UPDATE 08/11/15 – There may be readers who say, “Roma Downey [along with hubby Mark Burnett] has become ‘more Christian’ in the last several years. Look at how she is increasingly accepted and endorsed by the Christian community.” [Every comment in this update applies to both Downey and Burnett.]
The problem is, Downey has NOT changed – she is as New Age/occult as ever, if not more so. She still has never given a clear testimony of being born again. She still is ignoring all questions posed to her, from various discernment ministries, regarding her New Age practices and connections over the years. She still overemphasizes the role of angelic characters in her movie productions. She still shares enthusiastically about the extra-biblical “signs from Heaven” which appeared during movie production. She still touts her New Age-ish “Little Angel” children’s DVDs, sold in Christian bookstores. And on and on. New Age.
Yet, increasing numbers of Christians are falling for Downey and Burnett’s claims to be Christians. They even allow them in their church pulpits. If I were a pastor, I would not allow these two “Christian” New Agers to set foot in my church. These two New Agers are that deceptive and that dangerous.
For a lengthy list of links – including articles and blogs about “The Son of God” movie produced several years ago, see the links at the bottom of this “Oprah, Downey and hubby” blog…
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Click below for the various parts of this series on New Ager Roma Downey (and husband Mark Burnett):
Like Oprah, New Agers Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett now falsely claiming they’re Christians – why?…
Roma Downey’s comments about “Touched by an Angel” show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager…
Roma Downey’s comments about her ties with New Thought/New Ager Della Reese show Downey is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager …
Roma Downey’s comments about her “Little Angels” series show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager …
Roma Downey’s comments about her New Age “Spiritual Psychology” degree show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager …
Roma Downey’s comments and connections with psychic medium John Edward show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager …
Roma Downey’s comments about her theology show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager …
Roma Downey’s comments about her “biographical trivia” show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager
New blogs I’m working on, showing in Downey and Burnett’s own words that they are not Christians as they claim, but New Agers
Note – all above blogs © 2012-2015 Dave Mosher, all rights reserved. Excerpts may be quoted up to 300 words, as long as credit is given to my original blogs and links provided to my original blogs. Thank you.
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Now on to the current blog:
Like Oprah, New Agers Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett now falsely claiming they’re Christians – why?
(revised 03/15/14)
In July 2011, Roma Downey was interviewed in the cover story of the above New Age magazine. In the cover story, she did not claim to be a Christian. Rather, her lingo was New Age. (Click here for the article; warning – this magazine is extremely New Age/occult. )
And, in this extremely New Age article from Spring 2012, Downey and Burnett are pictured alongside New Age artist Roisin Fitzpatrick (they are buyers and endorsers of her artwork):
Fast forward to 02/27/13, when Bill O’Reilly interviews Roma Downey and husband Mark Burnett, regarding their TV miniseries “The Bible” premiering 03/03/13. In the interview, O’Reilly says there are many passages in the Bible he does not take literally. Click here for an article about the interview; this exposé of Bill O’Reilly’s unbelief is excellent. But it strikes me as strange that Downey paints herself as a biblically sound Christian. In the interview, she claims she is a Christian and believes the Bible literally.
And O’Reilly’s is not the only interview in which Downey (and Burnett) paint themselves as Christians. In all their interviews today outside of New Age venues, this couple almost glows in their “Christianese” talk. Example: this PBS interview, which includes a transcript. (I’m hoping to compile a list of all their interviews publicizing “The Bible”.)
Yet, in New Age venues like those described above, “Christian” Downey uses the lingo of a New Ager. What’s going on here? Why the chameleon-like behavior?
At the very least, as New Age business people, Downey and Burnett are trying to tap in to the huge Christian market. (Perhaps Downey and Burnett are also making a veiled attempt to share some New Age teachings via “The Bible”, after gaining the trust of born again Christians.)
Interestingly, evangelical heretics Joel Osteen, Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes just happen to be on the Board of Advisors of “The Bible”. And Osteen, Warren and Jakes are also currently appearing on New Ager Oprah Winfrey’s shows.
Regarding Oprah, she is now conveniently claiming (falsely, like Downey and Burnett) to be a “Christian”. Read the details about Oprah here (thank you, Stand Up for the Truth, for this great exposé).
Joel Osteen a guest of Oprah’s (click to read more)
And these four scoundrels together:
Click here for the source of this group photo. Interestingly, this photo appeared in 2011 – the same year Downey received a cover story in the New Age magazine pictured above. Osteen heads the largest church in America. If he were a godly man, he would hang around with godly people, right? Why are Osteen and his wife palling around with Downey and Burnett? Certainly they know Downey and Burnett are New Agers. (Click here and here for articles connecting Osteen with Downey and Burnett. And click here for an audio explaining that Osteen has a New Age worldview.)
Rick Warren a guest of Oprah’s (click to read more)
T.D. Jakes a guest of Oprah’s (click to read more)
I believe God will hold Downey, Burnett and Winfrey accountable for falsely representing themselves as Christians. And I believe God will also hold Osteen, Warren and Jakes accountable for “aiding and abetting” them.
Before I proceed, I want to get one thing straight. I’m not writing this blog to attack anyone who is truly born again. Rather, I am concerned for the Body of Christ – true, born again Christians – who are being deceived into following/admiring New Age “Christians” and heretical evangelical Christians. God’s Word speaks of those who would deceive us: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15).
Now let’s take a closer look at Downey and Burnett. As alluded to above, it can be shown that their lingo changes with the venue of their interview. At various places on the Internet, they write like New Agers. Yet in Christian settings they maintain they are Christians, then proceed to explain why.
Note – in my early research I got the impression that “Christians” Downey and Burnett were not labeling themselves as “born again”, “saved”, “converted”, etc. during Christian interviews. But as it turns out, they are using these terms for themselves – which makes their “Christianity” that much more insidious if they are falsely representing themselves as born again Christians. And there is no doubt in my mind that they are indeed falsely representing themselves.
I realize Winfrey, Downey and Burnett are not alone. Many New Agers call themselves “Christians”. But a New Ager cannot be a true, born again Christian, and a true, born again Christian cannot be a New Ager. God’s Word tells us that “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
In the rest of this series, I will quote various statements by Downey. I will show, in her own words, that she is not a Christian (i.e. a born again Christian), but a New Ager.
In closing, it should be noted that Downey and Burnett are currently making the rounds, attending interviews in Christian settings (and secular settings). Hopefully a Christian interviewer will be discerning enough to ask Downey specific, hard hitting questions such as:
1) In various interviews you have stated you are a Christian and have known Jesus all your life. (In some interviews you have stated you “have known Mary and Jesus” all your life.} How do you define “Christian”? According to my Bible, all true Christians have been “born again”. When exactly did you become born again? That is, when did you have that “crisis conversion experience”? (That is, the specific event on a certain date truly born again Christians point to, when they repented of their sinful past and accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour.) Also, please explain your understanding of John Chapter 3, in which Jesus describes how to be born again.
2) Do you believe Jesus is the only way to Heaven? Or do you believe many paths lead to God? How do you explain this verse?: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
3) Do you believe most people – regardless of their religion – will make it into Heaven? If so, how do you explain this passage? “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
3) In your worldview, how does God determine who makes it into Heaven, and who does not? Do you believe this passage?: “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18-19).
4) Do you believe in the eternal punishment of the wicked (those who reject Christ) in the Lake of Fire, as the Bible says? If not, how do you explain this passage?: “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
5) You say you have been born again. According to this verse, a person who is born again will forsake their old, sinful ways: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Cor. 5:17). Have you forsaken your sinful, ungodly beliefs? Specifically, have you renounced the false teachings of the following: Roman Catholicism, Celtic “Christianity”, Della Reese (New Thought), John Edward (Rosary-praying psychic medium), John-Rogers (New Age), Eckhart Tolle (New Age), etc.? If you have not forsaken any of these false teachings, how can you claim to be born again?
Bottom line: there’s been enough softball in the Christian interviews conducted thus far. It’s about time Christian interviewers start bombarding Downey and Burnett with hardball questions like the above, asking what they truly believe.
Addendum 03/12/13: Summary of my findings to date
(I realize some of this may be a repetition of the above)
Some viewers of “The Bible” may think Downey has changed – that she was New Age but is now a born again Christian. NOT! For one, Downy and her hubby are both claiming that Downey has been a “person of faith” all her life. Yet, even today there is no mention of a true conversion experience in Downey’s life.
Up until Downey’s 2010 graduation from the University of Santa Monica (with a degree in New Age “Spiritual Psychology”) and shooting of “The Bible”, one could find many references to Downey being New Age. New Age statements and connections can still be found occasionally after 2010 – with a lot of searching. Downey and Burnett seem to be trying to sweep their New Age connections under the rug as they court the Christian market.
Downey’s so-called “Christian faith”/spiritual journey seems to be an occult New Age smorgasbord of Roman Catholicism, Celtic “Christianity”, Della Reese (New Thought), John Edward (Rosary-praying psychic medium), John-Rogers (New Age), Eckhard Tolle (New Age), etc. Not to mention a New Age obsession with “angels” (who in “Touched by an Angel” never mention Jesus) and “miracles” (in the “It’s a Miracle” TV series these usually consist of occult manifestations).
On top of all this, in recent years Downey and her hubby seem to have adopted theological bits and pieces from heretic Joel Osteen (evangelical prosperity gospel, positive thinking), heretic Rick Warren (evangelical seeker sensitive, global P.E.A.C.E. Plan), heretic T.D. Jakes (evangelical prosperity gospel, hints of Jesus-Only/Oneness Pentecostalism), etc.
So where does Downey stand today? I do not believe she is a born again Christian as she is painting herself to be. In various interviews, she’s implying that she’s known Jesus all her life, that she’s born again, and that she’s accepted Jesus as her Saviour. Yet nowhere have I heard Downey testifying of a conversion to true Christianity – repenting of her many years following an ungodly New Age mishmash, being born again, accepting Christ as her Saviour so she won’t receive eternal torment in Hell/the Lake of Fire.
FOR FURTHER READING
NEW – CHRISTIAN ARTICLES CRITIQUING “SON OF GOD” MOVIE DEBUTING 02/28/14
Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Why Pastors Like Rick Warren Are Renting Out Theaters for ‘Son of God’ Premiere
CNBC press release: Church Leaders Launch National “Theater Take-Over” Campaign for Son of God Movie
Michael Gryboski, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett: ‘Son of God’ a ‘Love Story’ for an ‘Under-Served’ Audience
The Last Hiker, The “Son of God” Movie Is NOT What We Think–Do You Know The Voice of Your Master
Lighthouse Trails editors, A Word of Caution: Ecumenical-Backed Movie, “Son of God,” May Send Subtle New Age/Roman Catholic Messages
pjmiller, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s ‘Son of God’ Film
Carol Pipes, Rick Warren and LifeWay to release ‘Son of God’ study
Stand Up for the Truth!, Religious leaders of all stripes endorse Son of God movie
Marsha West, Addressing concerns over “Son of God” film
Dr. Randy White, Questions to Ask While Watching “The Son of God”
“SON OF GOD” MOVIE REVIEWS (MOSTLY NEGATIVE)
The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Son of God’: What the Critics Are Saying
Ann Hornaday, ‘Son of God’ movie review: Undoubtedly sincere, but also simplistic (Washington Post)
Kenneth R. Morefield, “Son of God” (in Christianity Today)
Sheila O’Malley, “Son of God” (on rogerebert.com)
Rotten Tomatoes website, “Son of God” – has links at bottom to movie clips, plus links to many reviews
Stephen Whitty, ‘Son of God’ review: A TV miniseries gets a big-screen re-edit (Newark, NJ Star-Ledger)
“THE BIBLE” TV MINISERIES
Various discernment articles on “The Bible” revealed a number of doctrinal errors/heresies. (Click here for the Wikipedia article on “The Bible” TV miniseries. This production reminds me of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, which has also received a number of critical reviews from discernment ministries.)
Secular articles, Mormon articles, etc.
The Salt Lake Tribune, Roma Downey felt ‘inspired’ to bring ‘The Bible’ to TV
“Softball” Christian interviews with Roma Downey about “The Bible” and her “Christian faith”
Focus on the Family interview (text summary)
Focus on the Family interview (53 minute audio)
Lifeway interview
“Christian” articles painting Downey and Burnett as “born again”
The Christian Diarist, Hollywood Christian Couple Brings “The Bible” to TV – A big red flag here: this writer favorably describes Downey and Burnett’s visit to heretic Rick Warren’s Church.
Christian discernment articles critiquing “The Bible”, Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Note – The articles below critique “The Bible”; some also detail Downey and Burnett’s New Age beliefs:
Beginning and End, The Bible Miniseries: Hollywood Heresy (03/17/13) – an excellent article, covers many heresies in “The Bible” as well as the New Age beliefs of Roma Downey
– 81 minute audio (blog radiocast) of the above article (wording varies somewhat)
Erin Benziger of Do Not Be Surprised, The Word Made… for Television?
Erin Benziger, Roman Catholic Roma Downey, Producer of ‘The Bible’ Miniseries, Says Francis I Will Be a ‘Pope of Hope’
The Berean Call, The Bible Mini-Series
christopher152, Beware of Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s other “Jesus”
Coercion Code, The Bible Miniseries – Another Jesus (this article reposts the blog by Beginning and End, and adds more photos and more links)
Emergent Pillage, A serious reason for concern about “The Bible” miniseries – discusses Roma Downey’s New Age Spiritual Psychology degree from the New Age University of Santa Monica
The End Time, Why I am not watching History Channel’s “The Bible”
C.H. Fisher, Truthkeepers.com, Is Roma Downey a New Age Adherent?
Grace Satisfies, Why I Hesitate to Support “THE BIBLE” Mini-Series – This article slams Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes for their influence in the writing of “The Bible”. (I believe further research would show many of the advisors and consultants are as equally heretical as Osteen and Jakes.)
The Last Hiker, “WAKE UP!” — me screaming, then apologizing for some strange reason – a great exposé of Downey’s New Age beliefs
Mike LeMay, Did “The Bible” Series Help or Hurt Biblical Christianity? (04/01/13) – see also additional links following this blog
T.A. McMahon and Ed Newby, The Berean Call, Is The History Channel’s Mini-series ‘The Bible’ Really the Bible? (Part 1, 03/22/13)(audio and transcript)
Michael Norris, History Channel’s Bible Mini-Series Warning: New Age Spiritualist Roma Downey produces “The Bible” mini series for History Channel
Ratherexposethem, a web page with several sections of articles and links re: Roma Downey (scroll down)
Mike Ratliff, The History Channel’s Bible Miniseries Mishandling of God’s Word
Brent Riggs, Some Things You Should Know About the Bible Miniseries on History Channel
Chris Rosebrough, Theological Errors of the History Channel’s Miniseries “The Bible” – Pt. 1 (03/04/13)(a 57 min. audio file)
Chris Rosebrough, Rick Warren Lays Out the (False) Theology of the History Channel Miniseries “The Bible” (03/05/13)(an audio file)
Chris Rosebrough, Comparison of Pastors Sermon Prep (03/08/13)(an audio file, includes a segment critiquing The Ten Plagues in “The Bible” miniseries)
Chris Rosebrough, Theological Errors of the History Channel’s Miniseries “The Bible” – Pt. 2 (03/11/13)(an audio file)
Chris Rosebrough, History Channel’s Purpose-Driven Rewrite of the Story of Sampson (03/12/13)(an audio file)
Chris Rosebrough, The False “Jesus” of the Miniseries, “The Bible”
(03/18/13)(an audio file)
Sunny Shell (Abandoned to Christ), History Channel’s ‘The Bible’ exalts man over God
William Smith (Beacon2Light), The Bible: History Channel Series — Watch It with Your Eyes and Bibles Wide Open (03/02/13)
William Smith (Beacon2Light), Beginnings: My Thoughts after Viewing Episode One of The Bible Miniseries (03/05/13)
Stand Up for the Truth!, Jim Wallis produces commentaries for “The Bible” (03/19/13) – Wallis, a leftist activist, leads Sojourners. This blog by Stand Up for the Truth! is followed by links to five additional articles exposing the heresies of “The Bible”.
Stand Up for the Truth!, Something HUGE is missing from the Last Supper! – this includes a repost of Sunny Shell’s blog, plus a number of comments made to Stand Up for the Truth!
Stand Up for the Truth!, Saying “No” to promoting blasphemous “The Bible” docudrama – interview with Sunny Shell of Abandoned to Christ
Bob Waldrep, The Bible Comes to Prime Time
Jared Wellman, The Bible” Review: Part 1
WND, Just how unbiblical is ‘The Bible’?
Some reader comments on “The Bible”, Downey as a New Ager, etc.
AND FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
Oprah Winfrey
David J. Stewart, Oprah Winfrey’s Teachings EXPOSED! – This excellent exposé was written around 2001. She has become much more New Age/occult since then. Do no be deceived – again, she is not a Christian as she is claiming today, but is a New Ager.
Lighthouse Trails, Erwin Lutzer’s Warning Falls Short – This blog explains how many Christians oppose New Ager Oprah Winfrey, yet are letting New Age contemplative teachings invade their churches: “While it is commendable when Christians identify and issue warnings against New Age teachers like Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle (which Lutzer did), it is troubling when those same Christian leaders who warn against the New Age do not mention at all those who are teaching and promoting contemplative [Richard Foster’s Spiritual Formation] in the church. In fact, by listening to this two-part series by Lutzer, one would get the impression that the New Age is a problem the world has, not the church. Nothing could be further from the truth…”
Google list of many articles critiquing New Ager Oprah Winfrey for claiming she’s a Christian
T.D. Jakes
Google list of many articles connecting T.D. Jakes with New Age teachings
Joel Osteen
Christine Pack of the Sola Sisters, Joel Osteen a Consultant on Upcoming Bible Miniseries
Google list of many articles connecting Joel Osteen with New Age teachings
YouTube list of many videos connecting Joel Osteen with New Age teachings
Rick Warren
Rick Warren creates “The Bible”-Driven sermons, small groups – includes links to a number of additional articles about “The Bible”; thank you, “Stand Up for the Truth!”
Google list of many articles connecting Rick Warren with New Age teachings
YouTube list of many videos connecting Rick Warren with New Age teachings
Osteen and Warren
Marsha West, Rick Warren and Joel Osteen acquiesce to Oprah
I am currently in the process of adding more info to this blog – keep checking back. And thank you for your patience. New info on Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett is coming out almost daily – it’s hard to keep up with!
© 2012-2015 Dave Mosher, all rights reserved. Excerpts may be quoted up to 300 words, as long as credit is given to my original blogs and links provided to my original blogs. Thank you.
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