How New Age & Word of Faith Misunderstand the Bible (Mike Winger and Melissa Dougherty)
Sep 1, 2019
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Mike Winger, a former New Age/New Thought practitioner, and Melissa Dougherty, also from that background, dive deep into the misinterpretations of the Bible that fuel New Age and Word of Faith teachings. They clarify 15 specific scriptures, contrasting genuine biblical abundance with prosperity gospel ideas. The duo discusses the importance of humility in judgment, the essence of inner thoughts, and the power of words. They urge discernment in spiritual experiences and emphasize aligning prayer with God's will over personal desires.
New Age teachings often distort biblical verses, misleading believers into thinking they align with Christian doctrine.
The interpretation of abundance in the Bible focuses on a relationship with Jesus rather than material gains or prosperity.
Biblical generosity emphasizes selfless giving without the expectation of receiving, countering New Age notions of quid pro quo.
Prayer must align with God's will and motivations, moving beyond self-serving desires to seek genuine guidance.
Understanding scripture in its historical context is crucial to avoid misapplying promises meant for specific audiences or situations.
Deep dives
Overview of New Age Influence on Christianity
The discussion concentrates on the infiltration of New Age teachings within Christian churches, highlighting the concern that many individuals are being misled by these ideas under the impression that they are biblically supported. The speaker emphasizes a desire to clarify how certain biblical verses are often misinterpreted to align with New Age beliefs. There is a clear intention to provide guidance not only to church members who may feel something is amiss but also to those involved in New Age practices who mistakenly believe their philosophy has a foundation in Christianity. Through this dialogue, the aim is to shed light on the distinctions between biblical teachings and New Age ideologies.
Contextual Misinterpretation of Scripture
The speaker asserts the significance of context when interpreting scripture, particularly highlighting the dangers of isolating verses for personal application. An example is drawn from John 10:10, typically cited by prosperity preachers to promote a message of abundance that aligns with their teachings. In reality, the abundant life that Jesus refers to is relational rather than materialistic, underscoring that true fulfillment comes from knowing Him, not from accumulating physical possessions or wealth. This misinterpretation serves to elucidate how selfish motivations can distort the intended biblical messages.
The True Nature of Abundant Life
In discussing the theme of abundance, it's emphasized that the biblical definition of abundant life is vastly different from the material prosperity preached in some circles. Jesus describes abundant life as a profound relationship with Himself, which transcends earthly wealth and security. Biblical teachings denote that one’s life truly consists of their relationship with God, which cannot be equated to the mere accumulation of material goods, contrary to what prosperity teachings suggest. This perspective not only challenges the prosperity gospel but also calls believers to a deeper understanding of their spiritual existence.
Understanding the Principle of Giving
The podcast addresses the biblical principle of generosity using Acts 20:35, which emphasizes that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The speaker clarifies that this idea is frequently misrepresented in New Age contexts, equating giving with receiving as a form of manipulating universal laws to gain more. However, the biblical view promotes selfless giving without the expectation of receiving, highlighting that the act itself should bring joy and fulfillment. This notion attempts to counteract the selfishness inherent in the New Age philosophy that suggests a quid pro quo regarding good deeds and personal gain.
Clarifying the Concept of Prayer
The segment on prayer, particularly Mark 11:24, addresses a common misunderstanding that believers can merely ask for anything and receive it. While Jesus does indicate faith plays a crucial role in prayer, the speaker points out that divine will and motivations must also be considered. It's equally important to acknowledge that not all requests align with God's will; thus, prayer should be approached with humility, seeking God's guidance rather than self-serving desires. This dialogue encourages a more robust understanding of prayer, amplifying the need for alignment with God's purposes rather than personal wishes.
Distinguishing Between Judgment and Discernment
The exploration of Matthew 7 emphasizes the common misinterpretation of not judging others, illuminating the difference between judgment and discernment. The speaker notes that while hypocrisy is condemned in the Bible, Christians are still called to discern between right and wrong within their community. The essence lies in self-reflection and humility before offering guidance or correction to others, ensuring that personal failings do not cloud judgment. The passage ultimately highlights the importance of righteous judgment, encouraging believers to hold each other accountable lovingly.
The Significance of Contextual Scripture Interpretation
The conversation around scripture interpretation continues with Jeremiah 29:11, commonly quoted to express assurance of God's plans for prosperity and hope. The speaker cautions that this verse was initially meant for the people of Israel during a time of exile and that its application to individual lives in modern contexts can be misleading. Instead of implying immediate physical and financial blessings, understanding the historical and cultural context reaffirms that God's plans encompass spiritual restoration and hope beyond earthly circumstances. This perspective urges listeners to maintain a proper lens when claiming biblical promises.
Transformation Through Christ
In discussing Romans 12:2, the podcast emphasizes that true transformation comes from identifying oneself as a living sacrifice to God rather than solely focusing on positive thoughts. The renewal of the mind is not merely a matter of self-empowerment but is rooted in obedience and submission to God's will. By dedicating oneself to God, individuals can experience a new way of thinking that aligns with divine intentions, leading to genuine spiritual growth. This transformation is framed in the context of redirecting focus from oneself to God’s greater purposes.
Critical Reflections on Contemporary Spiritual Practices
The podcast concludes with reflections on the contemporary practices seen in some Christian and New Age circles, stressing the importance of recognizing the legitimacy of spiritual experiences within a biblical framework. The speaker suggests that while experiences can be powerful, they must be assessed critically against scriptural truths. Believers should be cautious of seeking fantastical experiences that diverge from trusting in the enduring presence of Christ. Ultimately, the hope offered through understanding scripture sets the foundation for genuine spiritual encounters, directing focus back to the person of Jesus rather than sensational practices.
I've never done this before. Here's my conversation with a former New Age/New Thought woman. We talk about specific Bible verses that are often used to support New Age as well as Word of Faith teaching and I do my best to respond with a careful explanation of each of those verses.
If you are New Age, New Thought or Word of Faith then I'm hoping this video will bless you and change your life. If you aren't then I'm hoping it will equip you to be ready to help someone who is.
Melissa Doughtery's channel is here check out her testimony of going from New Age to genuine Christianity! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKgD0DLtBN21gfThSalyUQ
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