Book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young and white magic

[Four Angels Standing]

I'd say beware of any book that claims to channel Christ. It's a lie because we know that just wouldn't happen.

This is a great review in my opinion and from a Christian warning perspective for Jesus Calling. Hope this is helpful to anyone considering this book. This is just an excerpted part. The full article is linked here:
Critical Issues Commentary
A Biblically based commentary on current issues that impact you
Toxic Devotion:
A Review of Sarah Young's—Jesus Calling
by Bob DeWaay


God Speaks now Beyond Scripture?

A very troubling aspect of Jesus Calling is that it claims that Jesus, who has spoken to us once for all (Hebrews 1:1, 2), wants to deny that Scripture and speak to us beyond Scripture. Young virtually rejects the Book of Hebrews! Young's new revelations come in the form of inner voices that are assumed to be Jesus Himself. Young used journaling to receive her voices of Jesus from heaven that she used for her book. She claims Jesus told her this:


As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. . . . Sometimes He [the Holy Spirit who might use Bible verses too] enables you to hear Me ‘speak' directly to you. . . . Take time to listen to My voice. (December 4)
Young's book is predicated on the idea that God speaks through Christ beyond Scripture. This effectively erases the boundaries between orthodoxy and heresy. A mystical voice that may or may not be God becomes the foundation of faith rather than Scripture alone. Young claims that these voices are not equal to Scripture. But in practice, as far as Jesus Calling reveals, she puts more weight on them than she does the Bible.

 

[Four Angels Standing]

Idk about her channeling for the book, etc.

posted "our "affirmations need only come from me".. Remember it's written as if it's HIM talking."

What would be better than knowing the trinity based on Scripture and then ourselves. That way it wouldn't be pride based but an accurate description.

*Thomas Young is the publisher.
‘Jesus Calling,’ The Evangelical Bestseller You’ve Never Heard Of
A ten-year-old devotional written in the voice of God suddenly became a commercial juggernaut. Now, its publisher is trying to reconcile its New Age origins with evangelical orthodoxy.
Excerpted: "Thomas Nelson specifically requested I not use the word “channeling” to describe Young’s first-person writing in the voice of Jesus—the word has New Age connotations—but it’s hard to avoid it in describing the book’s rhetorical approach. And on the edges of evangelicalism, where alertness to “New Age” influence runs high, concern has bloomed into outrage. Writer Warren B. Smith, who calls himself an “ex-New Ager,” wrote a 2013 book called ‘Another Jesus’ Calling, devoted entirely to dismantling Young’s claims to orthodoxy. In it, he calls the book “an obvious attempt by our spiritual Adversary to get an even further foothold inside the Christian church.”"


The author of this book claims it is automatic writing that she utilized to write first person in the voice of Jesus. That is also known as channeling. However, some people think that channeling is when someone goes into a trance and speaks in a different voice. In this case, claiming to speak in first person voice of Jesus is a stretch. That it was arrived at using automatic writing is beyond that.

 

[Boidae]

I say each person needs to come to their own conclusions on it.

This books has do e nothing but help me to draw closer to Christ, rather than push me further from Him. I think about Him more throughout the day than I ever have. I am praying more than I ever have. It has allowed me to focus more on Him as it really does feel as if He's talking to me personally.

For me, this book is everything that I have looked for and more. I have heard it said that God reaches/teaches us in ways that we can understand best, well, for me, this book is the way that He has really reached and taught me best about His love for me. It has reached me in a way that no other book has and that includes the Bible. Now, I'm not saying that I haven't learned from the Bible, because I have, but in the nearly seven yes rs that I have been Christian and reading the Bible I have never understood the love of Christmas more than when reading this Jesus Calling.

 

[Fortran]

I was given a copy of Jesus Calling by my mother for Christmas. While I certainly appreciate the thought, to be honest, I am not a big fan of it. I personally do not think it is theologically sound and is a bit - 'fluffy', perhaps? - for more liking; however, the bottom line is that every text, be it Mere Christianity, City of God, Confessions, Jesus Calling, or Pilgrim's Progress, will have people decrying them as inaccurate or at worst heretical. Why? Simply because sadly the Christian body is not a unified one.

Even within the same denominations, Christians will hold different beliefs. One's writing will obviously reflect these beliefs, and the reader's beliefs will influence his analysis of this work. The key is for every individual to not blindly accept any single viewpoint from a sermon or text. We have to either 'test all things', or if the situation merits, simply dismiss such debates as unimportant to our real goal - living for Christ.

I certainly do not think Jesus Calling is dangerous, though I personally do not understand its popularity. To see what I mean - ponder this - which situation do you think is worse, a Christian who mistakenly (in my opinion) believes God will personally speak words of comfort to them, or one who is too absorbed in theological controversies to the point that he has become self-righteous, close-minded, judgmental, and arrogant? I highly doubt Sarah Young, Watchman Nee, Billy Graham, Augustine, C.S. Lewis, or any one author possessed (or possesses) a full understanding of God. As such, some of their beliefs put forth in their works will be 'wrong' and 'misleading', but this does not mean they should be cast out of Christendom.

All that being said, I do think there are supposedly Christian books that are misleading to the point that can be dangerous (primarily self-help, financial, or 'practical' living ones) as they can actually turn people away from the faith (when the reader's 'success' does not come) or attempt to usher new members into the flock under very wrong promises or ideas , but Jesus Calling is not one of them in my opinion.

 

[Tiny Bible]

No, it certainly is not. Sarah Young puts her own (New Age) statements in Jesus' mouth.

Which is blasphemy, as far as I'm concerned, as well as heresy.

I quite agree with you on that.

 

[Goodbook]

some other controversial christian books include 'I kissed dating goodbye' Joshua Harris
'The way home' Mary Pride
and ones by Debi Pearl that advocated hitting your children.

I just saw Jesus Calling advertised in on of the christian bookstores latest catalogue, there's pink and teal editions, a hardcover costs $22.99, there's a mug.

'After many years of writing in her prayer journal missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God and write down whatever she believed he was telling her. She began to share her writings and soon people all over the world were using her messages'.

I personally haven't heard anyone using her messages, if someone has a scripture for me I know its from the Bible and of God not from Sarah Young. To me that just sounds exactly the same as new age channelling, so just beware. Some people can be mislead. Channelling and mediumship are pretty much the same, the only difference being Sarah wouldn't be charging $4.99 per minute for people to hear God from her I suppose.

 

[Goodbook]

In the bible, its called sorcery or Divination, necromancy, enchantment.

Basically its evil and like rebellion because its going outside of God and not trusting in Him. Satan can masquerade as an angel of light. Remember what happened with the witch of endor and Saul.

Saul tried to contact samuel from the dead through the witch. He then got afflicted by an evil spirit. Instead of going to God Himself and following scripture, Saul placed his trust in someone else.

 

[AGTG]

Does anyone know what "white magic" is? Also, looking for an opinion on this popular devotional called "Jesus Calling".. I read this devo and actually gave it as a Christmas gift to many last year! A teacher recently said the book promoted "white magic". The teacher refers to passages in Act 16:16-18 and a few others to demonstrate.

here would be one link
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/sit...gers-white-magic-book-jesus-calling-7-minutes

Christians need to wake up from the stupor. New Agers and occultists have been infiltrating the modern church for the last 50 years, primarily through the loosey-goosey charismatic/Pentecostal movement.

 

[Four Angels Standing]

That's all well and good, but it still stands that there is no "Good" or "Bad" Magick. Just like there are no good or bad words, just bad/good thoughts and intentions. Regardless of what the Bible says. Magick has been pretty successful for me so far, I have no complaints.

The lesson for the Christians here as I read it is to notice how we start talking about a channeled book, a false text claiming to be the published words of Christ in first person, and therein are invoked those who serve Satan.
Like energies are called forth in a thread committed to exposing false teachers.

Regardless of what you say Jin, be aware that this is a Christian forum. Witchcraft and occult practice advocacy is not permitted.

Nor are you. This is a Christians only forum. Please be aware. Thank you.

 

[Lance & Rite]

I think this is a deeper subject than a lot of people realize. The OT says not to engage in "necromancy" which is sometimes analogized to ancestor worship, but in a way a cornerstone of the OT is ancestor worship (all of the begetting) and the Sainthood phenomenon is pretty close to ancestor worship. The line between miracles, the holy spirit and "magic" is also not very clear.

For example, people living in towns and to a lesser degree cities used to all be related to each other. So if someone was made a Saint and then a town made that person their patron Saint because he or she was from their town, they were in a way worshiping or at least venerating their ancestor who had achieved an almost demi-God like status by becoming a saint.

I think events like this book could be taken as a sign that the religion is alive and active in people's minds and lives. If a religion can't do that it is perhaps more of a political ideology than a religion. I think criticism of books like this is fine but I wouldn't worry too much that it was written to begin with, surely there are bigger issues facing Christians today than a charismatic book about white magic and the associated mugs

And while I understand the appeal of a single and unified church, that ship has sailed regarding anything large-scale, even Rome is too far to the left and too apologetic for lots of us today.

 

[chandraclaws]

Does anyone know what "white magic" is? Also, looking for an opinion on this popular devotional called "Jesus Calling".. I read this devo and actually gave it as a Christmas gift to many last year! A teacher recently said the book promoted "white magic". The teacher refers to passages in Act 16:16-18 and a few others to demonstrate.

here would be one link
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/sit...gers-white-magic-book-jesus-calling-7-minutes

If you actually read the book, the daily devotions are taken directly from 2 or 3 scriptures from the Bible referenced at the bottom of each page. She is simply sharing from her time spent with God in prayer.

 

[Gwen-is-new!]

If you actually read the book, the daily devotions are taken directly from 2 or 3 scriptures from the Bible referenced at the bottom of each page. She is simply sharing from her time spent with God in prayer.

Yes I have the book and have read almost all of it, and love it - which is why I was shocked when I heard the teacher (link in my orignal post) calling the book white magic!

 

[chandraclaws]

Yes I have the book and have read almost all of it, and love it - which is why I was shocked when I heard the teacher (link in my orignal post) calling the book white magic!

I love it too. My mom was able to sincerely realize how powerful and gentle God's love for her was, and came to know him as her savior and lord before she died.

I think the teacher is taking what Sarah Young wrote about the book out of context, and twisting her words to make them say something they don't. I think that many others have jumped on this bandwagon pouncing on a few buzz words and making false conclusions.

For example, the teacher read a quote from her that says she "longed for more." He falsely put words in her mouth saying that she longed for more than the Bible, that the Bible wasn't enough for her. In context, Sarah was saying that she longed for more of God.

 

[Goodbook]

Hmm i had a look at the book in the christian bookstore. A similar concept is Freedom diaries which encourages you to write down what God tells you.

It just seemed like ms Young paraphrased scripture into a first person narrative. I dont know which way round she did it, but maybe people take issue with the way its written in the first person. But if shes got scripture relating to what Jesus is telling her on every page, then I dont see the problem.

Something like ' a course in miracles' or 'conversations with god' purporting to be God but subverting the bible or channelled messages is an example of 'white magic' only 'white' because its new age. These contradict the bible so its not of God. I think just be careful but it is possible to jump to the wrong conclusions. Be a berean and search scriptures to see if things are so.

 

[mikedsjr]

I haven't seen this devotional book of Sarah's, so I wont make any rash judgments about it, except for one issue. I find it alarming people are ok with a book written as if Jesus wrote it.

The belief seems to be if a book, not the Bible, impacts a person for salvation, spiritual growth or guidance, then the book must be very accurate to Scripture. Saying someone's mom came to Christ because of book that isn't the Bible doesn't equate to being Scripturally sound book. It isn't a defense nor proof for the validity of soundness.

The only way to prove it is sound is to take some daily devotions out and test them with Scripture. Enough to meet the criteria of a sample.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Meowzltov]

Does anyone know what "white magic" is?

White magic is any magic used for good purposes. Black magic is any magic used for evil purposes. So for example, if you cast a spell for someone to get over an illness, that is white magic. If you cast a spell that your co-worker will do terribly so that you will be the one to receive the promotion, that is black magic. Wiccans are supposed to do only good magic -- they have the Wiccan rede that says, "An it harms none, do as ye will."

Personally, I do not believe in magic, black, white, or any other kind. If magic were real, there would be no profit in running casinos. It would be easy to verify scientifically, and it hasn't. Magic is forbidden in scripture because it is a FRAUD used to take advantage of superstitious people.

 

[Meowzltov]

I have no problems with people using dissociation techniques to talk to the Lord. I do believe the Holy Spirit touches our hearts and minds, and that it is only natural for our brains to try to "translate" it into words. I think it is most healthy if we realize that it is our own minds trying to make sense of what God is saying, our own minds generating these words. That's important because mistakes happen in the translating process. Also, sometimes we think we are translating God, when in fact we are listening to our own emotions and intuitions -- it can be very tricky at times.

Which is one of the reasons I keep my own conversations between me and God to myself. They are private, because they are fallible. So the BIG PROBLEM I have with "Jesus Calling" is simply that she published her thoughts as Christ's, promoting them as if she were a prophet communicating the very words of God. That's not fair to the people buying her book. It is not an epistle, not a gospel, not a book of prophecy, it is not the very voice of Jesus.

There are many ways to write devotionals that nurture the heart and challenge the spirit without using her technique. An author can write than Jesus says X, and as long as they don't put it into quotes, we know it is only their idea. Let's fill our bookshelves with better stuff.

 

[Sistrin]

White magic is any magic used for good purposes. Black magic is any magic used for evil purposes.

It all draws its power from the same place, and thus serves the same master.

 

[BobRyan]

Does anyone know what "white magic" is? Also, looking for an opinion on this popular devotional called "Jesus Calling".. I read this devo and actually gave it as a Christmas gift to many last year! A teacher recently said the book promoted "white magic". The teacher refers to passages in Act 16:16-18 and a few others to demonstrate.

here would be one link
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/sit...gers-white-magic-book-jesus-calling-7-minutes

I too have heard that it is occultic

 

[BobRyan]

It all draws its power from the same place, and thus serves the same master.

Yep - that is the problem ever since Eve's "little helper" helped to get mankind into this mess.