselves that they have been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection. Some congregations, especially in new or renewed buildings, gather in worship spaces that are flexible and provide for easy movement of the assembly. An alternative to sprinkling in these settings is to invite the entire assembly to come to the font and renew their baptism by placing their hand in the water and making the sign of the cross or simply touching the face. . . . Other appropriate times for sprinkling are the Day of Pentecost, the Baptism of our Lord, and All Saints Sunday. It is also a powerful sign and a comforting gesture to sprinkle the coffin at the beginning of the funeral service . . ." Now keep in mind that list of the Refo500 Train tour leaders and speakers. They were all Protestants, yet the itinerary of that Refo500 event includes that very Romish baptismal remembrance rite. But again, this is part and parcel of the rotten, deceptive, ecumenical heart of Refo500. Between now and through 2017, there are already a great number of official Refo500 events planned, with more to be announced. Time just does not permit us to list, let alone speak about, any more of them. I do want to mention though, according to the official Refo500 web site, there is even a Refo500 Summer School coming up this summer. This Refo500 school is going to be held August 26-31--where?--at the John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies. Among the teachers and teaching units will be Professor Violet Soen, Catholic University Leuven; she's going to be speaking and teaching on the Tridentine decrees. You have a professor here from Bologna, the director, in fact, of the John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies; he'll be teaching on the Second Vatican Council. You have another teacher from the same place; he'll be teaching on the Latin works of Benedict XIV. Closing Comments We have focused on the organization, the nature, the personalities, and the events of Refo500. The Scriptures which plainly, clearly, forcefully forbid Christians from having any part in and with such an organization are plentiful. For instance, one immediately thinks of that passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 6, verses 14 to the end of the chapter, ending with "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." And of course, it's very, very relevant to go on into that first verse in chapter seven: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." We have been speaking about spiritual fornication here as we're speaking about Refo500. Now, I have preached on biblical separation many times, and right now, time necessitates that I move to wrap this documentary on Refo500 up and bring things to a close. Refo500 is a very real and present spiritual danger, a tool of Rome in her relentless quest to subvert the authority of the word of God, to desensitize the Lord's people to Romish blasphemy and idolatry, to corrupt the Lord's blood-bought church, to lure evangelicals into spiritual fornication, to overturn the Reformation. To those brethren who cannot seem to understand this, we say, in the words of the inspired Apostle, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" I have asked Rev. Ivan Foster, who shares my concerns over Refo500 and has stood with me together on this issue, to also share some thoughts in closing. The text of Rev. Ivan Foster's commentary at the conclusion of the Heart of the Matter broadcast, "A Popish Octopus with a Very Long Reach"The underlying spirit of Refo500 Paul the apostle, when speaking of the spirit of antichrist and rebellion at work amongst the nations said this to the church at Thessalonica: "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way," 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Paul refers here to what I might call 'the workings of the spirit of lawlessness' which has been active amongst the nations since the fall of Adam. The activities of this spirit of lawlessness is termed a 'mystery' because of its secretive, clandestine and covert enterprises. This is a spirit which stands in complete contrast to the spirit in which the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ functions. Openness marks the gospel. It is written of the Saviour that He "went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people," Matthew 4:23. When on trial before the High Priest, He answered a question about His doctrine with these words: "I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said," John 18:20-21. There was no concealment, no cunning craftiness, no hidden agenda with the Saviour and His disciples. Paul says of the ministry of the apostles and early church: "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God," 2 Corinthians 4:1-2. Craftiness is the way of the devil. Hear Peter's definition of the servants of the devil against whom he warns his readers. "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not," 2 Peter 2:1-3. There will ever be this contrast between the workings of God's Kingdom and the workings of the devil and his agents. One is marked by forthrightness and plainness while the other is marked by secretiveness and underhandedness and deceit. By bearing this in mind we may rightly evaluate the activities of the organisation called Refo500. It states its purpose in this fashion - and we quote. "Refo500 is the international platform for knowledge, expertise, ideas, products and events, specializing in the 500 year legacy of the Reformation. On the platform all kinds of partners from all over the world work together, to offer a program for a wide audience and to show the relevance of the reformation. Refo500 participants include Protestant and Catholic organizations, universities, seminaries, museums and so on. The platform is open to every organisation that agrees with the goal of Refo500." However, Dr Joel Beeke would place Refo500 at the heart of the celebration of God's wonderful work of grace in setting free the nations of Europe from the yoke of papal bondage. (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTnWXnmYgB8). But despite Dr Beeke's claims, its evangelical leaders are working with papal institutions and organisations and these agents of Rome, in keeping with their ancient purpose, are clearly seeking to re-establish themselves as bona fide representatives of the Kingdom of Christ. This is that spirit of which Jude warned. "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ," Jude 1:3-4. Refo500 facilitates the "creepers" of popery and liberalism as they seek to turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Against such there must be the voice of a Jude raised to warn the flock. Furthermore, against such there must be the work of digging and an uncovering that the prophet Ezekiel was directed by God to undertake in order that the hidden things of darkness be brought into the light. Hear these words from Ezekiel chapter 8:6-12. "He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about. And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth." This work of digging in order to uncover the hidden things of darkness and dishonesty is a necessary labour in such days as these. The task of naming the guilty, as did Ezekiel, is commanded of God today. Those who are of God will rejoice in the exposure of sin while those whose sympathies lie with the enemy will rage at the uncovering of the secret machinations of lawlessness. There are some confused souls who dither and totter about in the 'no man's land' of bewilderment and indecision. Light as ever divides men as the dawn brings forth the creatures of the day while banishing the creatures of the night to their shadows. Just what impact does the light of truth have upon you? Where do you stand regarding Refo500 and those professing 'Fundamentalists' promoting the sham that it is? 6 attachments — Download all attachments View all images 34[2].jpg 16K View Download 33[7].png 26K View Download 15[7].jpg 58K View Download 20[5].png 40K View Download 16[3].jpg 43K View Download 19[7].jpg 43K View Download

CHRIS LAWSON EXPOSES YOGA AS OCCULT HINDU RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

Lighthouse Trails announced the new booklet tract of Chris Lawson:
"YOGA and Christianity - Are They Compatible?". Below is the tract sample as Lighthouse reports:

YOGA and Christianity - Are They Compatible? 
By Chris Lawson

Western Culture Embraces Yoga It is no secret that Yoga is taking Western civilization by storm. In just a little over a hundred years, a mystical revolution has occurred that millions of Westerners have wholeheartedly embraced. Amazingly, the Western Judeo-Christian view is in the process of a paradigm shift toward the same perspective as yogic India.

To illustrate the magnitude of the Yoga explosion, consider Yoga Journal’s “Yoga in America Study 2012.” This study reveals some incredible statistics:

• 20.4 million Americans practice Yoga, compared to 15.8 million from the previous 2008 study. • Practitioners spend $10.3 billion a year on Yoga classes and products. The previous estimate from the 2008 study was $5.7 billion.
• Of current non-practitioners, 44.4 percent of Americans call themselves “aspirational yogis”—people who are interested in trying Yoga.1

Yoga (or Yogic spirituality) is influencing Christians and non-Christians alike. It only takes 0.27 seconds to come up with over 411,000,000 results for Yoga on Google’s search engine. When searching Amazon.com’s “All” category for Yoga, one quickly comes up with a staggering 143,081 results. That’s just within Amazon.Com. If one searches for book titles only on Amazon.com, the search yields 26,316. Certainly, the influence of Yoga can be found almost everywhere. In Time Magazine’s book, Alternative Medicine: Your Guide to Stress Relief, Healing, Nutrition, and More, it states:

Hard to believe now, but yoga was once considered heretical, and even dangerous. As recently as a century ago, yogis in America were viewed with suspicion; some were actually thrown in jail. Today, though, most gyms offer it, many public schools teach it, and a growing number of doctors prescribe it . . . It may have taken 5,000 years, but yoga has arrived.2

Just What is Yoga?
No doubt, many, probably most, of the millions of Westerners who practice postural Yoga have never read a simple definition of what Yoga really is. Below, I have presented a small selection of definitions of Yoga. While there are countless descriptions on the Internet and in libraries, the definitions I have chosen are an accurate overall representation of the meaning of Yoga.

According to Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary, Yoga is essentially: “a practice involving intense and complete concentration upon something, especially deity, in order to establish identity of consciousness with the object of concentration; it is a mystic and ascetic practice, usually involving the discipline of prescribed postures, controlled breathing, etc.”3

The Merriam Webster Online Dictionary adds: “a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation.”4 Cyndi Lee, expert yogi and writer for Yoga Journal, defines Yoga as such:

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit* word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “union” . . . The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago.
The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).5

Goutam Paul, author of Bhagavad Gita: The Ultimate Science of Yoga states:

When we talk about linking or connection, an obvious question arises: to connect what with what? The very word “connection” implies that there must be two different entities separated from one another, and they need to be connected. The ancient Vedic* text Bhagavad Gitaexplains that these entities are the individual consciousness and the universal Supreme consciousness. Some may call this universal consciousness an all-pervading energy, whereas most theists consider this Supreme consciousness to be God. . . . The purpose of Yoga is to connect the individual energy with the universal energy, or put another way, to connect the individual being to its source—the Supreme Being.6

One large online archive of New Age, occult, and mysticism-oriented literature states:

The ancient Yogis recognised long ago that in order to accomplish the highest stage of yoga, which is the realisation of the self, or God consciousness, a healthy physical body is essential. For when we are sick, our attention is seldom free enough to contemplate the larger reality, or to muster the energy for practice . . .
The roots of Yoga can be traced back roughly 5,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization. . . . According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to reach “Kaivalya” (freedom). This is the experience of one’s innermost being or “soul” (the Purusa). When this level of awareness is achieved, one becomes free of the chains of cause and effect (Karma) which bound us to continual reincarnation.7

The Index of Cults and New Religions lists the different types of Yoga:

Karma Yoga (spiritual union through correct conduct)
Bhakti Yoga (spiritual union through devotion to a Guru) 
Juana Yoga (spiritual union through hidden knowledge) 
Raja Yoga (spiritual union through mental control) 
Hatha Yoga (spiritual union through body control/meditation) 
Kundalini Yoga (spiritual union through focusing inner energy) 
Tantra Yoga (spiritual union through sexual practices)8

Swami Nirmalananda Giri of the Atma Jvoti Ashram, answering the question to “What is Yoga?” states:

What do we join through yoga? Two eternal beings: God, the Infinite Being, and the individual spirit that is finite being. In essence they are one, and according to yogic philosophy all spirits originally dwelt in consciousness of that oneness.9

The Concise Dictionary of the Occult and New Age describes how Yoga is done:

Typical exercises, such as those found in hatha yoga, are practiced under the tutelage of a guru or yogi, a personal religious guide and spiritual teacher. Gurus teach students to combine a variety of breathing techniques with asanas, or relaxation postures. In each of the postures, students must first enter the position, then maintain it for a certain length of time, and finally leave it.10

This dictionary further states that people in the West have mistaken Yoga to be “mere breathing and relaxation exercises,” when in reality “[t]he practice of yoga serves as a gateway to Eastern mysticism and occult thinking.”11 It adds:

Certain postures, such as the lotus position, are taken to activate the psychic energy centers [the chakras]. And specific breathing exercises are practiced to infuse the soul with cosmic energy floating in the air. A guru might have students gaze at a single object, such as a candle, to develop and focus concentration. The guru might have them chant a mantra to clear their minds and become one with the object in front of them. The goal is to achieve increasingly higher meditative states until reaching oneness with the cosmic consciousness.12

Understanding the Meaning of “Occult”
The word “occult” comes from the Latin occultus or “hidden,” and those who employ the term generally do so in an attempt to describe secret and mysterious supernatural powers or magical (magick) religious rituals.

Throughout history, there have been those who attempted to gain supernatural power or knowledge through occult means. Occultism also can generally refer to witchcraft, Satanism, neo-paganism, or any of the various forms of psychic discernment such as astrology, séances, palm reading, and a myriad of other spiritual methodologies for contact with the spirit world. The term occult is often interchangeable with the term metaphysics—these terms share the belief that there is a universal energy (e.g., Chi, Prana, Ki, etc.) that exists in all things. By engaging in the occult (i.e., metaphysical arts), this energy isawakened. Yoga in all its forms is simply one spiritual genre among many designed to induce practitioners into altered states, thereby gaining access into the world of occult spirituality.

Kundalini—the Energy Behind Yoga
Internationally recognized occult authority, Hans-Ulrich Rieker (author of The Yoga of Light: Hatha Yoga Pradipika) describes the vital role kundalini plays in Yoga when he states, “Kundalini [is] the mainstay of all yoga practices.”13 With this in mind, a brief look at “kundalini energy” (the root of Yoga) is in order.

Born as Chinmoy Kumar Ghose (1931-2007), Sri Chinmoy was an Indian spiritual “master,” spirit medium, occultist, and interfaith guru. Teaching Yoga in the West from the time he moved to New York City in 1964, Chinmoy spent 43 years in the West producing “prayers and meditations, literary, musical and artistic works.” Giving spiritual meditations twice a week at the United Nations building (since 1970),14 Chinmoy’s occult philosophy for life was, “When the power of love Replaces the love of power Man will have a new name: God.”15 Man becomes “God”? According to Chinmoy, yes!

Like many other occultists who promote yogic spirituality intertwined with “love,” Chinmoy masterfully crafted his occultism under the guise of “Concentration, Meditation, Will-Power and Love.” These themes are expanded upon in Chinmoy’s occult manifesto, Kundalini: The Mother Power where Chinmoy explains Yoga’s occult foundation, goals, and the purpose of manifesting the kundalini serpent power.

Chinmoy likened “kundalini arousal” (varying states of demonic possession) to a “game” that is to be “played” between Shakti “The Mother Power” (a Hindu goddess) and the adept who seeks to manifest kundalini. The “power” and “force” that Chinmoy encourages people to “play with” is, in actuality, in many varying religious contexts, demonic spirits (fallen angels) that masquerade as “The Mother Supreme,” “kundalini,” “Chi,” “prana,” etc. Chinmoy wrote:

When the kundalini is awake, man is fully aware of the inner world. He knows that the outer world cannot satisfy his inner needs. He has brought to the fore the capacity of the inner world, which he has come to realise is far superior to the capacity of the outer world. He has brought to the fore the hidden powers, the occult powers, within himself. Either he uses these powers properly or he misuses them. When he divinely uses the powers of kundalini, he becomes the real pride of the Mother Supreme. When he misuses them, he becomes the worst enemy of man’s embodied consciousness and of his own personal evolution.16
Here in the West there are many who feel that the powers of kundalini yoga are nothing but rank superstition. I wish to say that those who cherish this idea are totally mistaken. Even the genuine spiritual Masters have examined kundalini yoga and found in their own experiences the undeniable authenticity of its hidden occult powers.17
The kundalini power is the dynamic power in us. When the dynamic power and the spiritual knowledge go hand in hand, the perfect harmony of the Universal Consciousness dawns and the conscious evolution of the human soul reaches the transcendental Self [godhood].18

Kundalini Awakening
If Kundalini is “the mainstay of all yoga practices,” as Rieker and other Yoga authorities maintain, the Yoga practitioner must understand clearly what the “kundalini” power is, how “it” operates, and what its effects are.19

Kundalini is a term which in Sanskrit means “coiled.” This “yogic life force” supposedly moves through the chakras (energy centers that are “activated one by one through the breath”20 in the human body in order to bring one into a state of occult enlightenment. According to occult philosophy, Kundalini is a non-physical field of energy that yogis say not only surrounds the physical body but can infuse the body.

Lee Sannella, M.D., a noted Psychiatrist, Ophthalmologist, and cofounder of the Kundalini Clinic in San Francisco, explains in his book The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence:

According to this [tantric] Indian tradition, the kundalini is a type of energy—a “power” or “force” (shakti)—that is held to rest in a dormant, or potential, state in the human body. Its location is generally specified as being at the base of the spine. When this energy is galvanized, “awakened,” [which is done during Yoga], it rushes upward along the central axis of the human body, or along the spinal, to the crown of the head. Occasionally, it is thought to go even beyond the head. Upon arriving there, the kundalini is said to give rise to the mystical state of consciousness, which is indescribably blissful and in which all awareness of duality [separation] ceases.21

For those who have doubts that all Yoga has the capacity to arouse kundalini energy, perhaps one ought to think again. After all, the Yoga postures themselves were designed specifically to receive this serpent power. 

Yoga’s Dangers of Psycho-spiritual and Psycho-physical “Emergencies”
Volumes of material could be quoted from regarding the dangers of Yoga, meditation, and other psycho-spiritual and physio-spiritual practices. Modern practitioners—and even medical doctors—are now testifying to the fact that physical dangers associated with practicing Yoga are a reality. In fact, people who have done Yoga for purely “physical exercise” have been spiritually affected to the point of being systematically dismantled by hostile “forces,” over which they have no power. Eastern gurus call this type of Yoga effect “enlightenment,” yet it is anything but that!

In India today, countless millions of Yoga practitioners are influenced by the spirit world, achieving manifold “possession” states and “manifesting” the kundalini-shakti power (also called “serpent power”). It is the same in the West, only it falls under different names and in a Western context. One should note well that it was not until the 19th and early 20th centuries that Yoga was touted as a physio-postural “exercise” in Britain and the USA.22

The following is a mere sampling of what can occur when the kundalini-shakti “force” is “aroused,” “galvanized,” “awakened,” “summoned,” etc. These “spiritual emergencies” can even occur during Hatha Yoga sessions at the local fitness center. Depending on the teacher (yogi/yogini) one has, you never quite know what you will get.

In Lee Sannella's book The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence, Sannella tells how the “Physio-Kundalini” experience is “a dramatic occurrence . . . culminating [in a] state of ecstatic unification.”23 He adds:

[T]he kundalini causes the central nervous system to throw off stress . . . usually associated with the experience of pain . . . It appears to act of its own volition, spreading through the entire psychophysiological system to affect its transformation.24
[T]he kundalini produces the most striking sensations . . . the “heat” generated by “friction” of the kundalini . . . causes turbulence, which may be experienced as painful sensations . . . spontaneous bodily movements, shifting somatic sensations.25

Amongst other kundalini symptoms, “spiritual emergency” scenarios26 and numerous case studies of destructive kundalini manifestations, Sannella mentions Swami Narayanananda, author of “the first detailed book on the kundalini experience.”27 Sannella notes that Narayanananda’s book:

. . . distinguished between a partial and a full arousal of the kundalini energy. Whereas partial arousal can lead to all kinds of physical and mental complications, only the kundalini’s complete ascent to the center at the crown of the head will awaken the true impulse to God-realization, or liberation, and bring about the desired revolution in consciousness. Only then can the body-mind be transcended in the unalloyed bliss of enlightenment.28

Narayanananda catalogued a listing of sensations and experiences that occur as kundalini symptoms. Sannella summarizes some of these:

* There is strong burning, first along the back and then over the whole body.
* The kundalini’s entrance into the central spinal canal, called sushuma, is attendant with pain. * When the kundalini reaches the heart, one may experience palpitations.
* One feels a creeping sensation from the toes, and sometimes the whole body starts to shake. The rising sensation may feel like an ant crawling slowly up the body toward the head, or like a snake wiggling along, or a bird hopping from place to place, or like a fish darting through calm water, or like a monkey leaping to a far branch.29

Sannella arranges the “physio-kundalini complex” into four basic categories, which the following somewhat encapsulates and which Sannella (and others) consider to be “therapeutic.” Of the psycho-spiritual/physio-spiritual process Sannella contends, “[s]everal of my kundalini cases are especially interesting because they serve as support for my contention that the kundalini process can be looked upon as being inherently therapeutic.”30

Therapeutic? I find that absurd reasoning! Surprisingly, Sannella admits to the dangers:

I must, however, sound a word of caution here. I firmly believe that methods designed specifically to hasten kundalini arousal, such as breath control exercises known as pranayama, are hazardous, unless practiced directly under the guidance of a competent spiritual teacher, or guru, who should have gone through the whole kundalini process himself or herself.31

He says the Yoga breathing techniques “may prematurely unleash titanic inner forces,” and the practitioner will have no way to control these forces. He warns, “The kundalini can be forced, but only to one’s own detriment.”32 Basically, one must go through varying stages of what the Bible would consider demonic possession! 

Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening 
There is a very long list of symptoms that can occur during a kundalini awakening. While proponents will tell you that there are many benefits, they readily admit, as I have shown, that there are many terrible consequences. Here are just a few of them:

Tremors * Shivering * Shaking * Cramps * Spasms * Energy rushes * Muscle twitches * Strong electricity circulating the body * Tingling * Intense heat or cold * Involuntary bodily movements * Jerking * Periods of extreme hyperactivity * Periods of fatigue * Intensified or diminished sexual desires * Headaches * Pressures within the skull * Racing heartbeat * Emotional outbursts * Rapid mood shifts * Feeling of grief, fear, rage, depression * Spontaneous and uncontrollable laughing and weeping * Mental confusion * Convulsions * Altered states of consciousness33

I don’t recall Jesus or the disciples ever likening the fruit of the Spirit or the working of the Holy Spirit with any of these symptoms! 

What About “Christian” Yoga?
In an eye-opening article titled “Yoga Renamed is Still Hindu: I challenge Attempts to Snatch Yoga From its Roots,” Professor Subhas R. Tiwari of the Hindu University of America made some very interesting points in response to inquiries from several journalists around the country. As a graduate with a Master’s degree in Yoga philosophy from the famed Bihar Yoga Bharati University, Professor Tiwari’s response was featured in an article in Hinduism Today. Professor Tiwari enlightened undiscerning American’s with the following:

In the past few months I have received several calls from journalists around the country seeking my views on the question of whether the newly minted “Christian Yoga” is really yoga.
My response is, “The simple, immutable fact is that yoga originated from the Vedic or Hindu culture. Its techniques were not adopted by Hinduism, but originated from it.” . . . The effort to separate yoga from Hinduism must be challenged because it runs counter to the fundamental principles upon which yoga itself is premised. . . . Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga. . . .
[Yoga] was intended by the Vedic seers as an instrument which can lead one to apprehend the Absolute, Ultimate Reality, called the Brahman Reality, or God. If this attempt to co-opt yoga into their own tradition continues, in several decades of incessantly spinning the untruth as truth through re-labelings such as “Christian yoga,” who will know that yoga is—or was—part of Hindu culture?34

Some may ask, “Well, can’t I just do the Yoga exercises and forego the religious or spiritual aspects?” One researcher has this to say:

There is absolutely no problem in stretching exercises in and of themselves. . . . No one can deny that stretching helps the blood flow, that breathing in oxygen helps our overall health. . . . There are numerous exercise programs that incorporate stretching that in no way relates to yoga (and its perspective). . . . Religious syncretism is probably the most dangerous thing we can involve ourselves in because we can rationalize its purpose. . . . Essentially one cannot practice a portion of Hinduism and continue to walk with the true Christ who is not a Hindu Guru.35

A former occultist who is now a Christian explains:

You cannot separate the exercises from the philosophy. . . . The movements themselves become a form of meditation. The continued practice of the exercises will, whether you . . . intend it or not, eventually influence you toward an Eastern/mystical perspective. That is what it is meant to do! . . . There is, by definition, no such thing as “neutral” Yoga36

The Conflict Between Yoga, “Christian” Yoga, and the Gospel

Is Yoga a religion that denies Jesus Christ? Yes. Just as Christianity denies the Hindu MahaDevas such as Siva, Vishnu, Durga and Krishna, to name a few, Hinduism and its many Yogas have nothing to do with God and Jesus . . . all of Yoga is all about the Hindu religion. Modern so-called “yoga” is dishonest to Hindus and to all non-Hindus such as the Christians.—Danda, Dharma Yoga Ashram, Classical Yoga Hindu Academy; an e-mail written to Lighthouse Trails Research

Altogether, Western Yoga has become a launching platform for occultism—the very thing that lies at the heart of Buddhism Hinduism, and New Age spirituality. Even the Christian church has been affected by alleged “Yoga for Christians.” Consider the names of such “ministries” that mix Scripture and “Jesus” with Yoga, and then sell it as Christian Yoga exercise: Yahweh Yoga, Holy Yoga; Body Prayer, Christ-Centered Yoga, New Day Yoga, Trinity Yoga, Yoga Devotion, Grounded in Yoga, Be Still Yoga, Atoning Yoga Extending Grace, and many more.

Most Christians would probably acknowledge that occultic practices are the antithesis of biblical Christianity. But when it comes to Yoga—also the outworking of occultism—they seem oblivious. And yet, the philosophies and practices of yogic mediation have the capacity to “unhinge” (dismantle) humans—in every way. These philosophies come from ancient occultism and originally started back in the Garden of Eden. The voice of that old serpent, the Devil and his satanic forces, put forth the exact same lie today that has fueled the world of the occult through all the ages—that humanity can become God. “[Y]e shall not surely die . . . ye shall be as gods” (i.e., like God; Genesis 3:4-5).

The very nature of many of the meditative yogic practices are engineered to (1) blow out the discernment faculties of human beings, (2) create an insulating barrier of spiritual resistance against the biblical Gospel, and (3) generate personal hostile opposition towards Jesus of Nazareth and His teachings. Consider the difference: the Bible teaches that man is sinful and the wages of sin is death; Jesus Christ, came in the flesh, died on the Cross, and was resurrected, paying the penalty for man’s sin with His own shed blood. He then offers salvation freely to “whosoever” believeth on Him by faith. Yoga (i.e., Hinduism), on the other hand, is completely the opposite. Man is already divine, and that divinity only needs to be “awakened” through Yoga. No sin, thus no need for a Savior. Man will save himself.

In place of God’s Word as the ultimate authority, a new higher authority called “experience” is embraced. Thus, the Jesus Christ of the Bible, the clear teachings of Scripture, and the established historical doctrines of the Christian faith, along with “biblical separation” from occult pagan spirituality, are thrown out of the window.

The reality that practitioners of Yoga, including Christian practitioners, can become physiologically and psychologically “unhinged” is a terrifying consideration. When one yields to the spiritual forces of darkness that fuel the world of yogic spirituality, one ought to be prepared to face dire consequences—that for millennia yogis in the East have endured, and by which have tragically been destroyed.

Practicing Yoga can result in the severe dismantling of the human personality, resulting in total spiritual devastation, and oftentimes including demonic possession. The respect, honor, and adoration of rats, snakes, monkeys, cows, and the worship of 330 million gods of Hinduism surely ought to speak volumes to the Western Yoga practitioner who thinks he or she can Christianize Yoga or simply turn it into a benign physical exercise program.

When you stop and realize that increasing numbers of Christian churches are now allowing Yoga classes, and when you look at the sheer facts, this is simply hybridized yogic evangelism in the church. Sadly, the bulk of Western Christians seem to be blind to this.

Paul the Apostle, remembering the sinful disaster that took place in the garden of Eden, warned the early church at Corinth about the danger of spiritual deception in the name of Christ:

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlity, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

The question this booklet title asks is: Are Yoga and Christianity compatible? I hope and pray that after reading this material you will answer that question with a resounding No. We live in a world where forces of darkness, of which the Bible speaks, are seeking to deceive us. But Scripture also says we can protect ourselves through His provision. We do not have to walk in spiritual darkness.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6: 11-13)

To order copies of YOGA and Christianity - Are They Compatible?, click here. 

Endnotes:

1. “Yoga in America Study 2012” (Yoga Journal, http://www.yogajournal.com/press/yoga_in_america.
2. Lesley Alderman, “Bend and Be Well,” Alternative Medicine: Your Guide to Stress Relief, Healing, Nutrition, and More (New York, NY: TIME Books, 2012), p.62.
3. Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language (New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Unabridged, 2nd ed., Deluxe Color 1955, 1983), p. 2120.
4. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoga.
5. http://www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/820_1.cfm.
6. Goutam Paul, Bhagavad Gita: The Ultimate Science of Yoga (http://www.cs.albany.edu/~goutam/ScYogaCamera.pdf).
7. http://www.experiencefestival.com/yoga.
8. http://www.sullivan-county.com/id3/expositer.htm#Y.
9. http://www.atmajyoti.org/med_what_is_yoga.asp.
10. Debra Lardie, contributing editors Dan Lioy and Paul Ingram, Concise Dictionary of the Occult and New Age (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2000), pp. 288-289.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. Hans-Ulrich Rieker, The Yoga of Light: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (New York, NY: Seabury Press, 1971), p. 101.
14. http://www.srichinmoy.org.
15. Ibid.
16. Sri Chinmoy, Kundalini: The Mother Power (Jamaica, N.Y: AUM Publications, 1992), p. 49.
17. Ibid., p. 51.
18. Ibid.
19. See Hidden Dangers Of Meditation And Yoga: How To Play With Your Sacred Fires Safely by Del Pe.
20. “Chakras,” http://www.sanatansociety.org/chakras/chakras.htm.
21. Lee Sannella, The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence (Lower Lake, CA: Integral Publishing, 1987, Revised 1992), p. 25.
22. See Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice by Mark Singleton, 2010; A History of Modern Yoga: Patanjali and Western Esotericism by Elizabeth De Michelis, 2005; The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice by Georg Feuerstein, 2001.
23. Lee Sannella, The Kundalini Experience, op. cit., p. 31.
24. Ibid.
25. Ibid., p. 32.
26. See also Grof & Grof’s The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth through Transformational Crisis, 1992; and Spiritual Emergency, 1989.
27. Lee Sannella, The Kundalini Experience, op. cit., pp. 48-49.
28. Ibid., p. 48.
29. Ibid.
30. Ibid., pp. 93-108, 113.
31. Ibid., p. 116.
32. Ibid.
33. Symptoms of Kundalini awakening, Submitted by zoya on Fri, 03/11/2011—11:57, http://www.gurusfeet.com/forum/symptoms-kundalini-awakening.
34. Subhas R. Tiwari, “Yoga Renamed is Still Hindu” (Hinduism Today, Jan/Feb/Mar 2006, Magazine Web Edition http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1456).
35. Mike Oppenheimer, “Yoga, Today’s Lifestyle for Health” (http://www.letusreason.org/NAM1.htm).
36. Johanna Michaelsen, Like Lambs to the Slaughter (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1989), pp. 93-95.
A. Sidebar on page 7: Goutam Paul, Bhagavad Gita: The Ultimate Science of Yoga, op. cit., p.1.
To order copies of YOGA and Christianity - Are They Compatible?, click here.

About the author: Chris Lawson is a missionary and an ordained pastor. Among his achievements and calling as a career missionary, he has served as a long-term church planter in the USA and also in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is the founder and president of Spiritual Research Network, Inc., a Christian outreach dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel and encouraging biblical discernment. You can visit his website where there is extensive research at: http://www.spiritual-research-network.com. Chris lives in central California with his wife and children.

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BONO INTERVEWED BY JIM DALY OF FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

Lighthouse Trails reports:

On June 25th, the mega-rock star leader, Bono, was interviewed on Focus on the Family. In the interview, Bono stated that he believes Jesus is Lord. A review of that interview (see below), written by Religion News Service is titled "Bono: David sang the blues and Jesus did some punk rock."  According to the RNS document, Bono told Focus on the Family's Jim Daly, “And I believe that Jesus was, you know, the Son of God.”

We are not here to dispute whether Bono believes that or not, but a Scripture comes to mind when reading this: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19). Bono may or may not believe; but he has been sending out a very confusing message as you can see in Joe Schimmel's documentary The Submerging Church (see trailer below) where Schimmel devotes an entire DVD to discussing Bono.

Does it even matter, some may ask, what Bono believes or doesn't believe? It matters greatly because Bono is a major influence to millions of young people (and many of them proclaiming Christians) around the world. What leaders (and yes, Bono is a leader) say or do has the potential of changing the views and behaviors of countless youth. It could even alter elections as we have shown through our own documentation in our booklet tract They Hate Christianity But Love (Another) Jesus – How Conservative Christians Are Being Manipulated and Ridiculed, Especially During Election Years. 

In Berit Kjos' new book, How to Protect Your Child From the New Age & Spiritual Deception, she has some interesting things to say about Bono:

Few entertainers have more effectively confused young minds and corrupted the Gospel than Bono, the ultra-famous star of the Irish rock band, U2. Playing the devil, twisting God’s Word, and mocking genuine Christianity, Bono has tragically led many Christian youth into the dangerous world of occult music.
Bono’s great leap forward came in the early nineties, when he claimed the persona of MacPhisto: "the devil."1 With his red horns, whitened face, bright red lipstick, black hair, and golden suit, his message grew more outrageous. But the celebration of evil—joined to an enticing illusion of "good"—enlarged the crowds and helped popularize the emerging, unrestrained "Christianity" that’s becoming a norm today.

Back in 1989, he was asked in a Mother Jones interview, "Do you still believe that Jesus is the way? Doesn’t that biblical injunction deny that followers of other religions can enter paradise?" Bono answered:

"I don’t accept that. I don’t accept that fundamentalist concept. I believe, what is it? 'The way is as narrow as the eye of the needle,' and all that. But I think that’s just to keep the fundamentalists out. . . . (laughs) I never really accepted the whole 'born again' tag."2

U2’s 2005 tour was aimed at joining all religions into a unified global spirituality. To emphasize the coming solidarity, the word "COEXIST" was featured on a giant screen. The capital "C" pointed to the Islamic crescent, the "X" symbolized the Jewish Star of David, and the "T" was a reminder of the Christian cross. Bono led massive crowds in a vibrant chant: "Jesus, Jew, Mohammed—It’s True!"3

Not everyone approved. Singer/songwriter Tara Leigh Cobble said, "He repeated the words like a mantra, and some people even began to repeat it with him. I suddenly wanted to crawl out of my skin. . . . Was Bono, my supposed brother in Christ, preaching some kind of universalism?"4

"I felt like I was witnessing an antichrist," said her friend.5

In one song, "God’s Country," Bono belts out the words, "I stand with the sons of Cain."6 The Bible tells us that Cain "was of that wicked one, and slew his brother" (1 John 3:12), not exactly someone who a Christian would want to be found standing in agreement with.

Are Christian leaders speaking up and warning others about Bono? No, on the contrary, reveals one Christian journalist:

"One of the leaders being promoted today by those purporting to be officiating the way for our young people—to include Bill Hybels, Brian McLaren, Rick Warren, and Rob Bell—is 'Christian' Rock star Bono of U2, whom many emergents view as their 'prophet' and the main icon of their movement. In Bono’s rendition of Psalm 23, he alters the entire thrust and message of this beautiful psalm to something that sounds nothing less than blasphemous. For example . . . he alters the wording to say 'I have cursed thy rod and staff. They no longer comfort me.'"7  [This rendition of Psalm 23 is documented in The Submerging Church DVD.]

And in the summer of 2005, Rick Warren attended the Live 8 Concert with Bono where he was made the official pastor at the event.8 Rick Warren did not issue a warning at the event about Bono, leaving the impression on thousands of young people’s minds that Bono is OK.  (from chapter 17, HPC)

Bono being interviewed by Focus on the Family's Jim Daly

Something else Joe Schimmel brings out in The Submerging Church is that Bono has been considered by many emergents, like Brian McLaren, to be a leader or "prophet" of the emerging church movement. Bono's influence on youth can certainly be substantiated, not just by comments from emergents themselves but other sources as well. In a 2009 Christian Post article, it stated:

"Across the nation, young evangelicals are naming Rick Warren or Bono as their role model for social engagement, rather than a Christian Right leader, says Michael Gerson, senior research fellow in the Center on Faith & International Affairs at the Institute for Global Engagement."(9)

It's worth noting that both Rick Warren and Bono, named as the "role model[s]" for young evangelicals have the trait of speaking out of both sides of their mouths when it comes to the Christian faith and causing much confusion. This is where 2 +2 do not add up to 4. Saying one thing to one audience and another thing to another - well after awhile, no one knows what to think. It reminds us of when Rick Warren told the liberal think tank, the Pew Forum on Religion, in 2005 that the 5 fundamentals of the faith were "legalistic" and "narrow" but then later in front of another audience said he believes in the 5 fundamentals of the faith. Such maneuvers have people's heads spinning. Will the real Rick Warren, will the real Bono please stand up?

In a June 25th Focus on the Family article by Jim Daly (a follow up to the Bono interview), "Why Orthodox Christians Should Appreciate an Unorthodox Bono," Daly states, "What sometimes gets lost in the mix, however, is the motivation behind Bono’s work. It’s his very real Christian faith." This is suggesting that regardless of how one lives his or her life or regardless of how one represents the Christian faith, if the motivation or intent is "Christian," then that person should be taken seriously or "appreciated." But that line of reasoning is precarious and can lead followers down many deceptive paths. That is like saying that because Bono professes the Christian faith, he should not be scrutinized for any inconsistencies in that faith or representation of that faith. It's a basically everything goes, all is OK kind of attitude - an attitude that has gotten the evangelical church into a lot of trouble in recent years.

In the follow-up article by Daly, he quotes Bono as saying that "Jesus wants us to engage our world." We know that the Bible is very clear that Christians are to help the poor and care for the needy (something those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ have been doing since the beginning of the church because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), but when emergents, like Bono, say "engage our world," they mean much more than helping the poor and needy - they mean becoming absorbed into the culture and becoming unified in purpose with all people. Roger Oakland talks about this new kind of missiology in his article "The New Missiology: Doing Missions Without the Gospel." It's a little scary when the president (Jim Daly) of one of the largest most influential evangelical organizations ends his article by saying, "All this because real people joined together for the common good."  Sounds more like a socialist pep rally than an interview that shows listeners how vital the preaching of the message of the Cross is to the world's poor and needy (the main thing that the poor and needy - and the rich - need).

Speaking of social justice,  SoJourners magazine, the social justice (i.e., socialist) publication of liberal/emerging Jim Wallis, has also given Bono a platform, like in an article titled "Bono Preaches the Gospel of Social Justice at Georgetown," where Bono is quoted as calling Obama "an extraordinary man" and in many many other  articles in SoJourner that have helped turn Bono into practically a household name - for the emergent households anyway.

In the Christian church today, many things are not adding up as a  mystical eastern-style spirituality and the accompanying ecumenical emerging "theology" are gaining momentous ground, and Christian leaders are running toward the beat of a different drum than the biblical Gospel. When organizations like Focus on the Family give Bono a platform and credibility, a lot of people are going to take notice. If Bono is heading in the right direction, as Focus on the Family seems to be saying, then we have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if he is going in the wrong direction, we have plenty to be concerned about. Either way, he'll be taking a whole lot of young people (and maybe some older ones too) with him. Let's make sure we have gathered all our facts, however, before assuming that what appears Christian because of its own proclamation is weighed out with the evidence and the fruit. Ironically, Focus on the Family has traditionally stood for conservative Christianity; by many indicators, Bono is an emerging/new spirituality guru whose significant influence will sway the spirituality (not to mention the votes) of millions of youth from Christian homes. The outcome could be disastrous from more than one front.

 If you have not yet seen The Submerging Church DVD, we encourage you to get a copy. You can watch a trailer of the DVD set or order it by clicking here. Two other items  we'd like to recommend at this time are "Sojourners Founder Jim Wallis’ Revolutionary Anti-Christian “Gospel” (and Will Christian Leaders Stand with Wallis?)"  and "Ingrid Schlueter/Lighthouse Trails Editor Radio Show on Those Who Claim Orthodox Christianity But Promote Emerging/Contemplative."

The trailer of The Submerging Church: (click here if you cannot see the video below)

 "Bono: David sang the blues and Jesus did some punk rock" (Religion News Service)
by Sarah Pulliam Bailey

(RNS) U2 frontman Bono exchanged Bible references and bantered about music, theology and evangelicals’ role in AIDS activism in a recent radio interview with Focus on the Family President Jim Daly.

Growing up in Ireland with a Protestant mother and a Catholic father, Bono imitated C.S. Lewis in “Mere Christianity,” where Lewis argued that Jesus was a lunatic, liar or Lord.

“When people say ‘Good teacher,’ ‘Prophet,’ ‘Really nice guy,’ … this is not how Jesus thought of himself,” Bono said. “So, you’re left with a challenge in that, which is either Jesus was who he said he was or a complete and utter nut case.” “And I believe that Jesus was, you know, the Son of God,” Bono said, according to a transcript provided to Religion News Service. “I understand that for some people and we need to … if I could be so bold, need to be really, really respectful to people who find that ridiculous.” Click here to continue reading.

 Notes:

1.  "MacPhisto, Who the Devil?" (http://www.canadanne.co.uk/macphisto/who.html).

2. "Bono Bites Back" (Mother Jones magazine, May 1989, http://www.motherjones.com/media/1989/05/bono-bites-back), p. 35.

3. Elliott Nesch, "U2 Frontman Bono: Christian or Antichrist?" (August 12, 2012, http://www.holybibleprophecy.org).

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. Cited from The Submerging Church: DVD 2 by Joe Schimmel. A trailer of this can be seen at: http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LTP&Product_Code=SMC

7. David Dombrowski, "In View of the Recent Tragedy, a Timely Message"(Lighthouse Trails blog: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=10511).

8. Marc Gunther, "Power Pastor: Will Success Spoil Rick Warren?" (Fortune Magazine, October 2005, http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/10/31/8359189/index.htm).

9. Michelle A. Vu, "Evangelical Movement at ‘Head-Snapping’ Moment, Says Scholar" (Christian Post, http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-mov-t-at-head-snapping-moment-says-scholar-41337).

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In our previous post about Jim Daly, successor to James Dobson at Focus on the Family, we reported on the Martin Bobgan analysis which revealed both men's psychoheresies and apostasies:

http://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2013/06/focus-on-family-sham-and-shamethree.html.

Also see Americans For Truth About Homosexuality's article "Is Jim Daly Emasculating Focus on the Family?":

http://americansfortruth.com/2010/04/29/is-jim-daly-emasculating-focus-on-the-family/.

Also see World Net Daily article: 

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY 'HIDING BEHIND COMPROMISE'

Prominent Dobson supporter chastises ministry's new leadership (Jim Daly). 

http://www.wnd.com/2012/12/focus-on-the-family-hiding-behind-compromise/.