Killing the Passion - The Old Pals Network

If you want to know what this series is about see my first post here.

We have seen in an earlier post that ‘Dr’ Brian Simmons doesn’t have the background in Bible translation he claims to have had. Far from being involved in translation work with New Tribes he worked as a church planter. He presents himself as the ‘lead translator’ in the Passion Translation enterprise. However, his own account of how this work proceeds demonstrates he is the only ‘translator.’ Furthermore, the process doesn’t merit the description ‘translation work.’

What is Brian Simmons a doctor of exactly? On her very helpful fact sheet, Holly Pivec explains:

‘He earned his doctorate with the Wagner Leadership Institute (now called Wagner University) with a specialization on prayer. [Take note that the Wagner Leadership Institute is not a standard, accredited seminary or Bible College that offers academic courses on the Bible and theology. Rather it was founded to serve the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Non-traditional courses teach people about NAR and how to be apostles and prophets and work miracles.]’

So, Wagner ‘University’ is an unaccredited institution, offers no academic courses on the Bible or theology, but teaches how to be apostles and prophets and work miracles. In what, then, is ‘Dr’ Brian Simmons qualified? (Hint: nothing remotely academic) He specialises in prayer. Prayer is not a speciality, it’s a fundamental part of every Christian’s life…

T he faculty of Wagner ‘university’ have, no doubt, impressive backgrounds in church planting, leadership, authorship, youth work, worship leadership, etc. Within, even beyond, their peculiar tribe they carry considerable influence. What one doesn’t expect on a ‘university’ faculty is people who are there because they have knocked around for a long time and bring some experience.

As Holly Pivec points out, Wagner ‘university’ was founded for one purpose, to serve the New Apostolic Reformation. This explains why their courses are ‘non-traditional.’ That is why faculty members are described variously as specialising in ‘spiritual mapping,’ ‘new kingdom paradigms,’ ‘impartation of renewal,’ ‘life language coaching.’ To study here you must learn a whole new vocabulary.

Although Wagner ‘university’ is unaccredited, it offers the following assurances:

‘Accreditation is not required by the U.S. Department of Education and, at present, Wagner University is not accredited by a Dept. of Education approved accrediting agency. However, WU is authorized to offer degrees and/or degree credits by Colorado, the state within which it is incorporated. Moreover, WU is held accountable through its membership in the Academic Council for Educational Accountability.’

What is the Academic Council for Educational Accountability, and what is it’s history?

‘Dr. C. Peter Wagner founded the organization, originally called the Apostolic Council for Educational Accountability, in 1998. It’s original purpose was to provide schools/training programs identified with the New Apostolic Reformation a creative alternative way to establish credibility through accountable relationships.’

Of course, this is nothing new. Indeed, it's almost as though the Bible is coming to life before our eyes as we read what Paul wrote to Corinth:

‘But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.’ 2 Cor.10:12

Obama's mother posthumously baptized into LDS Church - Salt Lake Tribune

In the wake of his remarkable success it seemed that the world and his wife wanted to claim President Obama as their own with even an Irish connection being dug up. Now the Mormons have got in on the act by posthumously baptising his mother. They have in the past upset the Jewish community, the Catholic Church and now the American President with this wacky and unbiblical practice but there is no indication that they will review it. And, of course, it is always someone else’s fault and they promise a thorough inquiry to uncover the real culprits. Maybe they should try looking in the mirror. President Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, who died in 1995, was baptized posthumously into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints last year during her son's campaign, according to Salt Lake City-based researcher Helen Radkey. The ritual, known as “baptism for the dead,” was done June 4 in the Provo temple, and another LDS temple rite, known as the “endowment,” was

Mormon Christians? Whats in a Name?

The Mormon Church, disturbed by the continuing identifying of polygamus sects in the news with the name Mormon, recently issued a press statement aimed at "clarifying" issues. It is interesting to note that if you substitute the name "Christian" where they use the name "Mormon" it makes a very good argument for us against the claims of the Mormon Church. The full press release is reproduced below in italics with each paragraph rewritten in ordinary text to present it from a Christian perspective. SALT LAKE CITY 10 July 2008 On 26 June, Newsroom published a package of information featuring profiles of ordinary Latter-day Saints in Texas. With no other intention but to define themselves, these members provided a tangible depiction of what their faith is all about. They serve as the best distinction between the lifestyles and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Texas-based polygamous group that has recently attracted media attent

Who and Where are the 144,000?

Last time we saw that only 144,000 have a heavenly hope. Where does that leave the rest of the millions of faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses, the great crowd? “ The key to the identification of the ‘great crowd’ is found within the description of them in Revelation chapter 7 .The vision there presented is concerning persons not in heaven, from where the 'New Jerusalem comes down,' but on earth, among mankind .If the ‘great crowd’ are persons who gain salvation and remain on earth, how could they be said to be 'standing before God's throne and before the Lamb?' (Re 7:9) The position of 'standing' is sometimes used in the Bible to indicate the holding of a favored or approved position in the eyes of the one in whose presence the individual or group stands .It thus appears that the "great crowd" is formed of those persons who have been preserved during that time of wrath and who have been able to "stand" as approved by God and the Lamb.” - I

Bridge of Reason

Search This Blog