Herescope Archives

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

It is not easy to understand what the word "emergent" means. Superficially, the Webster's Dictionary secular meaning of the word is "arising unexpectedly or as a new and improved development." This word came to have significance in theories of evolution and was co-opted by the social scientists and Theosophists. The word now carries an occult meaning, which is thoroughly enmeshed in the esoteric philosophy that mankind is evolving to a higher order species.

The New Age Theosophist, Marilyn Ferguson wrote in her 1980 book The Aquarian Conspiracy that: "Evolution involves true transformation, re-forming of the basic structure, and not mere adding on." (p. 161) She said many now believe human beings are currently expressing a "collective need, preparing for an evolutionary leap" (p. 162). She wrote of a "collective and intensifying vision, the sense of an impending transition in the human story: an evolution of consciousness as significant as any step in the long chain of our biological evolution" (p. 385)

This evolution of mankind is said to be expedited by small groups which emerge to drive greater society forward towards a critical mass, at which point there is a paradigm shift, leading to the ultimate transformation of the species.

There is a secular aspect to this idea, too. Marketing practitioners have designed elaborate methods of creating emergent groups to shift paradigms, such as selling people a new brand of toothpaste. Public policy officials use these same techniques to mold, shape and transform public opinion. And the church growth movement has been training leaders to utilize these techniques to shift the church into transition and then transformation. One of the chief jobs of a change agent is to facilitate the emergence of a new paradigm.

The Theosophists and mystics do not view the term emergent in a benign, secular fashion. They create mixtures of science and religion, in which even their supposedly secular objectives are overshadowed by this agenda to create a higher-order humanity. Early Herescope posts from last Fall focused on the influence of Willis Harman, who worked his entire life to bridge the mystical with the scientific. Harman's influence can be seen in The Aquarian Conspiracy book (which he purportedly helped to write), which details how the social and natural sciences could be merged with the New Age mysticism. Education reform, health care reform, the corporate business world, etc. have all been influenced by this philosophy.

An Emerging Church

Pertaining to Leadership Network's involvement in leading the formation of an emergent church, a logical question then arises: was this a secular or mystical use of the term "emergent"? This is not an easy question to answer. An analysis of the history of Leadership Network reveals that there has always been both a secular and mystical theme to the organization's purpose, which viewed itself as a premier group to train leaders in new church models. The training methods employed by this group were both secular and mystical. The business "guru" expertise brought in was both secular and mystical -- in fact, some of these experts represent the farthest fringes of theosophical thought. The processes for church transformation were a mixture of secular with mystical. What then does Leadership Network mean when it uses the term emergent?

The description provided by Brad Smith in his report sheds considerable light on how Leadership Network incorporated both the strategies and philosophies of an "emergent" paradigm in order to forge an "emergent" church structure that could propel change and transformation. In a section entitled "History of the Young Leader Networks," Smith details the use of the "Revolutionaries" as change agents for transition:

"Originally, the Young Leader Networks was started because the Revolutionaries – those who expressed the new realities of the postmodern world – did not have a safe or healthy place to voice their calling in an existing network or national Christian gathering place.

"Rather than devalue the Adapter calling or stifle the Revolutionary calling, Leadership Network created a new network for the Revolutionaries and gave them plenty of freedom, resources and a platform from which to speak out with an unrestrained prophetic voice. In 1994, they were a largely marginalized and unrecognized group – misunderstood as sulky 'Gen Xers' hidden with a larger group of others who dressed the part, but who were more Adapters than true Revolutionaries. Today, their voices are heard at mainstream conferences and their writing are being nationally published. The fight between the old and new has reached a full crescendo. The 'tipping point,' in the transition, however, has been reached and Leadership Network, in keeping with its history and strategy, can hand over the role of 'platforming' these innovators to new partners who are ready and willing to receive them."

Smith then detailed the next phase in the "The Emergence of Terra Nova," where attention was shifted to the "Groundbreakers," who became change agents for transformation. It is at this point that the word "emergence" is used, and there is a corresponding paradigm shift theologically.

"In 1998, Leadership Network began to see early signs of Groundbreakers within the postmodern conversation. Among a small group, the tone of the rhetoric was changing from de-construction to construction; the role from prophetic to apostolic; and perspective from anti-modernism to 'new ground.'

"Leadership Network began to intensely listen and observe in order to recognize the subtle signs of an emerging 'Groundbreaker.' In early 2000, it was decided to create a new network within Young Leader called 'Terra Nova Project' or 'new ground' comprised of this groundbreaking group of innovators.

"These Groundbreakers are a new breed with a new calling, new tone and new priorities. They spend more time experimenting with new creations than critiquing past assumptions. They are almost naive about the modern-postmodern wars that preceded them and that provided a clean canvas on which they can create the new. They are both positive and pragmatic. They are confused, yet not worried. They live 'in process' and do not expect closure to arrive anytime soon.

"They are also not always easy to identify. Their emergence is very early, and often they have what appears to be mixed characteristics of adapters and revolutionaries. Many fulfill both roles, but long to move toward more creation and less critique. " [All emphases above added]

Smith concluded with a section entitled, "What’s Next?" He stated, "What will be built on this ‘terra nova’ is still undefined." What Smith is talking about here is the future church structure that will be built upon Terra Nova -- what we now recognize as the Emergent Church.

The descriptive language employed by Smith in the paragraphs above is indicative of the use of this term emergent in the same manner that the evolutionary Theosophists use the term. The term is also used in this manner as a marketing strategy. Leadership Network was looking for a "emergent" breakout group that could facilitate the paradigm shift. One could give Smith the benefit of the doubt and simply note that the creation of this new church structure was a brilliant marketing move. Of course, ethical questions arise about engaging in this type of activity. And biblical issues arise because there are no New Testament examples of Paul and the Apostles using sophisticated psycho-social marketing strategies to further the Gospel.

This subject might be dropped if it were not for the introduction of a new term to describe emergent leaders -- "new breed." This term "new breed" has specific and frightening meaning in the heretical doctrines of human evolution. It can be found in Theosophy and also appears in Latter Rain cult doctrine. A series of Herescope posts are forthcoming that will examine the history of this terminology and how it relates to the New Apostolic Reformation.

The Truth:

"A wise man feareth and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." (Proverbs 14:16)

“It now appears that God is raising up a New Breed of leadership to do the ‘new thing.’ This NEW BREED will be young and fresh, with a pioneering spirit – whether chronologically young or old in age. Last year I had the opportunity to meet several young men whom I believe represents this NEW BREED of leadership. . . .
We invite you to learn more about Mike Bickle, a part of God’s NEW BREED for the ‘90s.”
(Fullness Fellowship Communique, Vol. 3, No.4, April 1990)
[emphasis added]

"In the prophetic vision that Bob [Jones] saw, David was holding a baby boy over his chest. It was his desire for the prophets to pray for the young lad. David also desired prayer for his company of mighty warriors, signifying a commissioning for battle. The young boy is representative of birthing a new generation anointed with the spirit of wisdom. . . . God gave Solomon supernatural knowledge, wisdom, and very great discernment. . . .

The 'Samuels' of this day, representing the apostolic/prophetic offices, will release horns of anointing upon this new breed. . . .
The emerging spiritual army will be anointed with boldness and courage to challenge spiritual atrocities."

Bob Jones & Paul Keith Davis, "2005 Shepherd's Rod, Part 1, 9/25/04 [http://tinyurl.com/7dcjk] [emphasis added]

"In 1998, Leadership Network began to see early signs of Groundbreakers within the postmodern conversation. Among a small group, the tone of the rhetoric was changing from de-construction to construction; the role from prophetic to apostolic; and perspective from anti-modernism to 'new ground. Leadership Network began to intensely listen and observe in order to recognize the subtle signs of an emerging 'Groundbreaker.' In early 2000, it was decided to create a new network within Young Leader called 'Terra Nova Project' or 'new ground' comprised of this groundbreaking group of innovators. These Groundbreakers are a new breed with a new calling, new tone and new priorities."

Brad Smith, President of Leadership Network,
"What's Next with Terra Nova Project: The Emergence of Terra Nova," 2001 [emphasis added]

One of the key tenets of the Latter Rain cult is the concept of a “NEW BREED” or a “NEW SEED” of elite super-Christians, the formation of a superior race of young generation believers who will manifest great power to conduct end-time signs and wonders and rule over the Earth.

Yesterday's Herescope post quoted Brad Smith's report (above) concerning the stages of the emergent church formation, in which he used the term "new breed." This term can certainly be a generic term, but in the context of his description, particularly the emphasis on moving from the prophetic to the apostolic, it appears that this "new breed" doctrine may have a connection with the emerging church movement.

This doctrine doesn't necessarily come in with "new breed" terminology written all over it. It manifests in more subtle ways through the type of leadership training which is encouraging a form of spiritual elitism. An elite corps of super-Christian leaders are being trained to become agents of change, to facilitate transformation, and rule over the Earth (dominionism). The Latter Rain cult leaders "prophesy" that their extraordinary power will come from God with signs and wonders. The business leaders teach a form of worldly power that comes as a result of training in methods of psycho-social transformation processes.

The primary teachers of this doctrine came out of the Kansas City Fellowship, a Latter Rain stronghold during the 1980s and into the 1990s, which gave rise to a group of leaders known as the “Kansas City Prophets.” Paul Cain, Mike Bickle, and Bob Jones are names most closely associated with this movement. This group later converged with John Wimber’s Vineyard Fellowship. Wimber had been a student of C. Peter Wagner at Fuller Theological Seminary, and the two experimented with new models of mysticism and spirituality. It was from these associations that the influence of the Kansas City Prophets spread into evangelicaldom. The doctrines of the Latter Rain cult quickly became embedded in the teachings of what is now called the New Apostolic Reformation.

Bob Jones of the Kansas City Prophets taught that there were going to be children from an “elected seed” generation, handpicked in heaven from the best of every bloodline, and the offspring of the original apostles. These are the “chosen generation of all history” who will form the Bride of Christ on Earth. The quotation from Bob Jones at the beginning of this post demonstrates that he is still teaching this heresy.

These “Elected Seeds” will make up part of the "New Breed." This "New Breed" is an elite group of believers endowed with supernatural power that enables them to be part of the “dread warriors” that God is raising up in our generation. John Wimber taught that this army would eventually subdue the nations. The Discernment Newsletter explains:

“The so-called ‘prophets’ make bold boasts that the NEW BREED of leaders, i.e. the 'NEW BREED of Apostles and Prophets' will perfect the “NEW BREED of ‘People’ and usher in the ‘New Order’ of government on earth. The question we need to ask is: ‘What is the source of reference for their outrageous claims?’ It is certainly not in the pages of Scripture, nor can it be found in the literal interpretation of the Scriptures.”

The whole "NEW BREED" concept is totally unscriptural. The only way these false prophets can prove their false doctrine is to twist, misquote or allegorize the Scriptures.

According to the false prophets, all believers can not be part of this NEW BREED because it is reserved only for a special elite group. But, Praise God, the Bible refutes this heresy. The Bible gives all believers the following assurances:

All believers are equal in Christ. Gal. 3:28
All believers are new creatures. II Cor. 5:17
All believers are made righteous by faith, that is of grace. Rom. 4:16
All believers are of the seed of Abraham. Rom. 4:16
All believers were baptized into one body. I Cor. 12:13
All believers are members of the body of Christ. I Cor. 12:14
All believers are part of the ELECT. I Peter 1:2
All believers are a CHOSEN GENERATION. I Peter 2:1,2
All believers are “born again.” John 3:3, 15
All believers are lively stones and a holy priesthood. I Peter 2:5

The word "BREED" is not found once in Scripture, much less the term "A NEW BREED."

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)

On on-going series on this topic of NEW BREED will be posted, Lord willing, over the next few days. . .

The term "new breed" has particular significance in the Latter Rain cult and it may be slithering into the neoevangelical mainstream via the New Apostolic Reformation. This is one of the most offensive and heretical doctrines to ever be set forth. It teaches that there is a coming generation that has special super spiritual powers to exercise dominion over the Earth. (See yesterday's post for an overview.)

The following quotations come from a transcript of tapes called "Visions and Revelations," from the Fall of 1989, Kansas City Fellowship (so-called at the time), with Mike Bickle and Bob Jones. The following is a discussion about some prophetic visions that pertain to this "new breed."

WARNING: If you are a young believer, or a believer who struggles with the teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation, this "prophecy" may be difficult for you to read. Herescope suggests that you glance at the highlighted words and skip to Professor Anton Bosch's critique of this false prophesy at the end of this post.

A MESSAGE to seasoned believers or non-believers: As alarming and/or ludicrous as this false prophecy may seem, there are many who have been seduced and greatly deceived by it, taking these words very seriously.

Bob Jones, relating a vision that he had: . . . “And as I was looking at that, he said, “Come, I want to show you something else.” And so I went and I seen the Lord and it was like He was lookin’ at little yellow things – little round yellow things like a spirit of God itself. And there were billions of them. And it was like Him and all the angels were looking through these and every once in awhile they’d say, ‘Hey, here’s an end-time one; get it down here on the end. This is a perfect one. Here’s another good one.’

"He said, ‘Oh, we’re collecting those who are foreknown and predestinated for the end-times, for you see they’ll be the best of all the seed that’s ever been. And we’re looking through the seeds and this’ll be your grandkids. This will be the end generation that is foreknown and predestined to inherit all things. And these will be like grandchildren to you – even those that you minister to won’t be this generation. Their children will be. You are to write into their minds – as they write into the children’s minds. You’re to bring them to a place to allow my Spirit to rule in their life where they can begin to set the church on the proper foundations – as they will. They’ll birth the church, but their children will attain levels of the Holy Spirit that they will not. Although their parents will reign over them and be the leaders of the last day church – their children will possess the Spirit without measure – for they are the best of all the generations that have ever been upon the face of the earth. And the best of all generations are those elected seeds that will glorify Christ in the last days. That’s the purpose so that Jesus in the last days has the seeds that will glorify Him above any generation that has ever been upon the face of the earth. They will move into things of the supernatural that no one has ever moved in before. Every miracle, sign and wonder that has ever been in the Bible – they’ll move in it consistently, they’ll move in the power that Christ did. Every sign and wonder that’s ever been will be many times in the last days. They themselves will be that generation that’s raised up to put death itself underneath their feet and to glorify Christ in every way. And the church that is raising up in the government will be the head and the covering for them. So that that glorious church might be revealed in the last days, because the Lord Jesus is worthy to be lifted up by a church that has reached the full maturity of the God-Man!”

Mike Bickle: “I’m going to sum that up real well. And you add to it or subtract from it, if it is not just what you shared it with me or how you remember it. What the Lord did, I’m just gonna put that in real tight there, the Lord took him to this beach before an ocean and this beach spoke of the sands of time and the ocean spoke of the nations of the world in all of history. And he saw these men and they put their hand in the sand and pulled out this box and they were empty. And then a little bit later, another guy did and it was empty. And then a little bit later, another guy did and it was empty – another did and it was empty. The Lord came to Bob and said, ‘You do it right here.” Bob said, ‘Lord, they’ve all put their hands in and got empty boxes. They came up empty-handed – without a box. Why should I do it?’ The Lord said, ‘Put your hand in here.’ He pulls it out and he sees this box full of draft notices for the end-time army. And he said the Lord told Him there was 300,000 enlistment notices that he was going to send out across the nations in this next generation. It wasn’t all going to be sent out then. 300,000 that would be the main leadership over one billion converts in the earth.”

Mike Bickle: “He said, ‘I’ll cause 300,000 to bear a distinct anointing of leadership over the one billion.’ 300,000 sounds like a lot of leaders, but a billion is a thousand million. I calculated that out and that is 3 anointed vessels in that distinct way for 10,000 people. That is nothing.

"He said, ‘I’m going to cause 300,000 like Gideon’s 300 [Army] in Israel. I’m going to have 300,000. That will be a small number for the nations of the earth. But they will have like that apostolic anointing and the signs and wonders of the early church will be on 300,000. The Earth will have it. The rest will move in the miraculous, but I will have 300,000 that will have a special measure of the Spirit like the leaders of the New Testament.’

"Like they had even more than the people did. And so then he pulled out this box, he sees the 300,000 names, he actually reads a number of them and he says, ‘Lord, who are these guys?’

"He looked back, ‘Those were the leaders of past generations like John Wesley, Charltes Finney, Martin Luther, who thought their generation was the chosen generation.’ And every time they pulled their hand up they came up empty-handed because the chosen generation – because there is one generation that will enter into that which is beyond all the others in power. They thought it was theirs. It is not.

"‘Put your hand here.’ So he sees the 300,000 and the Lord looks at Bob and says, ‘From out of the sands of time I have called the best of every blood line in the earth unto this generation.’

"He said, ‘Even the blood line of Paul. Even the blood line of David, the blood line of Peter, James and John, the best of their seed is unto this generation. They will be superior to them in heart, stature and love for me.’

"He says, ‘For out of the sands of time, I have elected to bring them forth in this hour.’ And he said, ‘This generation of the young people that are coming’ – their children is the elect generation.'

"And he said, ‘As the thing grows,’ he says, ‘this generation will see the inception of this move. It will begin in their time. They will be as children in the Spirit.’ . . .

Bob Jones (much later) . . . “Not only will they have the word of God in them, that’s the foundation – apostles and prophets – but they will have the word of God in them and they will have the power with the word – the Spirit. And the barrenness of the church will be over and the foundations of the church will be raised up. The walls will be raised up. You will see the glorious church begin to come in and you will begin to birth it. It will take probably another 15-20 years to get some of you into some level of maturity. There will be neither male or female in this. There will be maturity – what God is seeking. And He will be raising the saints up – to that level. First He will bring the five-fold [ministry], but there is a ministry after the five-fold called the Ministry of Perfection – the Melchisedek Priesthood.

"You that are here now, you’ll be moving into the five-fold ministries, but your children will be moving into the ministries of perfection. Coming to that characteristics – coming into that divine nature of Jesus Christ. Not having to come out of the wilderness, but being birthed natural into the Spirit. All their days movin’ with the Spirit. Movin’ in the ways of – that the Holy Spirit does. There is a purpose. It takes awhile – you’ve gotta get out of religion, or Egypt or death and then it takes awhile of dying out in the wilderness and getting the next generation into the warfare – that’s where you are now – you’re in the warfare, start to take the promised land – and then you raise up the generation to possess it. Well the children that are coming forth are to possess the promises of God. It is the last day generation. . . .

Mike Bickle: “I want to say one things about this. The Lord said to Bob we were like the David generation that had many wars because there is going to be great transition in the body. Many misunderstandings, gossip, slanders, persecution – even within the house of God. He said that’s why we won’t enter into the fullness ourselves, but like Solomon who built the temple – because the Lord gave him permission to build the temple because he was not a man of blood – or a man of war. But He said this generation in the next 10 or 15 years is a time of war and transitioning of whole new orders in the body – but our children will be kings and priests of peace and not of wars and that’s why they will go beyond where a lot of us are. . . .”

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

The following paper was prepared by Professor Anton Bosch in order to effectually refute the heresies presented above.

It has become very fashionable for modern-day “prophets” to make all sorts of wild predictions concerning the future. The Scripture is clear however, that when prophets speak, their words are to be judged by the rest of the church (1Corinthians 14:29). The judging of such statements cannot be based on subjective things such as whether the statements “feel” right or an inner witness. The Bible has to be the final Plumbline against which any statement, prophecy or teaching is measured since the Word of God is immutable and unchanging (1Peter 1:25, Matthew 24:35 etc). If the words of men do not accord with the Word of God, they have to be rejected with contempt.

For example, prophecies of Bob Jones, Mike Bickle et al predict a new breed of Christian leaders who will lead a world-wide revival which will gain one billion new converts across the earth. Let’s examine some of these statements in the light of the Word.

According to these predictions, the 300,000 latter-day leaders who will usher in the Kingdom, will be the third generation from now. In other words, Jesus will not come in this generation or the next. Yet the Bible says: “the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

Jones says that the next generation “will birth the church” yet the Bible is clear that God fathered the church on the day of Pentecost, 2000 years ago!

According to Jones, that generation will be “the best of all generations that have ever been on the face of the earth… (they) will glorify Him above any generation that has been on the face of the earth.” But the Bible paints a bleak picture of Christians in the last days: “…in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2Timothy 3:1-5). “Having a form of godliness” tells us this is not a description of the world but of the church!

This generation “is predestined to inherit all things,” says Jones but the Bible says "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1Corinthinas 15:50). The inheritance belongs to all who are “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:11); to those who are the descendants of Abraham (Acts 7:5); to the meek (Matthew 5:5) and to the overcomers (Revelation 21:7). The idea that the inheritance belongs to one fleshly generation goes against all of the teaching of both Old and New Testaments.

Jones says that the penultimate generation “will set the church on the proper foundations.” By this he suggests that the church has not had “proper foundations” for the past 2,000 years. What an indictment against Jesus who has been building the church all this time! (Matthew 16:18). If this generation will be laying a “proper foundation” then, it has to be assumed that the foundation that was laid by the Apostles (Jesus Christ) was somehow deficient. Alternatively, this is a clear confession that what these men are building is not the church of Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 3:11, Eph. 2:20).

About the only Biblical statement Jones made during this discussion is: “Every sign and wonder that’s ever been will be many times in the last days.” (sic). This is confirmed in 2Thessalonians 2:9: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.”

Jones continues: “They themselves will be that generation that’s raised up to put death itself underneath their feet.” Yet the Bible says that it is Christ who will put death under His feet. (1Corinthians 15:25-27)

Jones predicts that this new generation of 300,000 leaders will gain a “billion converts.” This represents 17 percent of the world population which indicates a major revival. Perhaps influenced by this Latter Rain false prophecy, Great Commission leaders are working to plant five million new churches and train five million pastors for a one-billion soul harvest. God’s perspective is not of a major harvest of souls but “that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first” (2Thessalonians 2:3) and “that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1Timothy 4:1).

As if all the above is not ridiculous enough, Jones suggests that Paul had children since this New Breed are “the best of every blood line in the earth… Even the blood line of Paul.” This new generation “will be superior to them (Paul, David, Peter, James and John)." This statement can only come from someone who has no idea as to stature of these unique men who were chosen by the Lord to not only be mentioned in the Bible, but who were chosen to write various parts of it. If this generation is so superior to the fathers of the faith, then how come they did not make it into the Bible – anywhere?

According to Jones “there is a ministry after the five-fold called the Ministry of Perfection, the Melchizedek Priesthood” and this new generation “will be moving into the ministries of perfection.” Yet the word says that “Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:20). So these people are going to replace Jesus who alone, and forever is the Priest after the order of Melchizedek?

The Bible says that “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints…” (Ephesians 4:11,12). So now God has changed His mind and shifted the responsibility for the perfection of the saints from all the ministries to this generation? This seems to confirm the rest of Jones’ false statements that all the other generations, ministries and people have failed, and that even Jesus Christ has failed to build the church, and that this New Breed will do what Christ Himself has failed to do! (May the Lord have mercy on us!)

Jones continues that they will: “Not having to come out of the wilderness, but being birthed natural into the Spirit… All their days movin’ with the Spirit” (sic). He thus claims that these individuals will not be born sinners but will be born saved and be led by the Spirit all their lifetime. So what happened to the Scriptures that say: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10) and “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the scripture hath concluded all under sin” (Galatians 3:22)?

The question we have to ask is simply this: Has God overthrown His entire Word and denounced everything He ever said, or is this a false prophecy by a false prophet? It seems what is being suggested is a replacement for the work and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is exactly what the spirit of Antichrist is about – to provide a replacement and substitute for Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End and the All in All to the Church.

Rick Joyner was connected with the Kansas City Prophets group described in Friday's Herescope post (2/3/06). He is one of the premier false prophets who operates on a global scale. A few years ago he issued a "prophecy" about the continent of Africa and its leaders, referring specifically to this doctrine of the "NEW BREED."

These prophecies from the Latter Rain sect are supposed to function like oracles that foretell the future, preparing the church for the next phase of "transformation." The false prophets themselves are actually involved in organizing this transformation in their flesh, so these supposed words from God grease the way. Africa has been a proving ground for dominionists to gain influence over business, governmental, church and private interests. Africa has also been the subject of much "prophecy" that has helped the New Apostolic Reformation gain an important "strategic" foothold on this continent in order to work on its "transformation."

The following false prophecy is an example of the Latter Rain cult heresy of the "NEW BREED." It deals with the "transformation" that has been initiated on the continent of Africa and was issued as a MorningStar Prophetic Bulletin, July 2004, "A Prophetic Worldview."

"Africa and the New Breed

"There is a new breed of leadership that will soon arise in Africa that is principled, and decisive. Africa will begin to unite, and through this unity it will prosper. It will also find ways to combine the best of both the European cultures and influences in its heritage with the best of Africa, forming a dynamic new engine of progress. This too is from the Lord.

"Missionaries from Africa to Europe will also help lay a foundation for the Lord’s deliverance for Europe. These are 'bread upon the waters' that returned from the many great missionaries sent forth from Europe. These will have a moral clarity that many Europeans have lost. These missionaries from Africa may be viewed by many as 'simple,' because their education is different in many ways, but they will have the wisdom of the Queen of Sheba to know how to find true wisdom.

"As Africa unites, it will become a powerful economic, political, and military force in the world. Reformation and Evangelical Christianity will reach new heights in Africa, and so will the democracies founded through them. There will be a mighty struggle for their birth and survival, but this too is a part of the process they must go through. It is Africa’s time." [ http://tinyurl.com/94okz ] [All emphases are added]

The context of this Joyner "prophecy" uses the classic Joel's Army rhetoric of the Latter Rain cult. Joyner talks about a battle, warfare, weapons, battlefield, battle array, and war in Heaven and Earth. This is the language of the spiritual warfare domininists. Beware that this man's false prophecies are quite seductive to those who are not thoroughly immersed in the Word of God and the whole counsel of Scripture. Elsewhere Joyner has also used this term 'new breed' in speaking of "a new breed of leader" and "a new breed of ministry;" e.g. http://tinyurl.com/cnkuz.

The Truth:

The use of "New Breed" terminology is particularly insensitive in the context of Africa because of its historical racist connotations.

The concept of a "New Breed" or "seed" is a Latter Rain heresy. Joyner's "new breed" concept has to do with the Manifest Sons of God (Latter Rain) eschatology of an end-time army of Christian warriors (Joel's Army) who will have supernatural dominionist powers. Important background information is provided in a little booklet published in 1991 by Discernment Ministries entitled Joel's Army. In this booklet Travers and Jewel van der Merwe explain this "New Breed" doctrine and contrast it with traditional evangelical doctrine:

"According to their 'gospel', the great out-pouring of the Spirit mentioned in Joel 2:28,29 is to have it's complete fulfillment in these days (this generation), when God will pour out His Spirit in full measure on an unprecedented scale even exceeding that of the Disciples and Apostles on the Day of Pentecost. In fact, they believe that this baptism will empower a 'New Breed' of people (JOEL'S ARMY) with supernatural qualities. Their entire 'Last Days' views . . . undermines the gospel of the Deity of Christ. Anything that even remotely undermines the Deity of Christ or ascribes deity to man, let alone an ARMY - is Antichrist.

". . . The proponents of 'Joel's Army' are notorious for reading between the lines and spiritualizing Scripture. Now they are even spiritualizing global events to parallel their outlandish prophetic views. lt seems to give them a deep feeling of being spiritually perceptive. In researching their materials, we see this time and again. To all accounts it is Gnosticism to the core." [emphasis added]

This little booklet on Joel's Army is posted on-line at http://tinyurl.com/bwfhs and is currently being updated and revised. It will soon be available from Discernment Ministries at http://www.discernment-ministries.org.

For further reading on the Gnostic origins of this "new breed" concept, see http://tinyurl.com/atuyy Strange Fire: The Rise of Gnosticism in the Church by Travers and Jewel van der Merwe (booklet posted on-line). In this book, in the context of a discussion about the heretical beliefs of Rick Joyner, the doctrine of an elite new breed is summarized:

"Since the Elite (The Manifest Sons) are being perfected on earth, the true Church is to become The Christ -- the ongoing Incarnation of Christ. Therefore, the Church as "The Christ" is empowered to drive all demons from the earth, perfect the Church and establish the Elect's reign. The emphasis is always on the super spiritual race rather than on the person, Jesus Christ." (p. 42) [emphasis added]

The Truth:

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:1-3)

The term "New Breed" is not a benign term. It is a term with a frightening history. The fact that this term is still being used, and has been incorporated into teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation, is even more alarming. The history of this term demonstrates that it begins with a "spiritual" meaning, but inevitably a physical application comes along, e.g. racism. "New Breed" always creates a division -- between those who are the elites and those who are classified as "sub-human" for whatever reason.

There is a spiritualized class structure being built by the New Apostolic Reformation -- a new group of super leaders ("apostles," "prophets" and highly-trained "change agent" pastors) who have special "powers." Those who don't go along with this "2nd Reformation" ("transformation") are already being mocked, ridiculed and disparaged in the New Apostolic writings.

History

In 1800s Germany there was a big stew of new ideas and philosophies cooking. It captivated the upper class with its Theosophy, eroticism, mysticism, spirtualism, paganism, Buddhism, Hinduism, pessimism, utopianism, vegetarianism, nudism, positivism, evolutionism, scientism, mythology, Wagnerism, Nietzcheanism, irrationalism, rationalism and every other kind of "ism" imaginable. Christianity was challenged as a "myth" and in its void these other "isms" became fashionable and popular, gradually replacing the Christian ethic with a new order.

Richard Noll, in his classic work, The Jung Cult: Origins of a Charismatic Movement (Princeton University Press, 1994), presents a most comprehensive historical overview of these various movements in Germany. He noted that there was an inordinate emphasis on anything "new" --

"Given the fin-de-siecle [turn-of-the-century, ed.] mood of degeneration and decay and its obsession with individualism, eroticism, mysticism, and the dead, the conditions were ripe for those seeking novel paths of cultural, political, physical, and especially spiritual renewel. The great cultural historian Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897) . . . could observe as early as 1843 that, 'Everybody wants to be new but nothing else. . . .' Neophilia [abnormal attraction to the new, ed.] in the form of a quest for new ideas, new experiences, new academic disciplines, new therapeutics, obsessed the imaginations of many. . . ." (p. 32)

Noll examines the significance of the life work of Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) at the University of Jena who took the evolutionary ideas of Charles Darwin and "designed secular paths of cultural renewal or regeneration that were greatly influenced by evolutionary biological training." (p. 43) Haeckel is most noted for his theory that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny." This is the idea that the development of the structure of the human embryo mimicked the evolution of the species. Readers may recall seeing photos or diagrams in old physiology textbooks based on this philosophy. This idea, incredibly, still shows up in certain segments of academia as well as Theosophy. Those who won't evolve to a higher order species of mankind are said to possess remnants of a reptilian brain.

Haeckel postulated a "phylogeny of the soul" -- a "natural evolution of our whole body and mind" and proposed a "'phylogenetic psychology' as a science of evolutionary research alongside embryology, paleontology, and biological phylogeny." (p. 2)

Haeckel created a new "'natural religion' based on the natural sciences," a "pantheistic natural religion, based on scientific principles -- a philosophy called 'Monism' -- . . . a way of linking science and religion." (p. 48) Noll explains,

"In a secular rite of passage, the monist is thus reborn through the rejection of the tenets of organized religion (separation), an initiation into the proof of the essential unity of matter and spirit (a period of liminality), and then participation in local societies promoting monistic ideas (reincorporation." (p. 49) [emphasis added]

It is in this description that one can see the early shades of the tradition--transition--transformation model of human evolution. Significantly, this was derived from a pagan "rite of initiation" ceremony.

Other German academics took the ideas of Haeckel, and other influential academics working with similar ideas, and initiated Social Darwinian cultural reforms in the increasingly popular areas of eugenics and economics. Haeckel's ideas were incorporated into the newly-forming academic disciplines of psychology, anthropology and sociology. With this kind of academic sustenance and nurture, his ideas remained entrenched for generations.

These philosophies took variant forms, giving rise to a cultural and spiritual elitism, a god-building movement (V.I. Lenin, et al), scientific socialism, the deification of mankind, the creation of a new utopia and a new social order, and a eugenically pure race. In these ideas one can observe "the many mystical or prefascist sources of National Socialism." (p. 55)

[The 4-tape video series by Dean Gotcher entitled "Research Seminar/Transitional-Transformational OBE/TQM/STW," http://www.authorityresearch.com,/ mentioned in the 1/31/06 Herescope post tracks the history of these movements and philosophies from the late 1800s into the 20th century disciplines of social science, psychology and education.]

Evolutionary Biology

Haeckel is credited with "adding the 'biological inferiority' twist to the Jewish question" (p. 85). His comprehensive application of pseudo-scientific Darwinian precepts to the human condition ensured that some races, or some peoples, would be seen as inferior while others would be deemed superior. Haeckel sought to give German volkisch mysticism scientific credibility. The ramifications of this merger of science and religion were staggering. Noll writes,

"Not surprisingly, Haeckelian monism, the 'scientific religion,' and volkisch nature worship were fused in the minds of many at this time. In his important study, The Scientific Origins of National Socialism, Gasman calls Haeckel 'the Volkish Prophet' and persuasively documents his thesis that 'proto-Nazi Volkism did not invariably originate in opposition to science and modernism.' Gasman argues that 'one of the earliest, if not the earliest comprehensive program embodying National Socialist principles in Germany' was Haeckel and Ostwald's Monistic League, and therefore National Socialism arose 'in the context of a movement which prided itself on its scientific ideology and modern view of the world.'" (p. 90-91)

We know from history the rest of this gruesome story -- the ghastly history of Nazi Germany's racial "science," Hitler's eugenics programs to conduct selective-breeding experiments to engineer a more perfect society of those with "pure blood," and the genocide of millions of "biologically inferior" people.

These ideas did not remain in Germany. By the late 1800s there was a huge cross-fertilization of ideas and movements beyond borders and nationalities. These philosophies attained respectability in the highest echelons of academia as "sciences." The racial purity ideas entered American mainstream through elite individuals and organizations, most notably including Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood. [Ed. note: for further reading on the topic of how pervasive and influential these ideas became in America, read: Margaret Sanger: Father of Modern Society by Elasah Drogin (CUL Publications, 1989) and The Leipzig Connection: The Systematic Destruction of American Education by Paolo Lionni and Lance J. Klass (Heron Books, 1980).]

Richard Noll, in the context of analyzing the influences upon the life of Carl Jung, writes of the rise of the mystery cults in Germany during the 1800s, and their goal to create man into a superman. This history is quite complex, involving Gnosticism, Hermeticism, the German philosophers (e.g., Hegel, Nietzsche, et al), and the rise of various social, cultural and religious movements. Noll makes a convincing case that Jung created a psychological rite of initiation for the purpose of self-deification, to become the god within. Jung wrote that by tapping into the collective evolving consciousness (a "pre-Christian, mythological layer of the unconscious mind" [p. 129]) man could undergo the transformative experience of becoming one with god.

It is this creation of a god-man that pertains to the doctrine of the "New Breed." This mystical doctrine teaches that humanity is gradually evolving into a deity. Man may require some "scientific" assistance to facilitate this evolution. Particularly, a blend of psycho-social-medtech science with religion could expedite matters. The new term for this in our postmodern era is "transhumanism," which entails high-tech "enhancements" to create superhumans.

The Truth:

This extremely brief chronology indicates that the idea of a "New Breed" is one that is rooted in the occult. It can be tracked back into the darkest roots of Hermeticism and Alchemy. It has nothing to do with Christianity. It is not found in Scripture. Any doctrine that teaches that one race or one man or one group is superior to another -- for whatever reason -- is heresy. Any doctrine that teaches man can become a super-spiritual human or an elite "new breed" is heresy.

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)

Tomorrow: The New Breed and Incarnating Christ. . . .

"I think that what God is doing is raising up a new breed of leaders. And I believe that He's inviting us in this room to participate in that new breed.

Now that's a term you've become familiar with this week; it's been prophesied by Paul Cain, and I think it's a very important concept."

(John Wimber, Unpacking Your Bags, audiotape, cited in Al Dager's Vengeance Is Ours [Sword, 1990], p. 157.)

"One of the spiritual megatrends that will quickly have a radical impact on the church is the rising devotion to seeing the mandate of Ephesians 4 accomplished. .

A new breed of leader is going to arise who will fulfill the mandate of true New Testament ministry to equip the people, and allow them to do the ministry."

The New Breed concept is connected to many other doctrines which are heretical. It comes as a package deal, even though the various doctrines are often introduced one at a time to the people in the pews. The New Breed concept can only be understood in the context of these other doctrines, which radically re-define traditional eschatology, ecclesiology and soteriology.

The Manifest Sons of God cult (Latter Rain) teaches that "the Church is Christ in the sense that Jesus is the head, and the Church is the body. The Second Coming of Christ, therefore, is through the Church, not Jesus returning in the flesh; we should not wait for Him to return in order to set the world in order, but we are to take His authority over the world and the spiritual realm now." (Dager, ibid, p. 148) [emphasis added]

This cult teaches that the Church will become Christ corporately and individually. Mike Bickle (from the Kansas City Fellowship speaking at a Vineyard Conference in 1989) said, "Christ is the Alpha and we are the Omega." This heresy teaches that the Church is the ongoing incarnation of Jesus Christ. A Discernment Ministries newsletter from July 1990 states, "This is the cornerstone of Manifest Sons teaching. . . . we become EQUAL TO and EVEN ASSUME the ROLE OF JESUS CHRIST -- THE GODMEN!" This same newsletter quotes from Earl Paulk, one of the leaders of this movement who has articulated this heretical doctrine:

"The completion of the incarnation of God in the world must be in His Church. . . . Jesus Christ is the fruitfruit, but without the ongoing harvest, the incarnation will never be complete. . . . "

"We are on earth as extensions of God to finish the work He began. We are the essence of God, His on-going incarnation in the world."

This doctrine of incarnation is linked to the idea of dominionism. This point is succinctly summarized by researcher Mike Oppenheimer in a series of website reports on the history and doctrines of Latter Rain:

"Some believe that the second coming of Jesus is to be 'in the Church,' before he comes for the Church. That the Church, his body will actually become Christ on earth, glorious and triumphant. They will go conquer the land and then rule the nations with a rod of iron. Some believe that after the Church has taken dominion over the nations, she will hasten the day that will call Jesus back to earth and hand the nations over to Him." (http://www.letusreason.org/Latrain1.htm)

"Latter Rain also teaches that Satan was not defeated at the cross when Jesus shed His blood for our sins. Part of the Latter Rain kingdom 'mandate' is to defeat Satan, however that comes to be defined. Rebecca Greenwood, who serves as executive assistant to C. Peter and Doris Wagner at Global Harvest Ministries in Colorado Springs, has written a new book entitled Authority to Tread: An Intercessor’s Guide to Strategic-Level Spiritual Warfare. In a review of her book, C. Peter Wagner states the Latter Rain heresy that Jesus’ work was not finished on the cross. Jesus 'has delegated His Church to continue the [war against Satan] by spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the peoples of the earth.' According to this doctrine, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples (at Pentecost) Jesus 'gave them a command to make disciples of all nations. He authorized them to use His name and to move against the enemy in His kingly authority. What does this mean? It means that the war to continue pushing Satan and his wicked forces back by the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is now in the hands of the Church, the people of God. In other words, we as the Church are at war!' (http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=3027)"

The Latter Rain cult teaches that apostolic and prophetic leaders will "birth" an end-time Church of "overcomers" and that these "New Breed" leaders will be raised up as "GODMEN." This "New Breed" will be endowed with the authority to be spokesmen for God and their authority and teaching cannot be questioned. This is the Ephesians 4 "mandate" that Rick Joyner mentioned in the second quote at the beginning of this post. This Ephesians 4 "mandate" teaches that an apostolic structure must be built on Earth to rule the nations. That is why a "New Breed" of leaders is so essential.

This cult also teaches the perfection, immortality and glorification of the elect (Joel's Army, Manifest Sons of God, New Breed). It teaches an evolutionary view of the Church, that the Bride of Christ can mature on Earth and perfect herself, overcoming death and bypassing Judgment Day by achieving "unity" and "apostolic" transformation/dominion. Scriptures that reference Christ and His return in the last day are twisted and applied to the Church. Rick Joyner, in the same post cited above, said:

"The Lord is coming. Before the end the Lord will have a bride who is so passionately in love with Him that she will make herself ready. Like the bride who so loves her bridegroom that she is determined for her dress be without a spot or wrinkle, the bride of Christ is about to return to her first love."

[A more complete discussion of these New Breed beliefs can be found at http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NL_July1990.pdf and other archived newsletters. A thorough examination of this cult, its history and leaders, can be found in Al Dager's excellent book Vengeance Is Ours: The Church In Dominion (Sword, 1990). See also http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com for detailed information about how these cult doctrines have now become part of evangelical mainstream via the New Apostolic Reformation.]

It is good to compare the words of 2 Peter chapter 3 to the heresies presented above.

This chapter, talking about "last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming. . . ," concludes with these verses:

"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:16-18)

Revelations 6:11a, 7:13-15 and 19:8 refute the heresy that the Bride can clothe herself or perfect herself on Earth. The robes of the Bride will only be clean and white because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins! This clothing does not take place on Earth by earthly activities, but is granted to believers in Heaven.

"And white robes were given unto every one of them;. . . And one of the elders answered saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints."

[An encouraging post refuting these eschatological heresies can be found at NewsWithViews today by Paul Proctor entitled, "The Rapture is Coming -- Believe it or Not" at http://tinyurl.com/7ffq8]

Who is this new breed being raised up in the earth? And how will they make a difference? Learn how you, equipped as you are, can you be a part of the radical army of dread champions now wielding the sword of the Lord and bringing judgment upon the kingdom of darkness!

Steve Shultz, The Elijah List Ministries, 2/08/06, endorsing "How to Become Part of God's Army of Dread Champions"by Matt Sorger [http://tinyurl.com/b54jx]

"We are the ones to empower a new breed of people who will enthrone Jesus as Lord in the market place in Africa." [http://tinyurl.com/aryzf]

The Elijah List Ministries, which is one of the media arms of the New Apostolic Reformation and chief promulgator of its doctrines, mentioned the doctrine of the "New Breed" just yesterday in the first quotation above. This radical doctrine of an emerging elite "new breed" of leader is, unfortunately, alive and well.

This series of posts which Herescope has been running these past few weeks has focused on this "New Breed" generation in the context of the Leadership Network, the Emergent Church, the New Apostolic Reformation. We have also taken note of the many new doctrines that coalesce around the "New Breed" heresy, giving it added impetus and credibility. It is not possible to separate the "New Breed" concept from its context which is rooted in the heresies of the Latter Rain cult which have now become embedded in the doctrines of the New Apostolic Reformation.

The "New Breed" of Leader is being applied to pastors, young leaders and also "marketplace transformation." This marketplace ministry concept came into the greater evangelical church via the "Kansas City Prophets." In the 1980s Mike Bickle and the other leaders were talking and writing about a "Joseph Company" that would arise "to help care for and feed the poor, especially in third world countries" (Grace City Report, Fall 1989). Through a series of conferences and cross-pollination with C. Peter Wagner et al, this has now become a premier doctrine of the New Apostolic Reformation.

"New Breed" and "marketplace" in Africa (in the second quote above) is found in the transcription of a tape posted at http://tinyurl.com/aryzf. This website is a representation of pure Latter Rain cult doctrine and contains references to former "Kansas City Prophet" Paul Cain. This article is entitled "Africa: Resource Control & The End-Time Harvest" and the speaker is not cited. The article is filled with Latter Rain heresies: a Melchizedek priesthood anointing prophets and apostles, an Elijah company of prophets, the Gospel of the Kingdom (dominionism), the 5-fold ministries, the manifestation of the sons of God, the Joshua generation, the power of prophetic declarations, and a Man-Child company.

The article presents arguments to justify bringing in New Apostolic Reformation-style marketplace transformation to Africa, particularly the argument of Western Imperialism. Citing Africa's great wealth in natural resources which attracts greedy westerners as the crisis, the proposed solutions include: 1) engaging in the spiritual warfare antics of prayer marches, decrees, and "confronting the powers" (a C. Peter Wagner term) over territories; 2) setting up the new church structure of "apostles" and "prophets" for proper "alignment" and "order"; mentoring leaders using the New Apostolic model, and setting up "marketplace transformation." Tragically, this speaker did not recognize that the cure to the crisis would bring in a whole new style of imperialism -- a rabid new form of western Christian imperialism coming in the name of "marketplace transformation"! (See the article posted at Discernment Ministries website entitled "Dominionism and the Rise of Christian Imperialism.")

The transcript positively references Gunnar Olson and his organization ICCC (International Christian Chamber of Commerce), one of the most radical dominionist marketplace organizations. Olson is connected to the Global Day of Prayer and Transformation Africa activities. He referred to the Joseph Company concept, calling it "The Joseph Calling" with references to marketplace transformation, in an interview with marketplace transformation leader Os Hillman posted at http://tinyurl.com/as9uq. Olson is a member of the International Coalition of Apostles.

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Tomorrow: the stunning conclusion to this series on the "New Breed". . . .

This Herescope series on the "New Breed" would not be complete without an examination of the rising science of biotechnology known as "transhumanism." This high-tech, bio-tech concept is working to create a physical "new breed" of man. There is a mystical component to it that comes from Hermeticism and Theosophy. This represents the ultimate mixture of science and religion.

There is every reason to believe that this new utopian science will have particular appeal to New Apostolic Reformation leaders who already teach and believe these mystical doctrines. There is every reason to fear that the Church today, which is rushing to contextualize itself within every perverse culture, will not stand against this rising tide.

The Discernment Research Group solicited an article from Dr. Martin Erdmann, Christian professor and author, and an international expert on the ethical implications of nanotechnology, to write a post for today's Herescope. To more easily read and print out this article, click on http://www.discernment-ministries.org and go to the "What's New" section, or use this link: http://tinyurl.com/axfwu.

Medicine is no longer restricted to healing. Biotechnology’s popular uses constitute a long list, among them weight loss, hair growth, birth control, teeth straightening, and sex selection of children.[1] Transhumanism takes human enhancement further, in morphing the vision of perfect man into a human-machine complex properly called “posthuman.” This is an effort to break every human limitation and redefine personhood. Nick Bostrom, Oxford philosophy professor and co-founder of the World Transhumanism Association, writes that posthumans will realize eternal youth and health, gain complete control over their minds and emotions, and “experience novel states of consciousness” that present human minds cannot imagine.[2] Posthumans may even choose to discard their bodies in favor of life as “information patterns on vast super-fast computer networks.”[3] Though this sounds bizarre, human-mechanic existence has entered mainstream movies as a radical potential – and many scientist, doctors, and philosophers call it attainable within decades. As the President’s Council on Bioethics writes, bioethics demands a current and public discussion of “what it means to be a human being and to be active as a human being.”[4]

Transhumanists distinguish the value of human life from biology and creation, to place its value in human ideals and experiences. As long as man’s values guide him, this paradigm allows him to redefine all aspects of life.[5] There is no attempt to retain “humanness” (that would be “bad”), but rather to be humane.[6] In its Transhumanist Declaration, the World Transhumanism Association affirms “the feasibility of redesigning the human condition” in areas including “aging, limitations on human and artificial intellects, unchosen psychology, suffering, and our confinement to the planet earth.”[7] Technology joins education, culture, and politics as a tool for advancement. Asked whether transhumanism tampers with nature, Nick Bostrom replies: “Absolutely, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is often right to tamper with nature.”[8] The basic conditions required for posthumanity are global security to safeguard the explosive potential of transhumanism, technological process, and wide access to that technology. Transhumanism credits man with the potential to create an environment wherein he is perfected.

The actual work of transhumanism involves technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, neuropharmacology, and perhaps most notably, nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a molecular science, whose other pursuits range from alternative energy to cancer cures. Since posthumanity requires futuristic nanotechnology, transhumanists advocate cryonics, or freezing of the human body, in the hope that posthumans will transform frozen humans into posthumans like themselves. Nick Bostrom argues that “even a 5% or 10% chance of success could make cryonics contracts a rational option for people who can afford it and who place a great value on their continued personal existence.”[9] In the same article, he also proposes ennobling “personality pills” and space colonization. Far from the isolated ideas of an Oxford don, anti-aging and intelligence enhancement are also pursued by the United States government’s National Nanotechnology Initiative. Yet rather than confining itself to “simple” goals of healing cancer or even restoring sight, transhumanism posits that men are in an early stage of evolution, and pushes to enhance fundamentally humanity through nanotechnology and other sciences.

While creation of posthumans is based on human values, transhumanism allows room for posthuman values to differ from current ones. This is because values “come from minds.”[10] Since a man’s values are but the ones he chooses, posthumans may embrace values that current men do not. The Transhumanist Church credo states unequivocally:

"The memories we have, the thoughts we consider, the emotions we feel; these form the essence of who we are. For without these qualities we would cease to be us. And there need be no supernatural explanation for these qualities. ... Our soul may arise from the structure of our brain, but it need not be reliant upon it."[11]

It continues: “We are our own saviors. We cannot rely on supernatural or external forces to guide us on our journey. Responsibility is on our shoulders to create the world we wish to live in.”[12]

Despite transhumanist rejection of supernatural force, its philosophy mirrors mysticism. Mystics such as Hermeticists and Theosophists deliberately pursued self-transcendence. It was an ethical imperative and life’s best aim, while success merely hinged upon proper technique and attitudes. Transhumanism and mysticism alike rely on human technique. Since transhumanism’s stated goal is to transcend all limits, these philosophies must share their final goals: “either total union with the metaphysical One or total and perfect spiritual autonomy.”[13] With remarkable consistency, transhumanism makes the implied mystical aspects of secular humanism explicit. Thus it becomes clear that humanism has always been a form of mysticism hiding behind a secular veneer.

Transhumanists are creatures in pursuit of autonomous perfection. While denying creation by any supernatural being, they freely claim their “ability and right” to “plan and choose their own lives.”[14] This is a transhumanist ploy to deceive the unwary. Transhumanism is totalitarian to the core. Only to a small group of “posthuman scientists” (cultural and economic elitists) is “total freedom” granted. Their goal is clear: in order to dominate humankind they want to remake creation, including man, to suit their own purpose. C. S. Lewis’s question bears asking. He wrote that “human nature will be the last part of Nature to surrender to Man. The battle will then be won.... But who, precisely, will have won it?”[15] Considering all the odds, it is rather doubtful, if transhumanism will finally succeed in its stated objectives to overcome human frailty and achieve paradise on earth. Despite tremendous advances in science and technology, most humans still suffer a cold during winter time. A brief glance at the obituaries will show that death is as grim a reaper as it always has been.

Utopians of all shades have, in the past, embraced pursuits similar to those found in Transhumanism and Gnosticism. As Jean B. Quant observes, “This secularization of the postmillennial tradition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries cut across the lines which divided theology and social science, clergymen and intellectuals.”[16] As is the case with today’s Transhumanists, technology plays a rather large role in helping to develop man’s pursuit of utopian goals. Referring to the clergymen and intellectuals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Quant states that, “Technological de