Andrews U. Offers

[Gibs]

This just came down to me, Make of it what you like, I don't.

Andrews University now offers a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation...

>>>> Unfortunately this report is true.

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> An Epidemic of Apostasy - Christian Seminaries Must Incorporate

>>>> "Spiritual Formation" to Become Accredited

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> Spiritual Formation: A movement that has provided a platform and a

>>>> channel through which contemplative prayer is entering the church.

>>>> Find spiritual formation being used, and in nearly every case, you

>>>> will find contemplative spirituality and its "pioneers" such as

>>>> Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and Henri Nouwen. Spiritual Formation

>>>> is based on "spiritual disciplines" that can be practiced by people of

>>>> any faith to make them more "Christ-like." Rebirth through Jesus

>>>> Christ and regeneration through the Holy Spirit are not essential.

>>>> Rather it is a works-based "theology" that has strong roots in Roman

>>>> Catholicism and ancient paganism.

>>>>

>>>> Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that uses ancient mystical

>>>> practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and

>>>> is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian

>>>> terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic

>>>> (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). Common terms used for

>>>> this movement are "spiritual formation," "the silence," "the

>>>> stillness," "ancient-wisdom," "spiritual disciplines," and many

>>>> others.

>>>>

>>>> What do Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Biola Seminary, Fuller

>>>> Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist

>>>> Theological Seminary, Urshan Graduate School of Theology, Briercrest

>>>> College and Seminary, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Seventh-day

>>>> Adventist Theological Seminary, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, Trinity

>>>> Evangelical Divinity School, Moody Theological Seminary & Graduate

>>>> School and around 240 other seminaries throughout North America all

>>>> have in common? They are all accredited through the Association of

>>>> Theological Seminaries (ATS).

>>>>

>>>> What do Cincinnati Christian University, Columbia International

>>>> University, Eston College, Hope International University, Moody Bible

>>>> Institute, Multnomah University, Nazarene Bible College, and Prairie

>>>> Bible College and about 90 other colleges and seminaries throughout

>>>> North America all have in common? They are all accredited through the

>>>> Association for Biblical Higher Education.

>>>>

>>>> What do the two accreditation organizations - Association of

>>>> Theological Seminaries and Association for Biblical Higher Education -

>>>> have in common? Both associations require schools that wish to be

>>>> accredited to include Spiritual Formation within the school's

>>>> infrastructure. Just what exactly does that mean for these 350 some

>>>> seminaries and Bible colleges? Well, it means that if they want to

>>>> receive and maintain their accreditation, they are going to have to

>>>> incorporate Spiritual Formation (i.e., contemplative spirituality)

>>>> into the lives of their students.

>>>>

>>>> This would certainly answer, in large part, This question;

>>>>- How is it that contemplative spirituality has become

>>>> so widespread so quickly within Christian colleges and seminaries over

>>>> the past decade?

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Woody]

Quote:

Andrews University now offers a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation...

Praise God for this. I support it.

[Gibs]

Woody,

Really do you? You got to be kidding me? It cuts me to the bone. I'm wondering what others think of this.

I don't know any more than what I posted on the subject so it bears checking into.

That report came down to me in an email I'm surrounded by concerned SDA's.

His Blessings to all to be guided in these things by His Spirit I pray.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Gail]

Gibs, is the course promoting SF or informing our seminary students about it, do you know?

[Woody]

Gibs - we done been through this issue on previous threads. You might find it interesting to do a CA search on the topic.

[Gibs]

Gail it sounds like you come out with a "doctorate" to promote it. It floors me, I want to hear more and just as you ask, but it looks like it is being taught to make more to teach it.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Dr. Rich]

Gibs, what would Jesus have done in this situation? After all, didn't they ask Him by what authority He had to 'teach'? It's been my experance with those who have gotten a degree from Andrews (other seminaries too I suppose), that they have forgotten just how simple the gospel that Jesus taught really is. I firmly believe that just as Jesus never had a religious leader for His disiple, that the real truth will never be taught by anyone who has been made a cookie in a seminar.

The words of Jesus given to us by His eye/earwitnesses is for everyone who is seeking the real truth. It can never be acredited by anyone!

[Woody]

For full disclosure - I have a friend who is what I believe is the first graduate with a doctorate in Spiritual Formation from Andrews.

[Gibs]

DR. Rich,

You are right and the proof is in the pudding. Whom was sent out to bring the gospel to the world after He left, not the great learned ones of that day but the ones He had picked to be His disciples, working, common men.

He filled them to go forth, with His Spirit and they didn't go until they were baptized of His Spirit. He does the same today. He always has and always will and the 144k are going to be another example of that.

It will be true ones to Him and His word, not with the wires all crossed up by manipulating teachers "rewiring" the computer, known as the noggin.

How many will realize the 144k are the anointed of Him? Not many we can know that.

His True ones know his voice, it is very familiar to them, that quality is, it is the truth. His Words are Spirit and are the Truth.

Ah the truth, the truth, the truth, we must have it and we nust have it on every point.

Can we? You bet we can, just read it and ask for Him to shine it in the mind and heart.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[ClubV12]

The report sounds biased, so some skepticism and questions are certainly in order.

The report suggests that if Andrews wants to remain accredited it must carry this course. Accredited by WHO? There are a large number of agencies that offer accreditdation, not all schools recognize, desire, need to or care to be associated with some of these agencies.

Andrews does not NEED accreditdation from the "Association of Theological Seminaries and Association for Biblical Higher Education" in order to operate, educate or train Ministers for work in the Adventist church.

[Gibs]

ClubV12,

The information comes from one whom has always had straight information and I don't have any doubt since what Woody stated above of a friend that is one of the first to get a doctorate in it from them.

I welcome anything you can find out about it.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[ClubV12]

Gails question about the course was spot on, what we don't know is the intention of the course and what it will or won't carry and in what "spirit" it is being offered. I hope for the best!

It is a concern that THIS report suggests or implies that Andrews MUST have the course to retain acceditation, when that is NOT the case.

Personally, I will be digging deeper into this. Just recently there was a special Adventist leadership "convention" of sorts in San Francisco that was dealing with this Spiritual Formation and alternative prayer issues within the church. Several representatives from my local church attended that convention. From the G.C. down there are deeply concerned, watching and seeking to address these very issues. As such, I find it rather remarkable that the "Church" would condone this type of class at Andrews without a careful review and understanding of the course material. Andrews is of course accredited through the Seventh-day Adventist accreditation department and if anything THAT is the accreditation Andrews should be worried about!

Not some group of uncircumcised Phillistines and their personal views on accreditation.

On another note: One of our local churches is sponsoring a PhD led study of Daniel which is promoting the "1335 Futurist" viewpoint (followers of Marion Berry). She was disfellowshipped for her views on this subject. Which I, and the Church, consider a direct attack on the foundation of the 2,300 day prophecy. The G.C. is clear they DO NOT support this view. How then, is it possible, that a local church can be holding a seminar promoting this view which is entirely opposed by the G.C.? Makes my head spin what some local churches do, including promotion of Spiritual Formation.

[Kevin H]

I am undecided as to spiritual formation. However I wish they had more going into Archaeology and the ancient cultures and to really get back into deep Biblical studies.

[ClubV12]

Dr. Allen Walshe, teacher, Andrews Seminary, describes Spiritual Formation as taught by that school in this way:

"We can all say definitely and categorically that we do not teach or practice “contemplative spirituality,” “contemplative prayer,” “apophatic contemplation or meditation,” which seeks a total emptying of the mind, New Age philosophies, Eastern religious practices, or any other nonbiblical practices that others borrow from Hinduism or Buddhism. We believe everyone should be vigilant not to allow these kinds of philosophies and practices to infiltrate the Adventist Church."

Me thinks it would be advisable to call it by a different name!!

[tall73]

Dr. Allen Walshe, teacher, Andrews Seminary, describes Spiritual Formation as taught by that school in this way:

"We can all say definitely and categorically that we do not teach or practice “contemplative spirituality,” “contemplative prayer,” “apophatic contemplation or meditation,” which seeks a total emptying of the mind, New Age philosophies, Eastern religious practices, or any other nonbiblical practices that others borrow from Hinduism or Buddhism. We believe everyone should be vigilant not to allow these kinds of philosophies and practices to infiltrate the Adventist Church."

Me thinks it would be advisable to call it by a different name!!

I don't know about this recent development. But I remember being given Foster's Celebration of Discipline at an Adventist undergrad school over a decade ago.

I found it a bit boring.

[skyblue888]

Accreditation has to do with the government.

sky

[Gibs]

I am beginning to wonder if it isn't like back in the days paganism got it's foot in the door of the true church and became a kosher thing by men.

I would almost bet the wording of the teachings runs the same as the occult it came from. You can call it kosher but I don't want NOTHING to do with it.

Jesus Christ alone is my Spiritual Mentor and exerciser, no man is needed. And that is the only one I will ever walk the walk with, the one and ONLY way. All other are sinking sand.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[ClubV12]

The Fed does have some requirements for accreditation of course, but their other organizations that also want a piece of the action, and they deserve it!

Like Adventist school accreditation, a must have for an Adventist school of course. And then professional organizations, doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.

Gib's I think this issue falls under a similiar one, "meditation". On the one hand, the bible says to meditate. The devil offers a counterfit. But that doesn't mean we avoid "meditation" altogether, we need to be aware of the danger it potentially carries when misunderstood.

As Dr. Allen Walshe, from Andrews, describes their version of Spiritual Formation I can see where it's a good approach and has value. I would definitely change the name because of it's popular and commonly accepted meaning within the Jesuit community and other Christian groups at this time in history.

As to Spiritual mentors and excercisers, Jesus has appointed humans, angels and the Holy Spirit in that regard. We are to draw strength from one another, we need the fellowship of other believers, go two by two. If not in person, we certainly rely on other's for our support, education and Spiritual enlightenment. Sister White, friends, commentairies, the bible. Myself, I employ good Spiritual music to help me stay on the straight and narrow. The Lord uses many ways to speak to us, to teach and reach us. I have music playing all around my house, my yard, in my shop all day. The "classics" mostly, Kings Heralds, Heritage Singers, nothing to controversial and nothing even approaching "Christian Rock" (what ever that is).

When it comes to doctrine and theology I do not trust myself, my feelings, my impressions to reach a conclusion. I DO gladly employ the counsel of the brethren (local, Conference, G.C., etc.) to clairify a position. If my conclusions are NOT consistent with theirs, that is a warning flag and I move with caution.

[Gibs]

ClubV12,

They just need to go to the scriptures to teach it, not in some other way and by the twisting way of men, EXAMPLE,

Ps 119:98 ¶ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

Ps 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Ps 119:100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Ps 119:101 ¶ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

Ps 119:102 ¶ I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

Ps 119:103 ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Ps 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Ps 119:105 ¶ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[CoAspen]

Those doggone spiritual minded people...they're everwhere! Whats a closed mind to do?

[M. T. Cross]

Those doggone spiritual minded people...they're everwhere! Whats a closed mind to do?

Indeed

I love the lines about "ancient pagan practices". Oddly enough reconstructive pagan religious have a heck of a time finding out much about how the ancients practiced their religion as most of it was passed from generation to generation through oral recitation, very little was ever written down. Yet these people know that SF is based in it....... I will have to redirect some of my Recon friends to these people! They will be thrilled to no end!

[Gibs]

We open our mind to the True Guide,

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

And then close it to the false, and notice the bonus, "He will shew you thngs to come".

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[lazarus]

If they had offered that course when I was in seminary I would have taken it. Now I'm having to settle for a Catholic University, Loyola for my current studies. Its a great school even for SDA pastors.

[doug yowell]

If they had offered that course when I was in seminary I must have taken it. Now I'm having to settle for a Catholic University, Loyola for my current studies. Its a great school even for SDA pastors.

What are you studying,laz? Heading for a degree or just for fun?

[Gibs]

There is only one safe guide, there is only one safe path, there is only one safe way and that is by Him for Him and with Him and to be filled by His Spirit and Paul gave us the "mystery" or "secret".

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

All other ground is sinking Sand.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.