Posted on 12/18/2013 7:27:57 AM PST by Pan_Yan
Not since “My Utmost for His Highest” has a daily devotional enraptured the English-speaking world, from cynical intellectuals to sweet grandmas, across the theological spectrum. How Young might change how we think about prayer.
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"Of course, we don't have audible conversation," she says. "It's a quiet and personal time of praying, Bible reading, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit."
But if it's that simple, why is Young's take on listening prayer in Jesus Calling, especially the book's claim to contain the actual words of Jesus, ruffling feathers among theologians and scholars?
Because it's hardly that simple.
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Ben Witherington, professor of New Testament for doctoral studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, says Young's writings aren't prayer at all. The Bible defines prayer as a human-generated activity toward God, he says. If humans do receive a genuine, new word of revelation from God, that's a specific spiritual gift—and not one usually associated with theologically conservative, Reformed Presbyterians. But it isn't the same as prayer.
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Moreover, the constant calls for more and greater trust force Christians to focus on themselves, rather than focus on Jesus by means of the Word—much the way a modern, Western therapist would instruct, says David Crump, professor of religion at Calvin College. That's not surprising, given Young's own background in counseling, he says. And it wouldn't be as much of an issue if Young simply were producing positive-thinking, self-help devotionals.
"But she puts her thoughts into the first person and then presents that 'person' as the resurrected Lord. Frankly, I find this to be outrageous," Crump says. "I'm sure she is a very devout, pious woman, but I'm tempted to call this blasphemy."
(Excerpt) Read more at christianitytoday.com ...
Have any FReepers read it?
it is blaspheme just like Conversations With God and The Shack
The church catholic (small ‘c’) stands on the revelation of Scripture found in Acts 1: 1-9. The Direct revelation ended on Christ’s ascension.
That does not mean the Canon is “closed”, rather those who claim “revelation directly from God have yet to convince the chucrhc catholic of legitimacy.
Yes, as the Body of Christ, we are tasked with determining the legitimacy of revelation.
As the Body of Christ, we are tasked with studying God’s Word of Truth, rightly divided, so we can be approved, unashamed workmen for God. (2 Tim. 2:15). So we are not led around by every wind of doctrine. By false workers, by deceitful and cunning men.
I dunno. Bill O’Really has made a fortune making up new scripture as he goes along, so others are bound to hop that gravy train.
:: we are tasked with studying God’s Word of Truth, rightly divided ::
A difference without distinction.
A friend of mine thought that book was the greatest and wanted me to read it. But I was so horrified by the idea of someone claiming to speak for God, I wouldn’t read it. I don’t mind somebody who’s studied the Bible writing a book about it and saying, “This is what I think this verse means.” Or “This is how this particular verse or prayer changed my life.” But claiming to be speaking FOR God? I’ll play it safe and stick to the Bible.
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