Is there a reason to quote a heretic?
I am not sure there is ever an excuse to quote a heretic from the pulpit... not unless you are giving an example of their bad theology. For example... if a pastor ever gave a quote from Joel Osteen... one that wasn't followed by "this is an example of horrible theology!" then I think there is a right to be concerned. The congregates may assume that the quote is coming from a sound and biblical source... and journey down that rabbit hole and arrive at the verge of heresy without knowing it.
Today a red flag went up when I heard a preacher at a church in town quote from mystic Brother Lawrence. For more on this mystic see here: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/brotherlawrence.htm I have to wonder... why? Is there NO ONE else in the history of Christianity who has spoke on prayer at any length who isn't a heretic? Someone who was not engaged in contemplative practices that are more pagan than Christ-centric?
Why is there a desire in ANY way to reconnect with the mystics today? I mean... what was the reason for the Reformation of 400-500 years ago? What, after all, did we LEAVE when Christianity moved beyond Rome? If we left it, why attempt to allude to it in a positive way?
It's just... troubling.
Today a red flag went up when I heard a preacher at a church in town quote from mystic Brother Lawrence. For more on this mystic see here: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/brotherlawrence.htm I have to wonder... why? Is there NO ONE else in the history of Christianity who has spoke on prayer at any length who isn't a heretic? Someone who was not engaged in contemplative practices that are more pagan than Christ-centric?
Why is there a desire in ANY way to reconnect with the mystics today? I mean... what was the reason for the Reformation of 400-500 years ago? What, after all, did we LEAVE when Christianity moved beyond Rome? If we left it, why attempt to allude to it in a positive way?
It's just... troubling.
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