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)

"Become an Expert on the Process of Change
(Hebrews 6:1-3; Psalm 48:14; Isaiah 42:16; John 16:13; Psalm 27:11)
Read everything you can get your hands on about leading an organization through change. Use the knowledge you gain to keep evaluating, not only the stages of your process, but also the methods you're using to implement change." Chuck McAlister, "How to transition an established church," Part 2, [http://tinyurl.com/fbanl]

Many aspects of church CHANGE might seem to be unrelated to "transformation" on the surface. But the very beginning of Part 1, McAlister provides a list of everything that could be used to start the process of church change. Be sure to read the entire list at Part 1. It includes such seemingly mundane and superficial things as launching a new member's class, locating new property for a relocation, and starting in-home community groups.

In the article we began to review yesterday by John C. Hillary, "Paradigm Change: More Magic than Logic," he lists the following components of an organization, one built upon another:

Yesterday Herescope looked at the "core processes," which are superficial ways of doing business that don't seem to have much to do with the underlying culture, mission/purpose or paradigm. Hillary makes the case that second-order change is intended to transform the underlying domains. Applied to the Church, this would mean changing the CULTURE, the MISSION/PURPOSE and the ORGANIZATIONAL PARADIGM.

Has your church undergone the "mission-vision-values" process? That is indicative of transformative change. Second-order change requires an organization to re-define their mission (purpose). It also begins to change the church culture, by such things as bringing in more "unchurched" people (who may or may not have had conversions) and ecumenical curricula. These added ingredients can be leveraged to strain an existing system into starting into "transition." (See McAlister's articles for details.)

The end goal is to shift the church's paradigm to "transformation." But to get there, a church must undergo "transition." And things can get pretty ugly. Hillary states that there "are special challenges in orchestrating planned second order change." These include "the knowledge and skills required to (1) enable the intentional disintegration of the existing context of organization. (2) facilitate the synthesis of a new context, and (3) survive the turbulent period in between the two. . . "

"The leader of planned second order change will be regarded as out of context by the organization. If he thinks and behaves in accord with a vision that requires second order change, he has no choice but to violate or challenge the established culture, mission/purpose, and paradigm of the organization. From the existing frame of reference, such behavior will be seen as illogical. Powerful and pervasive psycho-social forces will bear down on the renegade in a relentless organizational effort to bring him back into alignment. Unless the leader succeeds in progressively bending the pervasive frame, persistence is increasingly risky."

Hillary then vividly describes the ensuing "cognitive dissonance" that occurs when everything is up for grabs. Does this describe your church's "transformation" upheaval? Note that this upheaval period does not mean that "transformation" is stopped. Leaders are trained this is normal and to expect it. Their goal is to survive it. (See McAlister's articles.)

"During second order change, the organization must face and hopefully pass through a period of widespread psychological ambiguity, social disconnectedness and general confusion. . . . The requisite disintegration of the existing culture, mission/purpose, and paradigm disrupts the organizaton's frame of reference. During this time, there is little or no clear and consistent context to guide the thinking and behavior of members. In social systems, this condition produces dysfunction, anxiety, frustration, disequilibrium, and systemic change. . . . Burns and Nelson (1984) define such organization as having 'devolved' to a 'reactive' state."

It is no wonder, then, that McAlister, in Part 2 of his "How to transition an established church" already brings in the concept of "Graciously Release Those Members Who Choose To Leave." Note the parallels between McAlister's statements (below) and Hillary's comments (above). The only difference (and one of concern) is that McAlister spiritualizes the "planned" and "intentional" part. Leaders are told to believe that this second-order change is "God's plan." There is a certain arrogance and self-confidence inherent in this "transformation" process which is particularly ingrained in the leadership training:

"You must remember that the transition will not please everyone - that would be impossible. Do not abandon your vision to appease a person or even a group of persons who choose to leave. God will send other leaders to take their place.

"This is the most difficult part of the process for some pastors because we are wired to please people. You must remember that pleasing God is what matters; besides, the church does not belong to you or a disgruntled church member. It belongs to Jesus Christ. We are simply called to do what God says is best for His church.

"Our church family has continued to grow through this process of transition. However, we have also lost members. I have been personally maligned and even attacked. Transition is a painful process, and often, it is the pastor who bears the brunt of the pain. Remember that you are carrying out God's plan for His church. Your reward is coming. Stay faithful." [http://www.tinyurl.comfbanl]

"Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? . . . (Jeremiah 2:36a)

Don't Be Afraid To Take Risks
(Proverbs 3:5-7)
There will be times when you will have to step out, on faith, to proceed with the transition without fully understanding how you can take the next step. This will more than likely happen when you engage in your first major building program. Chuck McAlister, "How to transition an established church," Part 3 [http://www.tinyurl.com/hmnjv]

John C. Hillary, in his article "Paradigm Change: More Magic than Logic," which Herescope has been examining the past several days, describes "RISING TO THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE--SOME SUGGESTIONS." He proposes that the the "knowledge and skills required to transform" will "transcend scientific rationality."

"To envision, to energize, and to enable changes in the paradigm, mission/purpose, and culture. . . leans more in the direction of the supersensible, the intuitive, the spiritual, the metastrategic -- the magical." [emphasis added]

Hillary's planned second order change and Chuck McAlister's "transition," described on the www.pastors.com website (see quote above and yesterday's Herescope), both rely on the added ingredient of spirituality to ease the transition process. McAlister's brand of spirituality is "Christian." Hillary claims that it is easier to orchestrate a "paradigm shift" towards "transformation" if one puts a "spiritual" emphasis on it. Spiritualizing "transformation" in the evangelical world has the intended effect of placing "God's seal of approval" on the entire shenanigans. Who dares to question God's plan?

(Indeed, the entire concept and process of "paradigm shift" is esoteric, and one that was examined in previous Herescope posts.)

Trained leaders are the key to effectiveness in shifting the paradigm to second-order change. Hillary states:

"The leader of second order change. . . must never underestimate the pervasiveness of the existing context -- the status quo. . . . The deep resonance that exists among paradigm, mission/purpose, culture, and core processes will fight for survival. Like progressive resistance exercise, the greater the challenge to 'the way it has always been,' the greater its conservative response. There is no greater threat to the existing order than planned second order change." [emphases added]

1. "Create a vision that people can sink their teeth into. Vision creates images that become powerful transformative tools for both individuals and organizations. . . . The vision must transcend the prescription of core processes and paint a picture of the transformed culture, mission/purpose, and paradigm. . . ."

2. "Lead as if you are already there -- be symbolic. The vision that is on paper comes to life through the behavior and language of leadership. . . ."

3. "Create a 'community of learners.' . . .Second order change requires them to unlearn . . . 'the way it is' and learn the new way of doing business. Leaders of second order change must become teachers of their organizations. The vision must be the core of the lesson plan."

4. "Bring the organizational subconscious to consciousness. People must be able to examine and critique the existing context in terms of the vision. Proclaim that the behavior of the organization is its culture on display. Take every opportunity to examine the cultural attributes underlying behavior. Creatively expose beliefs, values, and norms that are inconsistent with the vision and create language, metaphors, myths, rituals, and ceremonies that support the vision."

This article by Hillary was published in the Winter 1990-1991 issue of Outcomes, an obscure periodical which nevertheless served an important purpose in facilitating the launch of what later would become known as Outcome-Based Education (OBE), i.e., the "transformation" of education. Sixteen years ago Hillary would write about the inadequacies of standard organizational development theories and technologies. He noted that leaders would find that "there is little tested technology to guide the leadership of second order change" through the process. He said:

"The best one can do is to integrate (1) the best of what is known about rational organization, (2) an intense study of the transformation literature and case study research, and (3) a deep appreciation for sources of insight that transcend rationality, e.g., imagination, inspiration, intuition, mythology, and spirituality. There is much to learn about the nonrational side of organization and the nonrational phenomena that support what is sensible."

Over the past sixteen years, the leadership training experts are still perfecting the manner in which they train "change agents" to facilitate this "transformation." Must of this research and training has come in through the management gurus, who were permitted to gain access and influence over evangelicaldom. Most of these gurus arose out of the New Age movement. They became experts at shifting the paradigm spiritually, in the manner discussed by Hillary, by contextualizing their New Age doctrines to fit the loose parameters of an emerging new evangelicalism. Much of this paradigm-shifting is still done "on faith" -- using "faith" to assist the orchestrated, intentional second-order change.

"Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts." (Psalm 119:134)

This is the last in the series of posts pertaining to a review of John C. Hillary's 1990-1991 article "Paradigm Change: More Magic than Logic." Today's post will focus on a section of his article entitled, "COPING WITH DISCONNECTEDNESS."

The thoughts in this section of Hillary's article are particularly comparable to the 6-part series by Chuck McAlister posted at www.pastors.com entitled "How to transition an established church." This is because McAlister recommends that, as an eventual necessary step in the overall "transition" process, a pastor must actually re-locate the church and change its name. (See 3/1/06 Herescope for full urls of this article series).

Hillary states:

"Planned second order change is a traumatic experience for an organization. It is equivalent to being taken from the psychosocial comfort of an established and stable home, passing through a period of homelessness, and reestablishing comfort and stability in a place where the fundamental rules, roles, and relationships are radically different." [emphasis added]

This paragraph above bears an uncanny correspondence to the "transition" process that McAlister describes.

Hillary continues the graphic analogy:

"Persuading people to let go of the 'old way of doing business' is one issue. Enabling them to survive the period of 'homelessness' is even more challenging. . . . It is . . . imperative that leaders of planned second order change support people as they individually and collectively 'let go' of the way it has always been and open themselves up to the chaos that must precede a return to new stability. This support must be equal in quality to the support that was provided by the old context. If not, the memory of the old order will seduce people back. This is a time for leaders to be gardeners, not mechanics."

Hillary lists five major points for leaders:

1. "Teach people about the second order change process. . . . Learning about second order change should be one of the first lessons encountered by the 'community of learners.'" [McAlister says, "Communicate Your Vision Regularly."]

2. "Apply strong, consistent, centralized, and trusted leadership. . . . Delegation and 'empowerment' should come later when a transition plan is needed to alter and refine core processes." [McAlister's Part 5 deals with this topic -- note the tight new centralization of leadership.]

3. "Use the top of the decision making system as a mechanism to communicate commitment and instill confidence. The decision making apparatus must be used to clear up ambiguity and confusion not add to it. . . . Decision making is a pwoerful opportunity to be symbolic." [See McAlister's Part 4, which changes the worship style of the church. This change is not only "symbolic," but it also opens the door to total "transformation" of doctrine.]

4. "Don't spend too much time in the space between the way it was and the way it is going to be. You risk institutionalizing disconnectedness and norming ambiguity. This amplifies the challenge and increases the complexity of change manifold." [McAlister tells pastors in Part 1 to "Stay Put" and "Refuse To Abandon Your Process."]

5. "Don't hesitate to play the role of leader as healer and social therapist. During second order change, people need personal and professional support. . . . Organizational transformation is a psychosocial phenomenon. It is enabled by leadership that is more therapeutic than strategic." [The entire phenomena of a "transformed" church relies on this relational aspect, including the new "in-home community groups."]

The Truth:

Although we "picked on" Chuck McAlister's 6-part "how to transition" series to make the points in Herescope series, there are many, many other writings about "how to transition" for church leaders located across the Internet and in popular books. Some writings come directly from leadership training entities. Others come from mission agencies, and various parachurch organizations. The same model is employed by all. The Hillary article was particularly exceptional to review because it used a more blatant and forthright manner to describe the mechanics of Change and Transformation.

We were able to utilize the John C. Hillary education reform article because the model for "transformation" is the same in every "sphere" of society. This is a planned, intentional global-scale change of culture, mission/purpose and organizational paradigm. The "transformation" of a local church may not seem that significant, but it is happening across the world. This article series was especially written at the request of a pastor in Africa who wanted to understand more about "change agents" for "transformation" which is coming into his country via American/global leadership training entities.

"For I am the Lord, I change not;. . . " (Malachi 3:6a)

Occasionally Herescope will post items from the past as an Oldie But Goodie (OBG). These items from our archives illustrate the heresies of the New Apostolic Reformation.

Today's excerpts come from a 1984 "Spiritual WARFARE!" Conference sponsored by John Wimber's Vineyard Ministries International. This conference would have taken place during the key time period when Wimber was a "project" of C. Peter Wagner's.

The conference brochure lists the "Purpose of the Conference." Note the military rhetoric. Note the Latter Rain cult doctrine that Satan wasn't defeated at the cross of Christ, that the "war is not over." Especially pay attention to the last two paragraphs, which speaks of punishing "covenant breakers."

"Purpose of the Conference

"The first century Christians often focused on military language to communicate the on-going Christian walk. Throughout the pages of the New Testament this terminology can be seen. They saw themselves at war with a real enemy. Jude tells his readers to 'fight for the faith' -- Jude 3. Paul tells his readers in Ephesians 6 to 'put on the whole armor of God'. He then lists their armorment: 'the breastplate of righteousness', 'the shield of faith', 'the helmet of salvation', 'the sword of the Spirit'. In this same passage he calls Satan's attacks 'flaming darts'. [emphasis in original]

"The period of Pax Romana throughout the Mediterranean was a time sprinkled with garrisons of Roman soldiers which gave a military atmosphere to all of life.

"While this reminder was there, it was a different kind of war of which the Christians spoke. Their weapons were not 'carnal' -- (2 Cor. 10:4). They did not fight against 'flesh and blood' --(Eph. 6:12). It was a continuing war against the evil one.

"We are in a war, a cosmic war. D-Day arrived in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The outcome was assured. But V-Day is yet to come. God planted His flag in the form of the cross of Jesus. The earth is His turf. He has over-thrown the enemy. The outcome is assured, but the war is not over. This is the major view of the New Testament.

"There is, however, a New Testament view which is often overlooked. Its intent is to answer the question: How do Christians who break God's covenant receive punishment? And what is the means of that punishment? [emphasis added]

"In light of all of this, the Church needs to be equipped to be God's army, and learn to continually assault the citadels of Satan, and advance the Kingdom of God. At the same time, the Church needs to understand its covenant with God and the consequences of breaking it." [emphasis added]

The illustration on the front of this 3-fold registration brochure is some sort of a weird eagle-man, appearing to be ready to land, with its talons drawn.

The Truth:

John Wimber's close association with C. Peter Wagner, and his later merger with the Kansas City Fellowship, formed the ground for the rise of what is now called the New Apostolic Reformation. See the 2nd edition of the Joel's Army booklet recently re-published by Discernment Ministries for additional information [http://www.discernment-ministries.org/JoelsArmy1.htm].

The "advancing the Kingdom" doctrine is often found connected to the "army" rhetoric, and it is particularly disturbing to read it in the context of punishing covenant-breakers (however that comes to be defined). Make no mistake about it -- this "army" has nothing to do with the Jesus Christ of the Bible.

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

Matthew Henry's Commentary on these verses states: "The kingdom of the Messiah was to be a spiritual kingdom, not temporal. It has a spiritual influence. The kingdom of God will not change men's outward condition, but their hearts and lives. Therefore, look for the kingdom of God in the revolution of the heart, not of the civil government."

The following article was prepared by Anton Bosch, inspired by reading last week's Herescope blog posts on "change" and the deceptive process of "transition." Herescope was critiquing John C. Hillary's article "Paradigm Change: More Magic than Logic" and comparing it with Chuck McAlister's purpose-driven (www.pastors.com) formula for church transformation.

Make it Plain

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2).

The instruction to the prophet is to make the vision plain. In other words make it simple and easy to understand so that the reader may be motivated into action. This is the calling to all preachers, teachers and writers of God’s Word. Our job is not to impress people with our knowledge and vocabulary but to communicate the message in such a way that the hearer will not only understand it, but will be able to apply it to his life.

Unfortunately, it seems that many modern “theologians” take the joke about theology being the art of making simple things complicated seriously. Take just the following statement as an example: “To envision, to energize, and to enable changes in the paradigm, mission/purpose, and culture. . . leans more in the direction of the supersensible, the intuitive, the spiritual, the metastrategic -- the magical." (John C. Hillary, in his article "Paradigm Change: More Magic than Logic") What does that really mean?

Jesus was the most powerful, wise and anointed preacher of all time but, look how He spoke: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…" (Mat 5;3-5). While His words were profound and life-giving they were easy to comprehend so that even children could understand Him. Those with wisdom and insight plumbed the weightiness and depth of His sayings but even the simple could understand His message. When He commissioned Peter at the sea, He did not send Peter (and us) to feed the giraffes but to feed the lambs and the sheep. (John 21:15-17). He never said a single word about how we should impress the wise and intelligent, but He said much about the consequences of causing little ones to stumble. The lawyers of Jesus’ day were very good at this game and so Jesus said to them: “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” (Luke 11:52).

Paul found himself under pressure by the philosophers to display his wisdom by clever arguments, but he too chose to only preach the foolishness of the Cross and concluded that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise” (1Corinthians 1:27).

So, we should be very suspicious of the motives of anyone who writes or speaks in big fancy terms as this is certainly evidence of a desire to boast of their vocabulary and knowledge, rather than communicate the truth. Peter speaks of them as "wells without water and clouds that carry no rain. They speak great swelling words of emptiness…” (2Peter 2:18). What a graphic description – big words that say nothing! Paul spoke of those who, “Professing themselves to be wise… became fools” (Romans 1:23). This is the same spirit of the antichrist who “was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies” (Revelation 13:5). No doubt, one of the things that will attract the damned to this imposter will be his convincing words. Be careful of those who exhibit the same ability as the antichrist and Satan to disguise their lies by clever speech. Paul warns against those who “do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18).

In the past few years many of these “clever” men have also developed a whole new language that is radically different to the language of the Bible. There may be times that we have to use words that are not part of Scripture in order to describe something that is clearly taught in the Bible. Think for example, of words like “the rapture” and “the Trinity.” I am sure that it is sometimes necessary to use such words, but they should be the exception rather than the norm. However, when I try to read the writings of modern gurus, or attend their lectures, I find they have a completely new vocabulary, filled with jargon which is almost impossible to be understood by an outsider like myself. Take another look at the quote from Mr. Hillary above. Are “envision,” “paradigm,” “supersensible,” “intuitive,” “metastrategic” and “magical” biblical terms, or do they describe biblical concepts? One of them, is not even in the English language and the rest do not appear in the Bible. While most of these words seem to mean the same as similar words in the Bible, what they really mean in modern theology is directly opposite to the closest similar word in the Bible.

Unfortunately some preachers are dazzled by these fancy terms and they then begin to borrow this jargon and begin to weave it into their own messages and writings. Sometimes these parrots know what the word may mean, but often they use it without even understanding what the term really means. Of course this is not unique to theology. It is very common for journalists and politicians to do the same. I have often thought about designing a computer program that will write political or religious speeches. The program will have a basic set of fancy words, technical terms and other mumbo-jumbo which the computer will then string together at random to form sentences that really say nothing at all. I am sure we have all listened to a sermon or a speech and after 20 minutes of much hot air wondered what really was said.

I think, but could be totally wrong, that what Mr Hillary said above is: “to make changes, we need magic.” So why did he not say so? Firstly, because that would not make him sound clever and secondly, it would reveal the gross error of what he is proclaiming!

So, whenever you come across a “Christian” whose writing or speech is confusing and verbose (wordy), don’t feel inferior. It is not you who have failed to understand, it is the writer who has failed to communicate. It is not you who is stupid, but the generator of hot air is the fool. Don’t struggle with it – just let it go. If it was God’s Word, it would not be hard to understand.

If you are a speaker or writer then don’t follow the footsteps of Satan who, by playing tricks with words, deceived Eve; but follow Jesus whose Words are spirit and life (John 6:63). Let us be like the Levites, in the time of Nehemiah, who “helped the people to understand the Law… (who) read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:7,8).

The latest fad is potentially the most grievous heresy to arise in the recent history of the Church. It is a repudiation of literacy -- the written Word. It is now widely being taught to missionaries, particularly through mission groups closely associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).

This new heresy is called ORALITY, which is telling biblical stories based on pictures and images. Orality short-cuts Bible translation and language methods of teaching the Word of God to "people groups." The rationale for this is, of course, the "urgency" in fulfilling the Great Commission "mandate." Orality is by its very nature condescending, treating Third World peoples as "children" who supposedly do not have the "ability" or "desire" to learn to read. It is being touted as an alternative method of evangelism. However, it is very evident that some mission groups have no intention of EVER teaching these people to read, or give them a Bible in their own language.

At http://epic.ccci.org/epc/Our_Vision.htm one can read the following description:

"Our Vision

"A global partnership involving Campus Crusade for Christ, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Wycliffe International & The Seed Company, Trans World Radio and YWAM—using chronological Bible storying among unreached people groups. Current estimates suggest that almost two-thirds of the world’s population is illiterate or has an oral preference (can't, won't or don't read and write). The proportion is significantly higher among the nearly 5,000 people groups not yet reached with the gospel, and among these include many of the 2,700 remaining Bibleless peoples. For these oral communicators, life lessons are processed by observation, participation and verbal communication—i.e. stories.

"Communication of the gospel by these same oral deliveries has potential for greater effectiveness than the literate methods churches and mission agencies have long used. From grass-roots initiatives in varied situations worldwide, mother-tongue storyers and cross-cultural workers are reporting the effectiveness of these oral delivery strategies, in many cases among people groups heretofore resistant to the gospel.

"In recent years a growing number of individuals and agencies have periodically gathered for consultations on orality, and have begun working cooperatively on issues like chronological Bible storying and the beginnings of an “Oral Bible” among unreached people groups. Table 71, a regular gathering of mission-agency leaders arising out of the Amsterdam 2000 conference, has also adopted a cooperative strategy centered on orality and chronological Bible storying."

The above webpage is also a good example of the rapidly developing ecumenical cooperation model utilized by the world mission groups steeped in dominionism. Other urls of interest to those who want to know more about this topic include:
http://epic.ccci.org/epc/Documents/Timelines.pdf
http://epic.ccci.org/epc/Documents/Overview.pdf
http://epic.ccci.org/epc/Documents/ChurchPartnerInfo.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/rgz47
At http://tinyurl.com/pon9n one can see that repentance is not included.

The foundation of this new heresy is said to originate from Walter J. Ong, who wrote a book entitled Orality & Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word (Methuen & Co., Ltd., 1982). This book is listed in bibliographies of the new orality heresy. The premise behind this book is that humans need to return to their earlier (evolutionary) primative heritage of myth, fable, story, image, symbols, icons, etc. The written word is degraded. The spoken word and image are said to be more closely connected to the human "consciousness." This author means "consciousness" in the sense of Carl Jung's pagan pseudo-science of "collective unconscious." Story, myth and image are therefore seen as closer to pagan spirituality. The author notes the "magic power" inherent in the written word and states that "Literacy can be restricted to special groups such as the clergy." (p. 93)

Literacy for the general population has been one of foundational tenets of Christianity since the time of the First Reformation 500 years ago, which coincided with the invention of methods of mass printing. For the first time men had access to Bibles translated into their own languages. For the past 500 years this has been considered a basic human RIGHT, not a privilege to be had only by an elite. History demonstrates the abuses of that type of elitism. So why would the postmodern NAR mission movement want to return to this type of system? The answers are ominous indeed.

ORALITY & Whole Language

Astute readers will recognize that Orality is connected with the idea of Whole Language. Whole Language is a method of teaching that treated words as symbols or hieroglyphics, requiring children to memorize them or contextualize them rather than learn simple decoding skills. Whole Language methods of reading instruction mushroomed in popularity around the U.S. during the decade of the 1980s. Samuel L. Blumenfeld, international phonics expert, explains that Whole Language "was touted as a real breakthrogh in reading instruction, one that would radically change our view of what reading and language learning are really all about. Marvelous results were promised. . . . " Of course, this confusing method was only "effective" at dumbing-down an entire generation of American school children.

Whole language was an integral part of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) models for education transformation. Blumenfeld noted that Whole Language "is . . . based on an entirely different view of language which is contary to the view that has prevailed in Western civilization since the invention of the alphabet, a view which today bears the label of 'deconstruction.'"

Blumenfeld explained that the real goal of these "deconstructionists" was to eradicate western civilization's dependence upon the written word, with a goal in mind to destroy the Written Word of God. Chapter 14 of Blumenfeld's excellent book entitled The Whole Language/OBE Fraud is now posted at Discernment Ministries in the "Articles" section at http://tinyurl.com/ra5ge . This article is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the esoteric foundation of Orality/Whole Language and understand where this movement is headed.

Orality and Worldview

Orality is connected with the NAR heresy of "contextualization." Orality permits the Word of God to be "contextualized" to a pagan culture through images, icons and symbols, thereby retaining the pagan elements of that culture. Using "redemptive analogies" (another heresy), these pagan beliefs and practices are claimed to be "redeemable" and are "christianized." Even the name of God is being changed to that of pagan deities!

Orality exchanges didactic instruction for psycho-spiritual methods: indoctrination, initiation, mastery, shadowing, mentoring, spiritual formation, etc. Using these methods makes it easier to pass on a religious message that is nuanced with a "culturally correct" worldview, which can easily be substituted for a Biblical worldview. Orality makes it easier to transmit certain values and beliefs that prop up the doctrinal worldview that these mission groups want to promulgate. If there is no literacy, then -- tragically -- there is no access to Scripture which might challenge the pervading ideology. Ong notes:

"Human beings in primary oral cultures, those untouched by writing in any form, learn a great deal and possess and practice great wisdom, but they do not 'study.'

"They learn by apprenticeship -- hunting with experienced hunters, for example -- by discipleship, which is a kind of apprenticeship, by listening, by repeating what they hear, by mastering proverbs and ways of combining and recombining them, by assimilating other formulary materials, by participation in a kind of corporate retrospection -- not by study in the strict sense." (p. 9)

The Truth:

To cut off access to the Word of God is to deny the very doctrine of Jesus Christ:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:1-4)

Herescope was requested to prepare a "thumbnail sketch" -- an overview -- of what constitutes "transformation." Below is an outline summary which many will find helpful.

“Transformation” is the end-goal of a process that moves from TRADITION through TRANSITION to TRANSFORMATION. This is sometimes called a “Paradigm Shift,” which means that Transformation shifts one’s worldview (paradigm) from the old to a new. This is a dialectically unfolding PROCESS in which the THESIS is continually challenged by ANTITHESIS, evolving into ever-unfolding SYNTHESES. Transformation is engineered, orchestrated and/or manipulated. Transformation involves changing over a person’s values, opinions, beliefs, attitudes, and even their behaviors to that of the new paradigm/worldview.

How to tell if it is “Transformation” --

Characteristics of TRADITION:
1. Education (teaching) is didactic
2. Cognitive
3. Right and Wrong
4. Focus on “what is”
5. “I know” statements
6. Facts, TRUTH
7. Respond to change by standing on THESIS

Characteristics of TRANSITION:
1. Education is facilitation
2. Affective (feelings), psychological
3. Must “determine” right and wrong (up for grabs)
4. Experience (dialogue)
5. “I think” or “I feel” subjective statements
6. OPINIONS
7. Respond to change by adapting to new SYNTHESIS

Characteristics of TRANSFORMATION:
1. Education is modeling, spiritual formation, mentoring
2. Esoteric (mystical)
3. No absolutes
4. Common ground, coevolution, collective unconscious
5. Intuitive, “I sense,” imagery, imagination
6. ANTITHESIS supplants THESIS
7. Continual, perpetual change

How to spot the PROCESS of “Transformation.” Look for:

A. New Language:
1. Newly coined words, terms, phrases, slogans
2. Old words given new meanings
3. Old definitions discarded
4. Intentional deception, misleading statements, half-truths, ambiguity

B. New Worldview/Paradigm
1. A new way of seeing or interpreting reality—events, circumstances, history, causes and effects, etc.
2. Creating a new reality using envisioning activities
3. Revisionist history: altering the facts, distorting prior events to fit new paradigm
4. Creating a new reality through psycho-social change mechanisms

C. New Structure
1. New authority structure, system of governance, new forms of accountability
2. New physical structure
3. New forms, formulas, formats, formations
4. New liturgies not based on doctrine or Scripture

D. New Mission/Vision
1. Subjective, constantly changing, relative
2. Strategic
3. Not tied to Biblical absolute Truth or Word of God
4. Subject to continual urgency, crisis, acceleration, etc.

E. New Values
1. Subjective, relational, situational, abstract
2. Irrational, illogical, irreverent, irrelevant
3. Tolerance for everything but absolute Truth
4. “The end justifies the means”

F. New Methods
1. Bait and switch, marketing, manipulation, machinations
2. Statistics, census-taking, databanking, assessing, monitoring
3. Orchestrated consensus, common ground, deceptions
4. Peer-driven, compulsive, coercive

G. New Doctrines
1. Man-oriented, culturally relative, contextualized, programmed
2. Anything that erodes the sovereignty of God
3. Utopian-sounding
4. Authoritarian in implementation

"Activist PPMs [post-modern ministries, ed.] are attempting to wean evangelicals from their addiction to the modern era with its dogmatic truth claims by a process called 'transformation.' 'Transformational thinking' and 'managed change' have become the machinery with which to re-tool the evangelical church. A whole industry of congregational consultant/coaches are teaching congregations how to be 'transformed' (cross over) into the postmodern worldview in order to make the changes presumed necessary to impact the 21st century. But how does one lead evangelicals, born and raised on objective and unalterable truth, into postmodern thinking? How do change-agent coaches effect this transformation? They employ a version of belief and behavior modification using the dialectic (arriving at 'group-consensus') rather than the didactic (teaching of unchangeable truth claims)."
(Dr. Orrel Steinkamp, “Cross Over To The Otherside,”
The Plumbline, Vol. 9, No. 2, http://op.50megs.com/ditc/orrel17.html]

You may think that you know the answer to the question above. But the question is most often asked as a classic "bait and switch." That is why it is necessary to define terms. What you think you are responding to affirmatively will most likely turn out to be something quite different. In the Church Transformation movement, these questions are posed as a way to hook you, or lure you, into an pre-determined set of answers. Below are some examples of post-modern (Second Reformation, New Apostolic Reformation, Emergent, etc.] uses of the term worldview:

“'In the last six months, Rick and I have spent a lot of time talking with one another. We have the same vision, but he’s got a bigger one and a great capacity to pull it off and we are going to work together and we are going to give him whatever expertise that we have and we are teach worldview to people through his churches and it the fulfillment of my life’s dream.'”

"Another key component of the partnership is the opportunity for Warren and Colson to collaborate on materials to help communicate a biblical worldview to Christians around the world. Colson’s passion on the subject stems from a similar passion to help prisoners, since he is convinced that a breakdown in biblical worldview leads to an increase in crime. Colson believes with his organization’s background in studying biblical worldview and Warren’s unique teaching ability, the materials could have a broad impact on the culture."
("PD, Prison Fellowship announce partnership for prisoners and their children," Tobin Perry http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8206)

"As media moguls scramble to keep Americans entertained, Christian leaders in the mass media are reaching for innovative methods of communicating a Biblical worldview from within the mainstream media, as well as with Christian media. . . . A renewal movement focused on establishing the Lordship of Christ in both individuals and institutions. . . . 4) Changing the worldview of the general culture."

"Allelon Ministries was established for the purpose to resource and encourage the Church, 'the whole people of God.' to become the kinds of people who can, as God's creative instruments, embody, announce, and demonstrate the Gospel of the Kingdom for the sake of the world. As a ministry we are cognizant of the small role God has called us to play in the adventure of discovering new ways of being Christians and doing church. It is our desire to "deposit rich kingdom blessings" into your lives as we endeavor to take this journey with you. Our wish is to continue to do so in a way that is simultaneously faithful to our story in Scripture and more in tune with the opportunities and threats associated with our current cultural worldview shifts.
("ABOUT ALLELON," http://www.allelon.org/about/index.cfm) [All emphases in above quotations added]

Obviously, from the sample quotes above, the term "worldview" is one that is loaded with an "agenda" in evangelicaldom today. It is one of the hottest fads to come down the pike. In fact, the "worldview" agenda is set to go center stage in the global church arena with Chuck Colson's new partnership with Rick Warren. Therefore, believers need to know what "worldview" is before succumbing to all of the hype and hoopla.

"Worldview" is is inextricably connected with the dominionist "mandate." It is a term used by the mission groups, the prayer warfare groups, the emerging church, and the New Apostolic Reformation. But in particular, this term has gained the greatest ground by being promoted by the political dominionists. It is here that the use of the term has gained an almost "sacred cow" status.

Before answering the question at the top of this post, re-read the seven "Characteristics of TRANSITION" description below, in yesterday's Herescope post. Simply asking the question above immediately sets the stage for the "Transition" process to begin! As soon as one uses the term "worldview" it begs to be defined, and thus opens the process to "determine right and wrong."

In fact, most "worldview" examples currently in vogue in evangelicaldom are clearly in the Transition stage. Below is one noteworthy example:

"Whether conscious or subconscious, every person has some type of worldview. A personal worldview is a combination of all you believe to be true, and what you believe becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. Therefore, it affects your response to every area of life: from philosophy to science, theology and anthropology to economics, law, politics, art and social order -- everything." "What's a Worldview Anyway?" Del Tackett, Focus on the Family, http://tinyurl.com/l3l4n)

Focus on the Family has launched a project called "The Truth Project," DVD small group curriculum to train believers in a "biblical worldview." This quotation above is an example of the psychological use of the term, which gets into the realm of feelings and emotions, i.e. "Transition." This quotation also brings in the political/cultural use of the term.

Using a classic "bait and switch" technique, the article leads believers through a set of questions that disarm them into accepting the "biblical worldview" of Focus on the Family. No one dares answer "no" to any of these questions. But readers are told that their own "personal worldviews" are likely to have been corrupted by the "world" and that therefore they need to "capture and embrace more of God's worldview" (however that is defined by Focus on the Family) so that they can begin to make "right decisions" about their life.

Notice also the evocative technique that utilizes George Barna's polls. Barna plays a pivotal role in helping neoevangelical leaders "create a crisis" with his polling. Once he establishes that there is a "need" then people respond to these "felt needs" by being sucked into the Transformation process. The "solution" to this "crisis" is, of course, more worldview training.

In the days to come, Herescope will examine the roots and the fruits of this "worldview" agenda in more detail. There are many examples of this new emphasis coming from all quarters of Church Transformation and, not surprisingly, most of them are interconnected.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Col. 2:7-8)

The moment "worldview" enters the modern vocabulary, it is immediately entrapping. This is because this word itself is nebulous. It can easily be defined one way by the speaker and another way by the hearer. (It is not a term found in the Scriptures.)

In the modern neo-evangelical lexicon, "worldview" is a word rapidly gaining in both power and influence. The phrases "biblical worldview" or "Christian worldview" are used by many ministries and leaders as a tool to hook people into the Transition stage, leading them into Transformation. This term is frequently employed as a "bait and switch." One is hooked into the process by the use a few good-sounding Bible verses, or by evoking feelings of patriotism, or through an appeal for evangelism.

But this term "worldview" turns out to have an "agenda." Take a few nibbles on the "worldview" worm dangling from the hook, and you rapidly discover this "agenda." And you may not LIKE it!

One of the more blatant examples of this "bait and switch" technique moves the listener rapidly into a total dominionist Transformation agenda. Below is a transcript of introductory remarks posted at http://tinyurl.com/erc5u, on a www.swissamerica.com webpage (David Bradshaw and James Rutz), entitled "'What's Your Worldview?' FREE CD Offer" -- "So, clear your mind and spirit of worldly confusion and join me in resonating with 'the sound' of The Big Picture. (2:30 Sample)"

"Your worldview is very important.

"Your worldview is very important.

"For years I labored under the idea that the dirty old world, it could go to hell.

"I save a few sinners here and there but I was waiting to get out of it.

"The sooner I could get out of it the better; the dirty old thing.

"And God would say to me one day, 'Why is it dirty?'

"Well I said, ' ‘cause it isn’t clean.'

"He said, 'Whose job is it to clean it?'

"I said, 'Well, uh…well, uh..well, uh..have you any other questions, Lord?'

"You know there’s four prepositions in the 17th chapter of John.

"Jesus said in his speech praying to His father, He said, 'Father, these men you gave me, they’re in the world.' But He says, 'I, I’ve taken them out of the world.'

"How you can be in it and out of it at the same time, there’s a paradox.

"He says, 'They’re in it physically, but I’ve taken them out of it spiritually and morally.'

"Then he says a third thing. He said, 'Father, they’re in the world and I’ve taken them out of it and they’re not of me.'

"Sounds a lot like... up until now...that guy I, like that 'I hope you’re not going any further.'

"I am because Jesus did.

"See a lot of us like it right there. I’ve been taken out of the world, and He’s saved me and I’m not of the world, and I’m not going to touch it. And I’m just ready to go now just any minute Lord and get out of the whole stinkin’ business.

"But the fourth preposition is this: as you sent me into the world so have I sent them into the world.

"Taken out of the world.

"The world taken out of you.

"No longer being on the world.

"You’re a candidate now to go back into the world to represent the government of God. Now you’re…

"It’s important that you have a proper worldview. See I didn’t have a prop… I had no worldview… My worldview was "it was rotten, let it drop off."

"My worldview now is that God’s intention through the gospel is to disciple nations.

"Hand out tracts. Testify to your neighbors.

"But remember the girth, the breadth, the expanse of the Great Commission is not a few neighbors or a few down and outers, but God is after the nations and He’ll not be content until the nations bow." [All emphases added]

The Dominionist Worldview

Did you get "hooked" by the lure of the biblical-sounding speech at the beginning of this transcript? What you found out at the end of this segment is that this "worldview" is pure dominionism! The full "agenda" is explained at http://tinyurl.com/grgl8.

In fact, this www.swissamerica.com website represents an amalgamation of the worst aspects of the newly arising convergence of the various dominionism sects (see "Dominionism and the Rise of Christian Imperialism" posted at http://www.discernment-ministries.org for an explanation of this). At this website one can invest in precious metals (marketplace transformation), while getting a full dose of patriotic dominionism, along with a mission emphasis on setting up the "kingdom" globally. If the lure of buying gold isn't enough to appeal to your flesh (worldliness), then the more altruistic goals may entice you. Craig R. Smith calls this a "convergence":

"To celebrate the new millennium and foster widespread participation in the ongoing convergence of the kingdom of God, Swiss America, Open Church Ministries, and Strategic Christian Resources have combined audio resources compiled over the last decade to produce, 'The Big Picture - The Shape of Things To Come on Planet Earth.'" [http://tinyurl.com/kpnso] [emphasis added]

The "Big Picture" includes a line-up of leaders representing all three dominionist sects -- mission, patriotic and signs and wonders [http://www.myideafactory.net/leaders.html]. James Rutz has been pulling together big names from all three sects since the mid-1990s, when his book The Open Church, which laid the groundwork for the switchover to the new apostolic governance structure, came out. This "strange bedfellows" list is the latest example of many lists, dating back to the heyday of Jay Grimstead's Coalition on Revival, that link the more staid Reconstructionist (and patriotic) dominionists with the wild and wacky "signs and wonders" New Apostolic Reformation.

David Bradshaw calls this new-found convergence "fusion":

"Time for Prophetic Fusion
"In the coming days, months and years we will see a fusion of Christians, groups and churches who recognize that they have the same spiritual genetic code." [http://tinyurl.com/zlmj8]

The phrase "same spiritual genetic code" means that everyone is on the same page in terms of their "worldview." The term "spiritual DNA" is frequently used by mission groups to refer to this concept.

Rutz's latest book MEGASHIFT: Igniting Spiritual Power, is representative of the latest heresies emerging from the New Apostolic Reformation -- that man can overcome the consequences of the Fall in the Garden of Eden, bypass Judgment Day (by wielding the rod of judgment on Earth through apostolic/prophetic authority), and restore Paradise (the "Genesis 1 mandate"). Rutz wrote of this new doctrine for WorldNetDaily, a neo-conservative web news service run by Joseph Farah (who claims to have been healed as a result of Rutz's talk of miracles at http://tinyurl.com/7tdeh):

"Here is what it all means: The lockdown of the common man has come to an abrupt end. Many of the limitations your ancestors endured for centuries are now fading into the bleak and brutal past. The resurrections are only the most obvious evidence of a megashift in the functioning of eager-hearted believers whom the book of Revelation calls 'overcomers.'

"The recent changes in the quality of human life are profound. God is pouring His grace and power into people in ways not seen before. I don't expect that most Christians will be doing miracles on a daily basis, but a radically new Christian lifestyle now spreading around the globe will soon dramatically enable you to upgrade your own way of living." ("The most startling development in world history," http://tinyurl.com/j56vr, May 24, 2005)

The Truth:

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Gal. 6:14)

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (1 John 3:1-3)

Apparently the word "worldview" also means "lifestyle" in purpose-driven circles. Think you've heard of everything? How about a Tupperware-style purpose-driven party! How about purpose-driven lifestyle coaches?

"Cocktail napkins . . . coffee, soda and flavored tea close by . . . and copies of a slim, poetry-size book placed invitingly around the room, like a party favor. Looks like a party.

"But the small talk? Fasten your seat belts.

"'If I ask you - "Who are you?" - what would you say?' Linda Graber threw the challenge to the half-dozen women seated around the table. The stories that came back were threaded with good and bad: tales of miscarriages and missed chances, as well as long, good marriages and a new yearning to bring fresh purpose and passion to life.

"Graber is co-host, along with Terri Baxter, of the first Purpose Party held in Colorado - for that matter, among the first held anywhere. . . .

"If Purpose Parties sound familiar, it's because they are one degree of separation from Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life, . . . "

This idea for parties originated from Warren's research assistant, Katie Brazelton. She wrote a book, Pathway to Purpose, specifically tailored for women. According to the same article, "Torkelson: Purpose parties help point way" (March 13, 2006), Brazelton has supplemented the book with:

"'Life Purpose Coaching' - a Christian take on the 'life coach' idea in which a trained professional helps with everything from career to home organization. In this case, individual coaching runs between $50 and $125 an hour. In group settings they're called Purpose Parties. [emphasis added]

"'They're like hosting a Tupperware party,' Graber says. "'We're sharing a process.'" [ http://tinyurl.com/m2nkl]

The article notes that Brazelton "developed a certification program for life coaches and was networking for new members." It reports that there are already "60 Life Purpose coaches."

Katie Brazelton's official website says that she is currently employed at Saddleback:

"Katie Brazelton currently serves as Director of Women's Bible Studies at Saddleback Church (where Rick Warren is pastor), as Director of Saddleback Church Seminary and as an administrative faculty member for Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary." [http://tinyurl.com/rqu9s]

She appears to have taken this purpose-driven lifestyle to heart:

"Katie now coaches other women who are searching for meaning in life as a Certified Christian LifePlanning Consultant with an international client base. Her passion for helping people discover life purpose has led her to Calcutta to talk to Mother Teresa about joy; to Belfast as a guest of Ireland's Nobel Peace Laureate to discuss inner peace; and to the tiny island of Malta to study St. Paul's time of shipwreck." [emphasis added]

Using the coaching/mentoring model -- as well as the facilitation style of training -- for women, Katie is quoted as saying:

"I encourage women to enter this journey with a Purpose Partner at their side, another woman who is committed to God’s kingdom work. . . .

"Several years ago I facilitated a two-day ‘Life Plan’ for my friend Kay, who is also my pastor’s wife [Kay Warren, ed.]. It was my joy to walk alongside her as she sorted out her spiritual gifts and clarified her unique contribution to God’s kingdom. I’ve done the same life coaching with many women, and it is my pleasure to watch as they come to see their gifts, passions and pain as elements in a grand purpose. . . .

"Conversations on Purpose for Women is built around ten weekly 'appointments' with a Purpose Partner. Great power is unleashed when Christian women sit down to prayerfully focus on one single concept!" [ http://tinyurl.com/q356g ]

The Truth:

At her official website Ms. Brazelton is quoted as saying that she "enjoys leading groups on short-term mission projects around the world."

Friday's Herescope post (3/10/06) cited Rick Warren's new partnership with Chuck Colson on a "worldview" curriculum. Warren's "Pastors.com" announced that they intend to "collaborate on materials to help communicate a biblical worldview to Christians around the world." [http://tinyurl.com/hyhnu]

Perhaps they'll come up with a "Worldview in a Box" for the short-term mission trips?!

The particularly affluent lifestyle/worldview coaching that Ms. Brazelton is marketing is hardly suitable for Third World mission trips.

What is more likely, however, is that the coaching/mentoring/facilitating model (which is transformative) is the one most likely to be employed in the upcoming Purpose-driven worldview curriculum.

"Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock." (Ezekiel 34:3)

"I define a 'worldview' as the sum-total of answers that a person gives to life's most important questions. A worldview can have either a powerful, positive influence on us or a negative one. A worldview, even when it is functioning subconsciously, shapes, determines, and influences the way we think and act. . . . all truth is God's truth."
("Thought-provoking: Your worldview governs how you live. Analyze it.", Ronald Nash talks to Peter Hastie, Australian Presbyterian, Feb. 2004, http://tinyurl.com/lssjo)

"Worldview" can act as an agent of change. "Worldview" works in the realm of cognition and feeling -- including beliefs, opinions, attitudes, values. It purports to deal with the spiritual, but much of what passes for "worldview" in today's Christian world is a mixture of philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

When the terms "biblical worldview" or "Christian worldview" are used, they could potentially mean:

1. political viewpoints
2. personal opinions
3. attitudes
4. various doctrinal beliefs
5. cultural values
6. economic views
7. religious philosophies
8. education styles
8. social issues
9. personality type
10. group norms or mores
11. lifestyle preferences
12. mindsets
13. presuppositions & assumptions
14. ethnolinguistics
15. demographics

As you can see, each of these items (and this is not an inclusive list) cannot be claimed as Absolute Truth. Rather, these are positions that people take. These are all potentially part of the Transition sequence of Church Transformation. Each one of these items could be used as a springboard to maneuver people into a mode where what they think or feel supersedes God's Word. It is also employed as a way to implement groupthink -- whatever the group thinks or feels can supersede God's Word.

These 15 points represent a "mixture" with biblical Truth. This mixture brings in truth and error, man's opinion with God's Word. As such, it is open to the manipulations and machinations of whatever agenda might be in vogue. Currently in Christendom the dominionist agenda is in full-swing, and it is here that most worldview assessments and curricula can be found operating.