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RenewingMinds
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Vineyard / Promise Keepers
Let me begin by pointing readers in the direction of two extremely interesting articles. Misplaced Faith and The New Gnostics. Both suggest that the Vineyard Movement and Promise Keepers are assimilating Gnostic concepts. Given what I've recently experienced, the premise rings true.
Dan, 20 Jul 1997
Part of the PK problem is the failure to recognize the folly of "Law-Keeping". The power of the gospel has been replaced by 7 promises of the flesh ("new law" so to speak). Christians tend to view anything outwardly "moral" as somehow being "good" and/or "Christian". The Law is "good" and "holy" yet wholly inadequate for man. PK has introduced a new "Evangelical Law" for Christian men.
Purity is a result of walking in the Spirit by knowledge of the Word of God not by instituting a new law. This basic mistake of the movement has cleared for Romanist and Mormon "Law-Keepers" to find a home in the PK ranks (its newest board member being a RC).
There are many other basic theological mistakes which have sadly led the movement further and further from the scriptures and true Christianity. Among these are the denial of Bible sufficiency, the public airing of sins and evil thoughts, and remnants of what looks like the Shepherding Movement of the late 40's.
A simple understanding of the gospel and its implications would solve many of PK's problems. This, however, would require its leadership to denounce the very fundamentals of their heretical schools of theology (covenant, post-millennial, Arminian, etc.). This change will not come easily.
Michael, address withheld upon request, 23 Jul 1997
I fully agree with your assessment. However, I'm not very optimistic regarding the probability of PK making any change...except further in the direction of additional pride. Based on recent budget figures, millions have poured in. The money will be viewed as God's affirmation that they are headed in the right direction.
Dan, Dan S, 25 Jul 1997
Promise Keepers is changing...but the direction may be something of a surprise for some. See the following: Promise Keepers Appease Catholics.
Dan, Dan S, 9 Aug 1997
Dear Saints,
I have been to 2 PK meetings. I have been saved by faith alone for 3 1/2 years. I was raised as a Roman Catholic until the age of 36. I was not aware that these compromises were taking place in PK. It is a terrible thing to have Christians mixing with Catholics. These two are simply not the same. This case with PK is along the lines of that abominable notion put in a book called 'Evangelicals and Catholics Together'. You might as well include the LDS, Islam, and Native American witchcraft. The next step will be that the RC will require the inclusion of "the virgin Mary" as a necessary ingredient for salvation. Any kind of compromise leads to false doctrine. I have heard James Dobson praising RCs and LDS members for standing against abortion. You know, the Muslims are also against abortion, in case there is anyone who was not aware of this. When there are well-known evangelicals like Charles Colson embracing RCs as brothers in Christ it is no wonder that popular movements like PK will follow suit. In the end all ecumenical movements will fall into deception. There will always be those of us who adhere to the BIBLE no matter what happens.
Blessings To All The Called-Out Ones
- SEATED
- ASCENDED
- RAISED
- BURIED
- CRUCIFIED
