Faith Undone

[[ASIN:0979131510 Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception] Faith Undone has been written to warn the Church about a phenomenon called "The Emergent Church." Like the warnings of the prophets, peoples' reaction to this book will vary from alarm through indifference to offence. Although the book is written in a popular style to be accessible to non academics, it does contain footnotes detailing references so the reader may check the veracity of claims for themselves. After the introductory chapter, the author traces the origins of the Emergent Church from as early as the 1950s describing how an American business guru influenced a group of church leaders in the 1980s, which in turn gathered and influenced a younger generation of pastors in the 1990s. There was a belief that the church needed to change dramatically to meet the challenge of the post-modern world. Influences that were affecting and shaping the new perceptions of these people appeared to have their roots in New Age and Eastern philosophies. They were also able to gain backing from influential publishers to widely disseminate their views and vision. Like the New Age movement, the Emergent Church is a more a diverse network rather than an organisation. The book goes on to describe characteristics of the Emergent phenomenon. There is a tendency to promote experience as being more authoritative than scripture, which is no longer held to be absolute truth. This appeal for experience leads to an emphasis on rituals, mysticism and multi-sensory worship. This is justified as a "return" to the practice of the early church fathers and re-discovering of "ancient wisdom." Contemplative prayer is promoted with "centering down," "visualisation," and use of repetitive "mantra-like" prayers such as "The Jesus Prayer." There is also a move from the traditional Protestant view of Holy Communion towards a Roman Catholic perception of transubstantiation and the worship of the Eucharist. Because the author supports a traditional protestant understanding of this subject, and questions the Vatican's possible motives in encouraging the Emergent church in this area, it is likely that some readers will be offended by Oakland's warnings. Other characteristics of the Emergent Church include "Kingdom Now Theology" which will include a "Replacement Theology" of Israel by the Church. There is a re-defining of "Christ" reminiscent of New Age "cosmic christs." Some proponents of Emergent Theology are uncomfortable with the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, holding it as an example of sacrifice rather than a requirement of God's justice. There is a tendency to emphasise the social side of the Gospel to exclusion of correct belief. Some Emergent leaders are uncertain on issues such as homosexuality. Throughout the book the author tries not to needlessly "name names" for its own sake, but where necessary identifies key protagonists with relevant quotes. Some of the names may

Roger Oakland does an outstanding description of how old ancient worship practices and mysticism is invading the Christian Church. I have noticed this over the past decade as people are demanding experiences in their worship, thinking somehow that will make them more spiritual or give them a greater connection with God. I always get nervous when I see hundreds of people jumping around, hands raised, with a rock band going. I keep wondering if that is more emotional frenzy, rather than heartfelt worship. The Emergent Church wants nothing to do with doctrine or dry bible studies. As Oakland explains, the Emergent Church believes they can't really know what truth is, so why fight about it? Their mentality is: let's sip coffee and dialogue about these issues. What a crock. The bible is quite clear on many topics... it's just that people don't like the answers. Well, tough. I learned much from Oakland's description of silent breath prayers, candles, walking the labyrinth, lectio divina are all forms of playing God and legalism. Ultimately, they will lead us to towards an One World Church in which the true definition of Christianity will become so modified, it isn't Christianity anymore. In general, we have a generation of Christians that are biblically illiterate. Oakland shows how we are commanded to grow in our faith and become more like Christ. We would be wise to start learning more about God and who he is through well-led bible studies rather than using unreliable emotions and experiences to form our belief system and worship practices.

A movement that has spread like wildfire through out North American Churches is challenged by writer Roger Oakland.Roger compares this movement to the Living Word of God and exposes it for what it is-deceptive,half truths,twisting God's Word and a road that goes quite wide(leading quite possibly to Hell for some) inviting all beliefs(religion)to walk together.Jesus Christ preachead a narrow road.Roger reminds us 1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry..Get back to the Bible to God centered theology not Man centered theology.The Emerging Church is exposed by the TRUTH.READ THIS BOOK.

This book ought to be required reading for anyone wanting to know what is going on in many churches. It is easy to read and understand. If you want the truth to be presented in your church and Jesus Christ to be preeminent then this book is for you.

New Age or what would be more accurately described as "old age" spirituality has invaded the church. I call it old age because it goes back to Babel and Nimrod, the beginnings of all false religion. Romans 1:20-25 sums it up. We are told,"For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and majesty, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools---Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever." This passage of Scripture tells us that these people's pride has caused their heart to be darkened, and while professing to be wise they are in reality fools who have rejected their Creator. How does this passage apply to the emerging church? 1) They teach Contemplative spirituality, which they assert allows a person to get in touch with God who dwells in every human. These people call it centering or breath prayers. While these names are more acceptable to evangelicals than Transendental Meditation that is exactly what centering or breath prayers really are. By using a word, phrase or centering on your breath, you let go of all your thoughts. In blanking out all thoughts you leave yourself open for demonic spirits to enter in. This is serious business. These practices go back to the false teaching of the third centruy desert fathers. Instead of going back to Nimrod or even the desert fathers, we need to get back to what Scripture has to say and obey it. 2) Emerging church leaders teach that all paths lead to God. You can be a Buddahist, Hindu, Baptist, Moslem, etc. and hold onto your traditional beliefs and practices and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. One example of this is found in the new program being carried out by YWAM. A YWAM staff newsletter notes about the new converts lifestyle changes or lack thereof: "They (the new converts) continued a life of following the Islamic requirements, including mosque attendance, fasting and Koranic reading, besides getting together as a fellowship of Moslems who acknowledge Christ as as the source of God's mercy for them." This quote is found on page 175 of "Faith Undone." A Hindu man who plays the drums at Hindu festivals claims to be a Hindu on the outside and a Christian on the inside (page 177 of "Faith Undone"). 3)The emerging Church is adopting Roman Catholic practices, such as breath prayers and practicing Eucharist adoration, which worships the Messiah in the wafer and some evangelical leaders are even making the Eurcharist instead of teaching what the Scriptures say the focal point of their services. Some are emphasizing the important role that Mary will play in the coversion process that must occur if the world is