Thursday, May 20, 2010

Castles in the Sand: a simple book review


How can Emergent leanings and teachings be wrong?

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” Acts 20:28-30

I just finished the novel, Castles in the Sand, by Carolyn A. Greene.

It is a basic story of sending a young person to a “good” Christian College only to discover how this college has recently adopted much of the Emergent thinking into its curriculum. The author weaves in the real practices of mysticism: labyrinths, mantras, contemplative prayer, etc., which are all used in Emergent teachings. This story shows how alluringly easy it is to affect young people, but older people as well can also be caught up in this seductive wrong thinking.

Castles keeps you interested in what will happen next, it is an easy read, and ends well, but the reader will learn what to look out for in her own church, youth groups, books, speakers, classes etc. We must be on guard to stand up for the true faith of the Bible because Emergent teachings are subtly sneaking in everywhere.

To further your education in the Emergent movement read the non-fiction, Faith Undone, by Roger Oakland. Our culture surely is listening to what our itching ears want to hear.

Apprising Ministries also has a wealth of information on the Emergent movement.  Check it out!  http://apprising.org/ 

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Let’s remember who’s precious blood paid for our salvation and seek His truth.

Jill

1 comment:

Marie said...

Hey Jill!

I was thinking of reviewing this one, too - just read it a few months ago. Haven't had time with all my requisite reading for the INS program, but this was definitely a worthwhile read. I learned a LOT about Theresa of Avila, too. She, unfortuntely, is held up as a hero of the faith in many circles.

I currently have begun "The Other Side of the River", a true story, also by Lighthouse Trails...some very similar things to what I saw in the local charismatic church.

Will e-mail you and Glenn later - have some great news!