Rick Warren's New Associate Ken Blanchard appears to be New Age Practitioner. Notes compiled by J. Hancock
Recently I have been engaged in some research into 40 days of Purpose and Rick Warren. This has mainly been due to the involvement of my local church in the 40 days of Purpose program.
The 40 days of Purpose book at first glance seems Ok. It has some good stuff especially when he tells us it all starts with God, and that we are created for His pleasure. Rick's focus on God's purposes for us in His plans is a good start. Anyone who encourages us to spend more time with Jesus should be commended.
So for the 'good stuff' we thank Mr Warren.
However along with the 'good stuff in this book we find some problems.
Plagarism?
Fisrtly Rick Warren extensively uses material from other authors without the correct acknowledgements and referencing. Dr Robert Schuller is one such author whom Rick borrows from frequently. A Book called 'Decieved on purpose' by Warren Smith reveals this problem in great detail. (One wonders why Rick does not offer the usual acknowledgements for use of others material)
Secondly Warren includes quotes from 'New Age' gurus and practitioners to support his theories. Bernie Siegel and Aldous Huxley are two that really stand out. Warren Smith states:
"Rick Warren's citing of the metaphysical Huxley in discussing the importance of 'shared experiences' seemed as inappropriate as his referencing New Age leader Bernie Siegel in introducing 'hope' and 'purpose'. Randomly quoting influential New Age figures with no introduction or explanation as to who these people are is not exactly what you expect from a shepherd who is supposed to be protecting his flock."
Thirdly Rick Warren relies heavily on paraphrased versions of the Bible to structure his theological assumptions. Whilst some paraphrases might add a little something to ones Bible reading they cannot be used to formulate or support theology. Paraphrases have more to do with expressing the individual authors view on God than they do with revealing the full truth and weight of God's word. The very fact that Rick has to rely on 'trendy' paraphrasing should alert Bible Believing Christians to his lack of regard for the 'truth'. More could be said on this topic but I will leave the research to you. (or email me on kelly@kissme.net.au)
Ken Blanchard
Aside from all of this what worries me the most is not just the errors in some of his writings, but his choice of new associates and assistants in his ministry. Recently I have been made aware that Ken Blanchard ( http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/interview_blanchard.html )
has joined Rick's team. Ken Blanchard is a member of the Hoffman Institue and has undergone the Fisher/Hoffman process (otherwise known a quadrinity therapy).
You may view information about Blanchard www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blanchard.htm
He also said to be an advocate of Mantra Meditaiton and "Interspirituality". All these things are very New Age and have definite links with the occult.
My question is what does a man of God who has the Holy Spirit have in common with New Age practitioners and advocates?
Perhaps to be fair it might not Blanchard's invovlement with the New Age that Rick is after. It maybe that he is seeking Ken's expertise in corporation building. However this too would have ramifications. I have always believed that God was more than able to build his kingdom and that God's wisdom is not of this world (1Cor 2:6-8). If that is the case why then must Rick resort to principles and practices of this world to build God's kingdom?
What ever his reasons may be, it is the rammifications of these choices which we must be concerned about.
Just how much influence Ken's spirituality has on Rick's world wide ministry remains to be seen. I for one will be checking to see if any resource that comes from Rick or Saddleback Church in the future may contain New Age ideals. As in all things we Christians must exercise the gifts of wisdom and discernment when we read the works of man. (1Cor 12:6-11 and Proverbs 1: 5-7)
Please check this out for yourself don't just take my word.
Some areas for research;
Check out Rick Warren's attachment to Robert Schullers teachings.
Do a search on the Fisher Hoffman process otherwise known as Quadrintiy Therapy. Go to the offical Hoffman Institute site.
Warren Smith's book 'Decieved on Purpose'. Available from Lighthouse Trails Publishing. (Go to Link section in Care For Kids)
Eastern Regional Watch website.
Check out the following links
www.christianresearchservice.com
www.deceptioninthechurch.comWhilst the links provided here have some good insights. I do not personally advocate all things said on these sights. As always we are to exercise discernment when we read and study. Everything should be held to the light of God's Word, what does not conform to the Bible should be discarded from our practice of faith.
Above all PRAY. Ask God in Jesus name to give you the gift of discernment.
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