Author Archives: Marsha West

About Marsha West

Marsha West is the owner and managing editor of Christian Research Network, Apprising Ministries (the late Ken Silva’s blog) and On Solid Rock Resources. She is also co-founder of Berean Research. For two decades Marsha was the owner and managing editor of Email Brigade website as well as the EMB News Report, a bi-weekly email report for conservative people of faith. For many years Marsha was a regular contributor to several blogs including CRN, RenewAmerica, News With Views and Web Commantary as well as popular websites she no longer endorses: American Family Association, Worldview Weekend, Stand Up For The Truth, The Christian Post and Christian Headlines. Although Marsha still blogs, her primary focus is CRN. Marsha also writes Research Papers (White Papers) on various topics that are published on CRN, Berean Research and On Solid Rock Resources. Visit Marsha’s other sites: On Solid Rock Resources https://www.onsolidrockresources.com/ Apprising Ministries http://apprising.org Marsha’s RenewAmerica Column http://renewamerica.com/columns/mwest Marsha’s Facebook Page http://facebook.com/marsha.west.77

The Push for Gender-Neutral Childhood in Sweden

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion

The Baptist Press reports:

Forget “his” and “hers.” Sweden has introduced a new, gender-neutral pronoun: “hen.”

The word was added to the online version of the country’s National Encyclopedia days after International Women’s Day.

But now, activists want to push the matter to its natural and logical conclusion. They want to abolish gender altogether, and construct a utopian, gender neutral society. They’re intent on raising up a new generation of children who’ve been freed from the limitations of stereotyped gender roles.

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Gay Marriage at Issue in Pentagon Budget Bill

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News

The Baptist Press gives details of amendments to the House defense bill that prevent same-sex marriages from taking place on U.S. military bases. According to one amendment sponsor, Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss:

This amendment is intended to clear up any doubt and reinforce the [Defense of Marriage Act’s] authority as it applies to those installations.

What is at stake here is the religious liberty of all military service members including chaplains. The report asserts that,

The Obama administration issued a statement saying it “strongly objects” to these amendments protecting chapels and the conscience of chaplains and other service members. The administration stated those provisions “adopt unnecessary and ill-advised policies that would inhibit the ability of same-sex couples to marry or enter a recognized relationship.”

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The Gay Divorcees

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

Charles C. W. Cooke, an editorial associate for National Review, reports that research indicates that there are more homosexuals divorcing than one may think. He writes:

Announcing the results of his long-term “evolution” on the subject last week, President Obama revived the debate over gay marriage. In the widespread discussion, however, there is one question that’s rarely asked: How interested are gay couples in getting married?

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God’s Opinion of You Lasts Forever

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

American televangelist Joyce Meyer has a large number of devoted fans, not only in America, but also worldwide. Joyce’s critics claim she is a false teacher who has charmed tens of thousands of unsuspecting Christians into Word of Faith heresy. Marsha West is one such critic. She writes:

A Christian friend of mine is reading one of Joyce Meyer’s books. If you haven’t heard of Meyer, she is a popular health and wealth author/radio & TV teacher/conference speaker who believes God is our sugar daddy. The evangelist has been criticized for her “conspicuously prosperous lifestyle.” According to my friend, Joyce’s books are “uplifting.” She didn’t like hearing that some of her favorite author’s teaching is theological heresy. To my friend’s way of thinking, if a book makes you feel good, doctrine isn’t all that important.

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What the Bible Really Still Says About Homosexuality

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Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church, dismantles an article written by Catholic priest Daniel Helminiak wherein it is asserted that “nowhere does the Bible actually oppose homosexuality.” DeYoung writes:

On Tuesday afternoon, CNN ran an article on its Belief Blog by Catholic priest (sort of) Daniel Helminiak entitled “My Take: What the Bible really says about homosexuality.” The article is amazing for including so many bad arguments in so little space. A quick trip through the piece will show you what I mean.

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White House 'Strongly Objects' to Legislation Protecting Military Chaplains from Doing Same-Sex Weddings

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CNS News Reports:

The Obama administration “strongly objects” to provisions in a House defense authorization bill that would prohibit the use of military property for same-sex “marriage or marriage-like” ceremonies, and protect military chaplains from negative repercussions for refusing to act against their consciences, as, for example, in being ordered to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony.

In a policy statement released Wednesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget outlined numerous objections to aspects of the fiscal year 2013 National Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 4310). The bill was reported out of the House Armed Services Committee last week and is set to be debated in the House, beginning Wednesday.

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At A Glance: Spiritual Formation

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News

CRN research articles give a concise overview of a specific topic and provide links to resources for further study. The most recently published research article examines spiritual formation, and offers a brief history and overview, as well as a discussion of some potential dangers. View article →

People of Faith Must Join the Fight to Preserve Normal Marriage

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ ,

Changing the definition of marriage will have long term implications. Marsha West urges those who are opposed to same-sex marriage to join the fight to preserve biblical marriage. She writes:

In an effort to destroy the definition of marriage in America, President Obama abruptly announced that he is in favor of same-sex marriage. This came as no big surprise as he had already decided that the Department of Justice would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman. Likewise he repealed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that prohibited openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military. The president left many scratching their heads asking why he didn’t wait until after the election to make the announcement.

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Sex Sells, Even in Christian Bookstores

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion

The Christian Post reports:

There’s been no shortage of Christian books on the topic of sex in recent months, and Christians across the United States are buying them up in order to spice up their marriages.

DeeperCalling Media (DCM), an online Christian bookstore supplier and Christian product retailer, reports “sizzling sex book sales” among Christian bookstores, indicating that Christians are not as “prude” as they are sometimes thought to be.

“We have been astounded by the marked increase in the sales of Christian Books on the topics of Sex. It’s clear that in tough economic times people are seeking ways to improve their lives through better relationships with those closest to them,” said Joe Kerr, marketing manager for DCM, in a statement.

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Five Reasons Christians Should Continue to Oppose Gay Marriage

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion

Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church and Council Member of The Gospel Coalition, urges Christians not to go silent on the same-sex marriage issue. He writes:

Yesterday, to no one’s surprise, President Obama revealed in an interview that after some “evolution” he has “concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”

The temptation, then, is for Christians go silent and give up the marriage fight: “It’s no use staying in this battle,” we think to ourselves. “We don’t have to change our personal position. We’ll keep speaking the truth and upholding the Bible in our churches, but getting worked up over gay marriage in the public square is counter productive. It’s a waste of time. It makes us look bad. It ruins our witness. And we’ve already lost. Time to throw in the towel.” I understand that temptation. It is an easier way. But I do not think it is the right way, the God glorifying way, or the way of love.

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Jennifer Knapp, "Gay Christian Icon"?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙

The Religion News Service has released a story about musician Jennifer Knapp, calling her “an unlikely gay Christian icon.” Knapp was a popular contemporary Christian singer until she came out as a lesbian several years ago. Now Jennifer refers to herself as a “gay Christian artist” and urges Christians to affirm homosexuals. The singer performs regularly for Christian congregations and youth groups and revealed that, “Those listeners who used to treat her like ‘a big rock star’ now approach her after a concert for counsel about their sexual orientation.”

According to the article:

Her new album and her performances have found an audience with some of her old fans as well as Christians who — gay or straight — are hungry for churches to address LGBT issues and the challenges gay Christians face when they come out.

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When Paul Sent the Celebrity Pastor

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion

Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church and a Council Member of The Gospel Coalition, wrestles with what it means to be a “celebrity pastor.” Could Christians be misguided in their allegiance to specific teachers and leaders? He writes:

Here is a verse that caught my attention yesterday: “With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel” (2 Cor. 8:18).

There are many things we’d like to know, but don’t know about this verse.

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Oprah Still Insists She is a Christian

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

Oprah Winfrey once again has declared herself to be a Christian, and many of her fans believe her. Examining Oprah’s own words, Marsha West exposes how Oprah’s profession contradicts the truths of Scripture.

Oprah has consistently, and unapologetically, rejected an essential tenet of the Christian faith: There is only one path to God, through the Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus stated unequivocally, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Yet Oprah rejects Christ’s own words while at the same time declaring: “I’m Christian!”

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Nebraska Football Coach: "To Be Fired for My Faith Would be a Greater Honor"

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LifeSite News reports:

University of Nebraska’s assistant football coach, Ron Brown, who is facing censure and calls for his dismissal for publicly expressing his biblically-based views against the homosexual lifestyle, has stated that he’d rather be fired than retract his comments.

Brown expressed his belief in the Bible’s condemnation of homosexual acts as sinful, then stated, “the real question I guess I have for you all is – what does God say?”

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Evolution Pushed in Roman Catholic Bibles for Latin America

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

Ken Ham of Answers In Genesis, a ministry that seeks to provide answers to questions surrounding the book of Genesis and creation, brings to light a Roman Catholic Bible, written in Spanish, that is the “official” Bible used in Latin American countries. This Spanish Bible maintains that evolution is a fact, something Ken Ham disputes. He writes:

The universe, say the authors in their introduction, took “millions and billions of years” to form. After the authors describe how evolutionary ideas came about, they write, “Where are we trying to get with this? Simply that a vision of the world in evolution fits perfectly with the Christian notion of time and of the ‘ages’ of history.”

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Kay Warren Preaches at Controversial Crystal Cathedral

By ∙ ∙ In Opinion

The Christian Post reports that Kay Warren recently delivered a sermon at the Crystal Cathedral at two Sunday Services.

Until his retirement in 2010 after 55 years in the pulpit, controversial preacher Dr. Robert Schuller held the prestigious position of Founding Pastor of the famed Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. Schuller was also the host of the Hour of Power televangelism broadcast with a worldwide audience of over 20 million viewers.

Robert Schuller is known for his positive, uplifting message. The late Christian apologist Dr. Walter Martin coined the phrase “gospel of self-esteem” to describe Schuller’s teaching. Schuller’s message conveniently left out man’s sinful nature and need for a Savior and instead focused on man’s need for “self-dignity.” Indeed, Schuller’s overarching message could be viewed as a type of “new liberalism.”

In his piece, “The Root of This New Downgrade No-Controversy,” Pastor Ken Silva quotes Dr. John MacArthur as saying just that:

And I’ll tell you, how do you know it’s the new liberalism? Because you can’t stop a seeker-friendly movement, because it’s going to be redefined, it’s going to be redefined, it’s going to be redefined… It’s relentlessly being redefined because the culture changes so fast in a media-driven society. It changes so fast!…

You know, Schuller is the architect of this. Robert Schuller is the absolute father. The grandfather of the movement, who was a little bit below the radar, was Norman Vincent Peale. Norman Vincent Peale is a classic liberal. The primary impact that Norman Vincent Peale has had on the world is through his leading disciple, Robert Schuller, who said to me, “I can sign the confession of my denomination and makes the words mean anything I want them to mean.” Well, that’s classic neo-orthodoxy—or liberalism (whichever).

Source

Robert Schuller claims to have launched the megachurch movement through his Church Growth Institute, and his website has included Rick Warren at the top of the list of pastors who were mentored there:

We are the home of the world’s first Church Growth Institute, launching the mega-church movement in the 20th century. Tens of thousands of pastors, including famous graduates Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Bishop Blake, Walt Kallestad, and Sundo Kim of Korea, were mentored here. Source

Interestingly, in a 2002 Christianity Today article, Kay Warren acknowledged the influence that Robert Schuller had on both her and her husband:

During his last year in seminary, he and Kay drove west to visit Robert Schuller’s Institute for Church Growth. “We had a very stony ride out to the conference,” she says, because such nontraditional ministry scared her to death. Schuller, though, won them over. “He had a profound influence on Rick,” Kay says. “We were captivated by his positive appeal to nonbelievers. I never looked back.” Source

One may wonder why, as part of the Southern Baptist Convention, Kay Warren would be found preaching in a church that has long propagated false teaching. Yet, the above evidence seems to offer a more than adequate explanation.

Is Transhumanism 'Inevitable'?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion

David Yonke, religion editor of The Toledo Blade, reports on a lecture that outlined the subject of transhumanism, the use of technological means to modify the human species with the intention of improving the human condition. The lecture was given by Rev. Mark Douglas, a Presbyterian minister, theologian, ethicist, and professor at Columbia Theological Seminary. It pointed out that transhumanism raises many religious, ethical and practical concerns. View article →

Dr. Martin Erdmann offers a more orthodox view on the subject in his 2011 article, “Creating a Posthuman New Breed.” View article →

All For Gaia: Earth Day and Total Transformation for a Post-Christian World

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

On Sunday, 22 April, millions of Americans celebrated the environmental holiday Earth Day. But what exactly is being celebrated on Earth Day? It is not a stretch to say that most Americans are unaware of its pagan roots. The truth is, Earth Day isn’t so much about saving the planet from the “ravages of mankind” as it is a day to worship Gaia, also known as the Universal Mother. Carl Teichrib of Forcing Change uproots what Earth Day really represents and why Christians should think twice before they join in the festivities and “offer sacrifices of ‘good works’ to the planet.” View article →

An Invasion of Error: A Review of Bill Johnson's "When Heaven Invades Earth"

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

In a recent article and interview, Bob DeWaay offers a detailed review of Bill Johnson’s book, When Heaven Invades Earth. DeWaay demonstrates that Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, and a key figure in the movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, “has departed from orthodox Christian teaching in many serious ways.” DeWaay illustrates how Bill Johnson pushes spiritual experiences, special knowledge (not found in Scripture), and points out that Johnson offers detailed formulas for performing miracles. View article →

SBC's Richard Land Issues Apology for Plagiarism

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Baptist Press reports:

Richard Land, recently in the news for comments about the Trayvon Martin killing, has responded to charges that he failed to attribute the comments on air to a Washington Times columnist.

In a statement to Baptist Press April 16, Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, expressed regret for the way he handled remarks on his March 31 radio broadcast.

Source

The official statement has been posted on the Richard Land Live! website, and reads in part:

“On occasion I have failed to provide appropriate verbal attributions on my radio broadcast, Richard Land Live!, and for that I sincerely apologize. I regret if anyone feels they were deceived or misled. That was not my intent nor has it ever been. Clearly there has been no attempt to deceive the public or we would not have posted the articles that are used on the air. Source

In the statement, Land also noted that he was “grateful this oversight was brought to my attention.”

On 18 April, an additional announcement was made regarding the availability of archived episodes of Land’s radio show:

We, the Executive Committee of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, have decided, with Dr. Land’s encouragement, to remove the links to past shows for the reason set forth below.

We recently became aware of instances in which Dr. Richard Land read from materials written by others during his radio show without clear and proper attribution to the authors of those materials on the program. We have also learned that news agencies occasionally access this website and use clips from Dr. Land’s past broadcasts without prior notice or permission. Due to the danger that such unauthorized use by news agencies or others might include quoted material used by Dr. Land without clear and proper credit being given to the author or source of the quoted material, we have removed links to prior radio broadcasts. Richard Land Live! will continue to post links to broadcasts from this date forward, with careful attribution given to the authors of any material quoted on air.

Source

For Shame—Speech Crimes and Ideology

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙

Dr. Peter Jones, Director of truthXchange and Adjunct Professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary, examines the new character of shame. In today’s culture, shaming is used to “punish speech against the new reigning orthodoxy of politically correct relativism, rather than to condemn personally reprehensible moral acts.” He writes,

Fifteen years ago James Twitchel’s For Shame: The Loss of Common Decency in American Culture argued for the socially redeeming character of shame: “Shame is the basis of individual responsibility… It is where decency comes from… shame inhibits behavior — that’s the point. It retards action, it increases reticence, it invokes self censorship. Its final object is not banishment, but reintegration.”

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Jesus: The Illumined Illuminator

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

By Marsha West

Contemporary Christianity is following “every wind of doctrine” in spite of the fact that the Bible warns about taking this route. Self-professed Christ followers no longer “endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Tim. 4:3).

Regrettably, many believers have embraced neo-Gnosticism.

One of the many obstacles the first century Church faced was Gnosticism, a heresy that held that salvation was only available to those who possessed the hidden truths of Christ.  GotQuestions.com explains Gnosticism thusly:

Christian Gnosticism is the belief that one must have a “gnosis” (from Greek “Gnosko,” to know) or inner knowledge which is mystical knowledge obtained only after one has been properly initiated. Only a few can possess this mystical knowledge, limiting the number of those “in the know”. … Gnosticism today seems to provide a lot of the form and color for the New Age portrait of Jesus where Jesus is seen as the illumined Illuminator: one who serves as a cosmic catalyst for others’ awakening. As such it is as false and heretical as the Gnosticism of the first century and needs to be roundly condemned for the heresy that it is.

Let’s face it. Being “in the know” gives a person an exaggerated feeling of self-importance. Even mature believers, who should know better, are seeking the so-called hidden truths of Christ.  How does one go about uncovering these “truths”?  By way of Catholic mysticism, which has its roots in Gnosticism.

A decade ago who would have dreamed that scores of evangelicals would even consider being involved in monastic disciplines.  One such discipline evangelicals have borrowed is contemplative or centering prayer.  This meditative practice was introduced by the Desert Fathers. It entails going to a quiet place to clear one’s mind of all outside interference so that God’s voice can be heard. But in order to connect with God on a deeper level the practitioner must repeat a word (mantra) over and over until he/she falls into an altered state of consciousness.  Once this is achieved the practitioner will allegedly feel God’s presence and then seek His guidance.

Evangelicals also participate in Lectio Divina or divine reading.  Lectio Divina involves Scripture reading, meditation and prayer. Its purpose is to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of the scriptures.

Christians have been initiated into monastic mysticism through reading the books of priests such as William Meninger, Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen and Brother Lawrence.  Likewise, Richard Foster and Dallas Willard are driving evangelicals into Catholic mysticism.

The Apostle Paul warned the Body of Christ about the Gnostics. He told them “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Cor. 6:14).

Clearly, God does not wish His people to involve themselves in any sort of unrighteousness. Yet many Christians are participating in the very things God condemns. They’re not going to God for their marching orders; instead they’re participating in practices found in false religions. Endeavoring to seek God on a deeper level they’re falling into sin.

Christians have got to start taking the Bible seriously. Scripture teaches that Satan and his minions are highly intelligent beings with supernatural powers. What is more, Satan comes to us as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14). Hence, undiscerning, biblically illiterate believers are easily bamboozled.

So here’s the bottom line: Neo-Gnosticism is evil. Christian that involves themselves in practices that stem from unscriptural practices, such as the ones described above, will not find a deeper spiritual experience with God. In fact, just the opposite will result.

Related:

The Gnostic Gospel—Dr. Peter Jones’ lecture

Psalm 46:10 Does Not Teach Centering/Contemplative Prayer—Pastor Ken Silva

Research

Spiritual Formation

Discernment

Copyright by Marsha West, 2012. All rights reserved.