Thank you. I can't open that link, but I believe "contemplative" prayer is something totally different? I don't like the idea that she used the word "channel" in her previous book, but should we nit-pick that if she really didn't mean it that way? I don't know. The terminology we use is a good indicator of what we have been reading, listening to, and watching, that for sure.
"something told you not to buy it".. I call that the still small voice
Lucky for me, I never read the same book every day (except the bible), and even that I jump all over the place daily. So, even if I wanted to do the Jesus Calling daily devo daily, I wouldn't
Sorry, it is an UK Amazon link.
This is the USA Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Another-Jesus...ords=another+jesus+calling+by+warren+b.+smith
The review of his book and relevant to Jesus Calling is that he's reviewed Sarah Young's blending of New Ageism with Christianity.
When former New Ager Warren B. Smith read Jesus Calling, he became greatly concerned, finding it troubling to see a number of New Age practices and concepts being presented as completely normal for Christians. Even more troubling, there were no warnings or disclaimers about what was being introduced. By the end of the book, Jesus Calling, and its "Jesus" had subtly, and not so subtly, introduced occult/New Age channeling, spiritual dictation, creative visualization, meditation, divine alchemy, co-creation with God, and practicing the presence like it was everyday Christian fare. New Age terms and concepts were brought into the messages like they were no big deal. And added to this were indirect references to a pantheistic poet and two classic New Age books, along with a hearty endorsement of God Calling - the channeled book that inspired Sarah Young to try and receive her own personal messages from Jesus. The unusual use of language by the "Jesus" of Jesus Calling, was also disturbing. It seemed to run the gamut from "everyday Joe" language to strange word choice, unwarranted flattery, worldly cliches, repetitive phrases, disparaging comments, and not so subtle mockery. All in all, Jesus Calling, seemed to be an obvious attempt by our spiritual Adversary to get an even further foothold inside the Christian church. "Another Jesus" Calling asks the question, Is the "Jesus" of Jesus Calling,the biblical Jesus Christ, or is it a false christ deceiving many? Given the fact that millions of copies of Jesus Calling, have already sold, the answer to that question needs to be found. Warren Smith gives us the documentation and biblical references needed to find that answer. "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." (2 Corinthians 11:4)
If you look at Google results or some other search and seek out, "what's wrong with Saray Young Jesus Calling", you'll find a lot of hits I think.
The book was very engaging for me at first. It was written in a personal first person manner that just so happened to appear when I randomly thumbed through and dropped into a page.
But that, as you call it and rightly so I believe, still small voice , said don't buy this. It just didn't feel right.
Then I found other reviews well after when I wasn't looking for them. Bible forums as you can imagine tend to look for books that are about Christ, God, the Bible. And I happened on a thread that was talking about the first printing of this Jesus Calling book. I took that as God reiterating what that still small voice had whispered days before.
I think there are certain authors that take advantage of the movement wherein people want a personal relationship with Jesus, which has always been possible, but that feels as if they're able to do something outside of the traditional religious environment they may oppose as being to orthodox or dogmatic.
New Age themes put the person in charge of ritualizing contact if you will. So that it feels like the person is able to "summon" and find Jesus without having to ascribe to the teachings in the New Testament surrounding repentance, salvation, etc...
I pray God continues to guide you on your search.