Michael Bernard Beckwith

[Elenny]

Does anybody know the skinny regarding Rev. Michael Beckwith?

Does he consider himself a true Christian, or does he bend traditional Christianity for his new age beliefs?

I really like the way he speaks, and I consider him very inspiring, but I don't quite get where he stands on JC.

I don't care either way myself, but I am looking for a good example of a Christian leader who believes and lives by the Law of Attraction so I can recommend him (or her) to a friend.

Thanks!

[Red Willow]

I believe he is a christian, but his church is tied to new agey-type thought, self-help, etc...

He runs the Agape church which is extremely popular. It is standing-room only. I've never gone, even though it is in my city. But a very close friend of mine who was a Jesuit priest until very recently (stepped down for personal reasons), has been considering joining the Agape church. He says it's the most inspiring church he's come across.

[kinerkid]

Elenny,

You might try out the John Maxwell books. He's got a ton of them out. A lot are on leadership. 2 books that initially come to mind are "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" and "Today Matters." He's a former pastor and while he doesn't address LOA directly (using that term), he does give many many "laws" that really are all part of living the Law of Attraction.

Of course, Jesus is the perfect example of the LOA. Reading his words in the New Testament, you'll find them chock full of practical examples of how to practice the Law of Attraction.

Hey, you know what would be really cool is if someone compiled them!!! Heheh. Maybe I've just given myself a project.

Anyone else have some great examples of Christian pastors, writers or leaders who teach and practice? I'd love to hear about some more!

Jamie

[JPX]

Elenny,

This is taken directly from Agape's website:

----------

Is Agape Christian? And what about the Bible and Jesus?
No, and yes.

Yes, some Agape members are Christian, and their personal encounter with the spirit of Jesus as an embodiment of the Christ Consciousness richly informs their spiritual lives.

No, if by Christian you mean the acceptance of Jesus as the only savior and Christianity as the only path to God and eternal salvation. Yes, in the sense that New Thought- Ancient Wisdom history includes the Gnostic teachings of the earliest Christian mystical sects, as well as the founders of the uniquely American New Thought Movement including Emmanuel Swedenborg, Ernest Holmes, Howard Thurman, and transcendentalists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and others.

The Bible is referenced in Dr. Beckwith’s services and Agape’s classes. However, the version that is used is a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic, rather than the Greek translation used in traditional Christian churches such as the King James version, or the Saint Gregory version used by the Catholic church.

Agape teaches that Jesus was not the great exception, but rather the great example. Classically, the New Thought-Ancient Wisdom tradition of spirituality regards Jesus an enlightened being, one who attained cosmic consciousness, or liberation from a sense of separation from the Source of all that is. Jesus is revered as a wayshower, as an exemplar of unconditional love, selfless service, and self-mastery.


Can I still practice my Judaism/Christianity and become a member of Agape?

Absolutely. Many within the Agape community maintain their Jewish/Christian faith, while others continue to practice the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, or other spiritual master teachers of past or present generations. As a result, mixed-tradition couples and families often find common ground at Agape without compromising other loyalties.

--------------

Based on those answers, many Christians would not consider Dr. Beckwith & Agape "Christian" per se -- but then again, many Christians have a problem with just about everything around them, so take it for what it's worth.

[impaul99]

Originally Posted by JPX

However, the version that is used is a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic,

Where does one find this version of the Bible? It might be an interesting read one day.