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As it is written, it doesn't show ignorance, nor does it propagate any myths. Perhaps the reasoning behind it shows those myths;



Well, here is the reasoning behind it. If the reasoning is based on false information then I'm not sure why we need another fundamental belief.

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Here we confront two main areas of great concern for us among non-Christian religions, namely transcendental meditation and the power of demons. Transcendental meditation is a search for contact with spiritual powers in order to enrich the individual. In place of that spiritualistic practice we offer them contact with God through prayer, Bible study, service, and meditation on the Word of God and His providential leadings. These subjects, as will be demonstrated later on, are hardly addressed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs. This deficiency has been pointed out by church members from different parts of the world.




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The proposed new fundamental belief has two main purposes. First it explicitly addresses Christian growth in order to exclude eastern transcendental meditation as a spiritual exercise that is incompatible with the gospel of salvation through Christ. Second, it proclaims freedom through Christ from demonic powers to demonstrate that seeking help and guidance from them in our spiritual growth is not only unnecessary but totally incompatible with the work of Jesus on our behalf.




Here is the actual statement....


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By His cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Instead of evil forces, the Holy Spirit now dwells within us and empowers us. Committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are set free from the burden of past deeds and our former life with its darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, as we commune with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us sanctifies every moment and every task. (Ps 1:1-2; 23:4; Col. 1:13-14; 2:6, 14-15; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18, 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil. 3:7-14; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Matt. 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal. 5:22-25; 1 John 4:4.). 4




I'm not sure the terminology really reflects what Jesus was doing within our understanding of medicine. Evil spirits often looked like many things today we would call by other names. Epilepsy, mental disease, emotional breakdowns, anxiety attacks, etc..

If we were really going to exhibit the gifts of the spirit, we would see these types of things healed in much the same way that Jesus facilitated healing. This need to define everything "bad" as coming from some evil spirit really gives far too much credit to evil spirits. This fear of meditation in an eastern style is really unfounded in reality. I have seen no evidence that people who practice Hindu or Bhuddist medatation become evil people. In fact, quite the opposite.

I see no evidence what so ever that they are becoming open to demons. It would do us all good to clear our minds of most of the chatter that goes on. The reason is because most of it is either about judgement or its about fears.

Anyway, all I see this moving toward is a document to be used for church discipline. If this is not a creed, I don't know what is.


Richard
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Rich
http://tiny.cc/CM2j8