Calvary vs. the Emergents – #4

Perhaps the two most oft-repeated charges leveled against the Emergent movement have to do with pluralism and mysticism. The group is viewed as a clearing house of beliefs and practices — some of which diverge from, and push the envelope of, traditional fundamentalist theology.

Thus far, I’ve suggested that Calvary Chapel has made generalizations about the Emergents, ratcheted up the rhetoric, indicted others who are, at best, marginally favorable to the movement, and over-reacted. In this post, I would like to explore the issue of mysticism.

In his article, Calvary Chapel and Purpose Driven, Roger Oakland writes:

. . .Pastor Chuck in his Parson to Parson letter to pastors mentioned his concern with contemplative practices and Eastern mysticism that is an earmark of the Emerging Church. In his statement he asked the question:

Should we look to Eastern religions with their practices or meditation through Yoga and special breathing techniques or repeating a mantra to hear God speak to us? If this is needed to enhance our communication with God, why do you suppose that God did not give us implicit instructions in the Scriptures to give us methods to hear His voice?

Rick Warren has clearly indicated that he is willing to investigate the ideas and methods being promoted for spiritual reformation and transformation that have eastern religious roots. These include the beliefs promoted by the proponents of contemplative prayer and other mystical techniques that are supposed to get the participant “closer to God.”

Please notice that Oakland (and apparently Smith) view contemplative prayer and Eastern mysticism as “an earmark of the Emerging Church.” Deborah Dombrowski of Lighthouse Trails Publishing said, “If you removed contemplative prayer from the emerging church movement all you would have left is couches and candles.” But once again, it’s virtually impossible to nail down any “Emerging Church theology of prayer.”

Without a doubt, some of those embracing the Emergent label, broaden their pursuit of spirituality and their practice of prayer, or what’s been labeled “contemplative prayer.” (I doodled about different forms of prayer a while back in this post.) Many Emergents seek to explore the rich heritage of pre-Catholic and Celtic traditions, employing some practices which germinated in the so-called “Desert Fathers” and blossomed through the monastic tradition. Some of these involve prolonged periods of silence, chanting, the use of icons or symbols, and the exercise of specific “types” of prayers.

Let me say this up front: I have some real struggles categorically condemning certain — maybe any — form of prayer. To me, the subject of prayer is so broad, the traditions are so rich, and the experiences are so varied, I avoid sitting in judgement of people’s devotion. God is concerned about the heart, and ultimately He will answer people on the basis of their heart, not on whether or not their prayers are “correct.”

We are most definitely taught in Scripture to contemplate, consider and meditate upon the things of God. Many are quick to point out this does not involve emptying the mind (as in Eastern meditation), but in filling the mind. While this is true, it can also turn into a matter of hair-splitting. We are called to focus intently upon God’s Word, God’s handiwork, and His kingdom in our midst. So here’s my question: When does meditation or contemplative prayer become wrong? At what point is it no longer “christian”? What line is crossed that suddenly makes it bad? And is that line the same for everyone?

Jesus clearly condemned “vain repetition” (Matt. 6:7) and prayer distinctly practiced for show (Matt. 6:1-4). However, He then went on to introduce a “form” of prayer in the “Our Father.” Many have since “formulized” that prayer, which seems equally wrong. Either way, the early Church formulized lots of things — they forged creeds and traditions based upon Christ’s principles; they incorporated practices such as baptism and communion, and eventually methods of exorcism and excommunication.

The history of the Church is one of growth, debate, flux and interaction (a principle which is foundational — for good or bad — to the Emergent Church). This is evident in our prayer traditions. For instance, many current practices have been informed by the Charismatic tradition. While the practice of “laying on of hands” for commission and healing is thoroughly biblical, it was largely ignored by evangelicals because of its “touchy-feely” and/or mystical elements. In fact, many elements were brought back into mainstream religion by the Charismatics. (It’s interesting to note that, at one time, Calvary Chapel counted themselves among the Charismatics. I attended several Calvary Chapels in the early 80’s in which spontaneous “prophetic words” and “tongues” were spoken in public services.)

All that to say, the Christian Church has a long history of hashing things out. Many current practices, rituals, creeds and traditions are borne out of long, tedious debates. The Emergent “conversation” may be putting us in the middle of another one.

Since this post is becoming enormous, let me try to summarize my thoughts: The outward forms of prayer are secondary to the inward condition of the heart. God said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). This is a rather thorny verse, especially if someone is seeking with all their heart and using a method of prayer frowned upon by someone else. (I pondered this subject in a recent post entitled Reasonably Unhappy, wherein I explored the broader implication of how people get saved.)

At their heart, Eastern beliefs (Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) are antithetical to Christianity, and Calvary Chapels are correct in standing against them. To the degree that an Emergent participant is seeking to synthesize the two, they are on shaky ground. The monotheism of Christianity cannot be blended with the pantheism of Hinduism without producing a mutant offspring. Nevertheless, embracing Eastern philosophy and employing Eastern techniques are two different things. If a person is sitting cross-legged, in silence, burning incense and seeking God with their whole heart, I’m hard-pressed to dissuade them. However, if they’re doing the same thing seeking Buddah or Krishna or some god of their own making, well, that’s another issue.

Next post I’d like to explore the the issues of plurality, ecumenism and post-modernism in the Emergent movement. Peace. . .