The Downey/Burnett debacle, now the “Noah” movie – why can’t Hollywood get it right?

(revised 04/02/14)

image source: http://godawa.com/movieblog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Noah-Movie-Posters-1.jpg

Well here we go – once again, secular Hollywood is making a mockery out of biblical accuracy and biblical Truth. Most recently we had Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett give us their various “Bible” productions” – 1) refusing to admit that they themselves are not Christians but New Agers, and 2) not addressing the numerous heretical points in their productions.

Now we see similar problems in the “Noah” movie, coming out 03/28/14. The producer 1) describes himself and the other film makers as basically attempting accuracy and Christian ideals, and 2) fails to address the “Noah” movie’s specific heretical and even occult points.

The trailer looked good to me – but looks can be deceiving. Following is the inside scoop – from discernment articles by Amy Spreeman at Stand Up for the Truth, and Ken Ham at Answers in Genesis.

Reading the above two articles, “Noah” looks like another Downey-esque fiasco to me…

I’d like to zero in on specific inaccuracies in the  rough cut of the “Noah” movie, as originally listed by Ken Ham. I am emphasizing certain points by bolding, and inserting comments in [brackets]. Note that Ken Ham’s blog was posted back on 11/19/13 – unfortunately, most of us have been slow in getting out the warnings about “Noah”.

Don’t Be Taken in by the Noah Movie’s Promotion
Ken Ham, 11/19/13

… the main characters of the movie are Noah, his wife, and three sons—and one little girl they rescued after all in her family were murdered by an evil tribe. She was badly injured when they found her, but Noah’s wife placed healing nectar on her stomach and she later grew up to become the eldest son’s wife. For the longest time she was barren in the womb until Noah’s wife convinced Methuselah to bless her womb—against Noah’s wishes.

Noah at first is portrayed as a humble yet strong good man—a father and husband who protected his family from the evil that had come upon the world. But as he helped build the Ark, he was portrayed more like a basket-case who was convinced that his family was the last generation. He repeated over and over again that God would not let them repopulate since God would replant Eden without man and perfection would be reestablished with the “innocent animals” God brought on the Ark. Even when Noah’s eldest son brought news to the family on the Ark that his wife was expecting, the movie’s Noah said essentially, “If it is a male, he shall live. If a girl, I will kill her because it is not God’s will for man to repopulate.”

Here are a few more problem areas seen in the rough cut of the film, most of which I expect to be in the final film:

1) In the film, Noah was robbed of his birthright by Tubal-Cain. The serpent’s body (i.e., Satan), which was shed in Eden, was their “birthright reminder.” It also doubled with magical power that they would wrap around their arm. So weird!

2) Noah’s family only consists of his wife, three sons, and one daughter-in-law, contrary to the Bible.

3) It appears as if every species was crammed in the Ark instead of just the kinds of animals, thus mocking the Ark account the same way secularists do today.

4) “Rocks” (that seem to be fallen angels) build the Ark with Noah!

5) Methuselah (Noah’s grandfather) is a type of witch-doctor, whose mental health is questionable.

6) Tubal-Cain defeats the Rocks who were protecting the finished Ark.

7) A wounded Tubal-Cain axes his way inside the Ark in only about ten minutes and then hides inside. Tubal-Cain then convinces the middle son to lure Noah to the bottom of the Ark in order to murder him (because he was not allowed a wife in the Ark). Tubal-Cain stays alive by eating hibernating lizards. The middle son of Noah has a change of heart and helps kill Tubal-Cain instead.

8) Noah becomes almost crazy as he believes the only purpose to his family’s existence was to help build the Ark for the “innocent” animals (this is a worship of creation).

9) Noah repeatedly tells his family that they were the last generation and were never to procreate. So when his daughter-in-law becomes pregnant, he vows to murder his own grandchild. But he finally has a change of heart.

10) Noah does not have a relationship with God but rather with circumstances and has deadly visions of the Flood.

11) The Ark lands on a cliff next to a beach.

12) After the Flood Noah becomes so distant from his family that he lives in a cave, getting drunk by the beach.

There were many other bizarre, unbiblical aspects in the preview cut. Though it’s possible that some of these elements may not make the final cut (though we suspect most will), compare the above list to the trailer that has just been released! The comparison should be very revealing for you. You wouldn’t get much of a hint of most of the biblical problems in the list above based on watching on this cleverly-put-together trailer. A real con job, to be frank!

By the way, I also read that the name of God is not mentioned in “Noah”. Reminds me of the name of Jesus not being mentioned in the Roma Downey series “Touched by an Angel”. And Christians still think these are Christian productions?

Focus on the Family’s review of  “Noah” details what they see as both bad and good in the movie. Frankly, I have nothing good to say about “Noah”. But I do agree with FOTF’s conclusion regarding the movie:

Long before its release, Noah was deluged in controversy. Some Christians praise the film for its themes of redemption and love winning out over malevolence, others revile it for taking so many liberties with the biblical account.

Director Darren Aronofsky offers a spectacular and often moving story, but it’s obviously not the story of Noah. There’s more Tolkien than Torah here, really, and more of Aronofsky himself than both of those. Perhaps this director made the Creator in his own image—full of mercy, magic and environmental sobriety. If you uncouple the movie from the Bible and take Noah as imaginative, fantastic fiction, it can begin to work. But hooked as it is to such a sacred narrative, well, let’s just say it’ll be hard for some Christians to swallow whole this fractious fable.

Harry Potter fans expect Harry Potter movies to stay mostly true to the book. History buffs are known to require historical dramas to follow actual history. I think it’s reasonable, then, for Christians to ask that the stories most precious to them be treated with faithfulness—and that movies based on them would, y’know, stay at least in the ballpark. But Mr. Aronofsky has chosen a different tack, and so the ancient truth about Noah becomes more of a pretext for Middle-earth rock monsters and a tormented, half-mad Noah ready to kill his own kin.

Here’s a secular editorial that criticizes Christians (such as the National Religious Broadcasters) for wanting to criticize and boycott “Noah”.  Hmm, I wonder why the NRB didn’t also call for a boycott of the Downey-Burnett Bible productions? After all, they too strayed far afield from biblical accuracy.

Speaking of biblical accuracy, there are many “Christians”, etc. who do not take the first eleven chapters of Genesis as being historically literal. With these eleven chapters being “myths” to them, no wonder they have no problem with the serious errors in “Noah”. Consider the following quotes, found here:

Rabbi John Spitzer, associate professor of Jewish studies at Walsh University, said the movie is the interpretation of its director, writers and actors.

 “Once the words go off the page and go on the screen you’re already getting an interpretation, and I think interpretations are fine as long as you know they’re not final,” he said.

“If you don’t believe the movie is telling you the quote, ‘truth’, small t, you have an opportunity to use the movie as a way of discovering the capital T, ‘truth,’ ” Spitzer said. “I’m not afraid of the movie — I believe the Noah story is an important myth in the Bible and as such each of us … we have to be able to take it into our hearts and souls and find the meaning that is relevant.”

“We often think that a myth is something that’s just not true, and that’s not true,” he added. “It describes a truth that can be told best through a story.”

Nicole Johnson, associate professor of philosophy and religious studies at the University of Mount Union, said “the story of Noah can be reinterpreted and retold in interesting ways — in my perspective (it) doesn’t necessarily do a disservice to the understanding of that event.”

Johnson said that “we tend to put a scientific standard on (the Bible) — I’m not sure that’s the right way to interpret something that was supposed to last (for all ages).”

FOR FURTHER READING

Opposing the movie “Noah”

Beginning and End, Russell Crowe’s ‘Noah’ Film – A Warning For Christians (updated 11/13/13)

Brian Godawa, Darren Aronofsky’s Noah: Environmentalist Wacko
(revised version, originally posted 10/29/12)

Brian Godawa,   The Noah Movie: How To Watch It with Wisdom and Discernment (Godawa blog, 03/27/14)

Brian Godawa, The Noah Movie: Deconstructing Noah’s Ark; Godawful Storytelling (Christian Post, 03/28/14)

Brian Mariani, Reviewing “Noah”: Bible-based Entertainment or Deceptive Heresy? (March 26, 2014)

Pastor Joe Schimmel of Good Fight Ministries, The Noah Movie Deception (a YouTube video)

Amy Spreeman, Kaballah, Mysticism and Noah (a Stand Up for the Truth podcast by Dr. Brian Mattson)

Why Hollywood’s Noah falls short (Stand Up for the Truth interview with Jan Markell)(03/27/14)

For the movie “Noah”

‘Noah’ Star Russell Crowe Breaks His Silence About Meeting the Pope (Variety, 03/27/14)

Russell Crowe calls ‘Noah’ criticism ‘irrational’ (USA Today, 03/27/14)

Eliana Dockterman, Russell Crowe Says Flood of Noah Complaints Not Drowning Him (TIME, March 27, 2014)

Alissa Wilkinson, Noah (Christianity Today, March 27, 2014)

For the graphic novel “Noah”, which accompanies the movie

Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel on Their New NOAH Graphic Novel

Articles listing religious organizations for and against “Noah”

Kim Masters, Rough Seas on ‘Noah’: Darren Aronofsky Opens Up on the Biblical Battle to Woo Christians (and Everyone Else) (The Hollywood Reporter, 2/12/2014) – gives background on religious test viewers, and names Christian groups supporting the Noah movie

A Godly, biblically sound movie on Noah, by Ray Comfort

Movie Review and Interview with Ray Comfort on ‘Noah’, the Biblically Accurate Version

 

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A response to a reader who believes New Agers Roma Downey and hubby are Christians

In spite of much documentation to the contrary, many Christians still believe New Agers Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett are born again Christians. Below is one such comment from a reader, with my response attempting yet again to prove Downey and Burnett are not born again Christians but deceptive New Agers.

JAMIE WROTE:

If Roma Downey is not a Christian, but a “New Ager”, why is she encouraging Christians to read their Bibles? Why is she constantly talking about a relationship with God? I don’t think that Roma and her husband are trying to deceive people. On the contrary, I think they have been deceived somewhat. They have made it clear that they embrace Jesus and the Gospel message. Roma is good friends with Kathie-Lee Gifford, who is a strong evangelical Christian [frankly Gifford is not a very consistent Christian witness nowadays IMHO – DM]. However, she is also good friends and kind of a surrogate daughter to Della Reese, who runs a New Age church. In short, I think Roma and her husband lack discernment in these matters, and have adopted New Age philosophies coupled with true Christian teachings. I pray that God would give them discernment to realize these teachings are dangerous and go against the Word of God.

MY REPLY

Thanks for giving your opinion, Jamie.  I know Roma Downey has said things akin to “I want people to read their Bible.” The statement I heard was “the movie ‘Son of God’ will help people fall in love with Jesus all over again.” But I am perplexed as to why Downey and hubby Mark Burnett would say these things; I still believe they must have some hidden New Age agenda. Read on…

What is the CORE worldview of Downey and Burnett? Is their core belief a born again, biblically sound stance, with peripheral beliefs of Catholicism, Celtic traditions, New Age practices, etc.? Or are born again, biblically sound teachings (if they even hold to any) somewhere in the periphery of their potpourri of beliefs? I would have to say it’s the latter.

I have never heard Downey and Burnett renounce their Catholic, Celtic and New Age practices. And, I have never heard Downey or Burnett say anything like: “I was in bondage to Catholic and Celtic false teachings and New Age practices. Then I repented of my sins, of these false teachings, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, accepted Him as my Saviour, and now I’m pleading with others to leave these false teachings.”

What does it mean to be a born again Christian? Several “signs” come to mind:

1) Having experienced a “crisis conversion experience”: hearing a gospel presentation, being convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit, repenting of sin, believing in Christ, accepting Him as Saviour, then following Him sincerely and wholeheartedly, abandoning all nonchristian “faith traditions”. (See John Chapter 3, particularly verse 16.)

2) Believing in born again, biblically sound doctrinal statements and creeds (not just mouthing them as so many mainline/liberal denominations do, but truly believing them). Here are a few examples of Christian creeds and confessions: http://carm.org/creeds-and-confessions

3) Believing in the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_solas

4) Believing in The Fundamentals of 1910-1915, which were written in opposition to the Modernists in the the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fundamentals

A truly born again, biblically sound Christian would believe in all four of the above positions. And in my mind, Downey and Burnett fail on all four of these.

Note – Click here for a recent blog of mine, in which I described a March 2014 article re: Downey. Here Downey uses a great deal of New Age terminology. As of this writing, she still has not renounced these practices.

On another note, so many evangelicals today are incorporating Roman Catholic, ecumenical, interfaith, contemplative, postmodern (Emerging/ Emergent), and yes – even New Age – teachings. Once evangelicals strayed off the straight and narrow path of born again, bibically sound doctrine, I believe they began falling into apostasy. And yes, I believe born again Christians can “lose” their salvation – making shipwreck of their faith as the Apostle Paul put it.

Hope that helps clarify my position on Roma Downey and hubby Mark Burnett.  God bless you – Dave

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March 2014 quotes from Roma Downey show she still is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

(revised 01/30/15)

Well we endured the very popular “The Bible” TV miniseries, and now “The Son of God” movie. I wonder how many evangelicals have been deceived into believing Roma Downey has become a born again Christian. Truth is, Downey is still a New Ager, in spite of many public statements by her and hubby Mark Burnett that they are Christians.

It angers me when New Agers are so deceptive, deluding born again Christians into thinking they are Christians (Oprah Winfrey and other New Agers are also trying to deceive us in this way). Following is a March 2014 First for Women article I came across with New Age quotes from Roma Downey. (I realize there may be copyright issues concerning the posting of this article – for now at least, I am leaving the article online primarily for other discernment ministries to access and quote.) Here’s the article:

In the above March 2014 issue of First for Women magazine, Downey said, “I think we all have a responsibility to see God in each other. That’s how I’ve raised my children – that no matter whose face they look into, they’re looking into the face of God, who’s in all of us.”
(First for Women magazine, 03/31/14, p. 45)

Other New Age buzzwords in the above article,  quoting Downey:

“light, peace and happiness”
“doing work that spreads the message of God’s love”
“rituals she relies on to stay centered”
[candlelight] “promotes mindfulness”
[I light a candle and it] “calls in the light”

Also, in the article Downey says she is reading the book The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. Hoffman sounds New Age to me. Even if Hoffman isn’t New Age, Downey apparently likes her occultic themes. Check out this info from Wikipedia:

“Many of her works fall into the genre of magic realism and contain elements of magic, irony, and non-standard romances and relationships.”
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Hoffman

FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Apparently Downey is a darling of the following yoga website, which lists many of her online video interviews about “The Son of God” movie.
http://yogasanas.net/index.php/component/relatedvideos/?vid=Jq90uQnP5ko

A 2013 Lighthouse Trails discernment article on Downey, with links for further research:  http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=12323

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My doctrinal “zero tolerance policy”

I wrote a blog awhile back about Tres Dias. In response, a reader recently commented:

“Dave, I chose to respond on your blog for several reasons. Most sites that are critical of Tres Dias and other Fourth Day movements tend to be vindictive, haughty, self-righteous and often base their arguments on supposition, hearsay and unfounded suspicion. You have voiced legitimate, well-considered concerns in a civil, Biblically sound manner…I appreciate that.”

Don’t get me wrong – I have very, very strong positions on many doctrinal issues. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be civil with our “doctrinal opponents”.

Example: my grandfather was a missionary to China and Taiwan. He preached often, witnessed often, and brought many people to a crisis conversion experience of salvation (repenting of sin/conversion/accepting Christ/becoming born again). I remember him telling how he had a deep discussion with some Buddhist monks. He knew the Buddhist teachings better than they did! Because of this, they listened to the gospel message he was able to share. Perhaps some of them accepted Christ and are in Heaven today because of my grandfather – only the Lord knows.

My point is, I am comfortable as a born again Christian discussing the teachings of my opponents with my opponents. If (key word if) my opponents, those who hold to opposing teachings, are sincerely willing to listen to my views.

On the other hand, I have LITTLE TO NO TOLERANCE for the following (in no particular order):

1) Once biblically sound born again Christians who have “apostacized” and are now – in spite of many warnings – brazenly leading other born again Christians astray, like a bull in a china shop

2) New Evangelicals/liberals/mainliners/postmoderns who are invading/hijacking (often covertly) evangelical denominations and leading born again Christians astray

3) Heretical individuals who deceptively, falsely label themselves as “born again Christians”, or order to gain the trust of born again Christians and spread their false teachings

4) New Agers (Oprah Winfrey, Roma Downey, etc.) who deceptively, falsely label themselves as “Christians” – apparently in order to reach the Christian market

There are others I have little to no tolerance for, but the above are the main groups. Hope that helps clarify where I’m coming from with my blogs.

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Who is Congressman Tim Ryan, and why is he pushing New Age/Buddhist “mindfulness” in public schools?

(revised 11/11/13)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizaio/5485585137/
CAPTION:  Soren [Gordhamer], Congressman Tim Ryan, and Jon Kabat-Zinn discuss Mindfulness, Politics and Society: Extending into the World
[at the Wisdom 2.0 Conference 2011]

Among the fifty states, Ohio could hardly be considered the most liberal, or the most anti-Christian, or the most New Age state. Yet, for whatever reason, a young Congressional Representative from Ohio – Tim Ryan – has become a darling of New Agers. Why? Because he has become a strong advocate of New Age/Buddhist “mindfulness” (also called “mindfulness meditation”). I am especially concerned that he is pushing this practice for public schools – including preschools and grade schools.

A number of New Agers are endorsing Ryan’s new book A Mindful Nation. Ryan is also pushing legislation that will increase the practice of mindfulness in public schools.  Other  New Agers championing mindfulness in public schools are Jon Kabat-Zinn and Goldie Hawn.

http://www.today.com/moms/goldie-hawn-helps-kids-get-zen-smart-837758
CAPTION: Rep. Tim Ryan, D-OH, practices meditation with kids at Robert Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore.

So when and how did Ryan get involved in mindfulness (also called “mindfulness meditation”)? Check out excerpts from this interview (I have emphasized certain points by bolding in orange, and inserted comments [in brackets in bolded orange].

Q: Why did you write this book?

A: The book came out of my going around the county to meet scientists studying mindfulness; teachers using it in schools; health care practitioners implementing it in our health care system; our military using it to treat veterans and build mental resilience. And I thought the world needed to see what they are doing. They are pioneers in what will be the next great movement in the United States: the movement of mindfulness.

Q: When did your interest in mindfulness start?

A: It started a long time ago. My grandparents and my mom prayed the rosary a lot, and later in life I had a priest friend of mine teach me centering prayer, based on Father Thomas Keating’s work. That led to practicing different kinds of meditation off and on as I got older.

Q: And when did you begin to consistently practice meditation?

A: I had been running extremely hard with my job and traveling across Ohio and the country to help Democrats take back the House in 2006, and then there was the presidential election. I was 35 and I thought, “I’m going to be burned out by the time I’m 40. I really need to jump-start my meditation practice.” Two days after the presidential election, I spent five days at a retreat [led by mindfulness “guru” Jon Kabat-Zinn] in increasing levels of silence. It reminded me of how I felt when I played sports: being in “the zone” with mind and body grounded in the present moment.

Q: And you continue to meditate every day?

A: Yes, 40 to 45 minutes every morning before I leave the house and go out into the world…

After some discussion of “Washington politics”, the interview continues as follows:

Q: Because of mindfulness’ Buddhist roots, a lot of people think it’s a religious practice. How does your meditation relate to your Catholic faith?

A: If you love your neighbor and are compassionate, are you automatically a Christian? Practicing present-moment awareness does not entail joining any religion or accepting any belief system. [Yes it does – the core of mindfulness is a New Age/Buddhist worldview.] As a Catholic, I find mindfulness helps me participate in my religion more wholeheartedly. If you are praying the rosary, participating in the rituals at Mass or listening to the priest preach, you will actually be paying attention! Whatever your religion is, it can enhance the experience of participating in that religion. What’s more beautiful than that?

Q: There do seem to be some Buddhist concepts in your book, such as the interconnectedness of all beings. Has meditation made you more interested in Buddhist philosophy?

A: I love studying different religions. For me, learning and drawing from the different religious traditions is essential to being a good public servant. And the connections between our various religious traditions become our public ethic; they tie us together.

And in a 2012 article originally posted here, a Buddhist website asks Youngstown, Ohio Congressional Representative (D) Tim Ryan:

How have you helped introduce mindfulness in the education system?

Ryan replies:

About three years ago [2009] I got a million dollars to put social and emotional learning and mindfulness in two school districts in Ohio, and the teachers have responded in a wonderful way. In the Warren City School District they just added another fifty teachers—the teachers who were in the program spoke so highly about it that other teachers wanted to do it too. The programs we’re running also have a parental component. Parents are learning how teachers are talking to the kids about being aware of their emotions. This makes a connection with the families. Mindfulness is not a silver bullet. But there’s nothing else right now cutting against the huge influx of information and technology coming at our kids. We want to give kids the ability to choose what they put their attention on. I’ve seen it in my own district— parents and teachers love it.

FOR FURTHER READING

List of Google hits on [“Tim Ryan” “centering prayer” “mindfulness”]

Christian discernment articles critiquing Ryan

Stand Up for the Truth!, U.S. Congressman Advocates Mindful Meditation as Solution to Global Conflict – followed by links to a number of additional Christian discernment articles

Lighthouse Trails Research, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan’s Meditation Crusade – Hopes to Influence Other Congress Members (and All Americans)

Religious (but not necessarily Christian) articles mentioning Ryan’s motives and Catholic background

Lisa Joan Reardon, Mindfulness and Centering Prayer (08/06/12)

Ohio congressman Tim Ryan on a mission to bring meditation to the masses

Buddhist articles favoring Ryan

Politically Aware: A Q&A with Congressman TIM RYAN

Congressman Tim Ryan to talk “A Mindful Nation” at InsightLA fundraiser, June 4 [2012]

Secular articles favoring Ryan

CASEL, Congressman Tim Ryan, U.S. Representative, 17th District, Ohio
Mary Utne O’Brien Award for  Excellence in Expanding the Evidence-Based Practice of Social and Emotional Learning in the Area of Policy

Tim Ryan, Ohio Congressman, Shares His Mindfulness Vision For The Country – Arianna Huffington, editor of the Huffington Post, graduated from the New Age University of Santa Monica mentioned in this article

Washington was making Rep. Tim Ryan sick … until he found mindfulness

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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

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 …

NEW: 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: 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 © 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.
———————————————————————————————–

Now on to the current blog:

(revised 03/21/13)

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

I’m finding more documentation that Downey (and hubby Mark Burnett) are not born again Christians as they claim, but today are still New Agers. I’m hoping to incorporate this newly found documentation into new blogs. I will list these proposed blogs below, but first, some comments:

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 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”), one could find many references to Downey being New Age. Actually,  her so-called “Christian faith”/spiritual journey seems to be an occult New Age smorgasboard 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 our Lord Jesus Christ) and “miracles” (in the “It’s a Miracle” TV series these mostly 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 Joel Osteen (evangelical prosperity gospel, positive thinking), Rick Warren (evangelical seeker sensitive, global P.E.A.C.E. Plan), 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 has claimed recently. (In  various interviews, she’s maintained 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 mentioning a conversion to true Christianity – repenting of 53 years of an ungodly New Age mishmash, being born again, accepting Christ as her Saviour so she won’t spend eternity in Hell/the Lake of Fire.

Now on to the new blogs I’m working on for this series:

New Blog #1) Why are New Agers endorsing “The Bible” miniseries? – Many New Agers love “The Bible”. Examples: 1) psychic medium John Edward (a good friend of Downey’s) tweeted his endorsement of the miniseries, 2) this New Age blogger recommends the miniseries, 3) various articles refer to Oprah Winfrey (who is New Age) tweeting her enthusiastic endorsement of  “The Bible”.

I was puzzled at first – why did Roma Downey feel so compelled to produce “The Bible” miniseries, having received a New Age Spiritual Psychology degree? Why is someone so into New Age teachings so obsessed with sharing the Bible? It just doesn’t make sense. Unless perhaps she wants to share New Age themes she sees in the Bible. (After all, there are many unbiblical points in the miniseries.) Two obviously New Age themes are an overemphasis on angels (reminiscent of “Touched by an Angel”), and an overemphasis on miracles (reminiscent of Downey’s hosting some  “It’s a Miracle” episodes – and perhaps with hints of “A Course in Miracles”).

I believe the key can be found in how New Agers interpret the Bible.  Check out this Christian discernment article  – an introduction to New Age interpretations of the Bible. Perhaps a study of John-Roger (born Roger Delano Hinkins) and his New Age interpretations of the Bible will show more subtle New Age themes in “The Bible” miniseries. (Downey graduated from John-Roger’s New Age school). For more information on John-Rogers and his movement, see this Christian article . Also, see my blog on Downey’s New Age Spiritual Psychology degree here.

Even if “The Bible” was not produced with an exclusively New Age agenda, it was definitely produced with an ecumenical, interfaith bias. It is a watered down Bible, reducing Christ in many places to merely a great man – not the God-Man, the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, our Saviour. “The Bible” pleases everyone (except born again Christians) and offends no one (except born again Christians).

New Blog #2) In “The Bible” miniseries itself – the portrayal of angels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1YhLpDv7PE Clips like this remind me of Downey’s New Ageish “Touched by an Angel” TV series. (It has always shocked me that the angels in “Touched by an Angel” never mention Jesus.)

Again, in “The Bible” miniseries itself: Downey and Burnett’s claims of three miracles while filming – see http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/11/3-real-life-miracles-that-took-place-on-the-set-of-the-bible/ The original article (with different photos) can be found here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2291441/The-Bible-Blockbusters-producer-claims-miracles-took-place-set.html I believe these are just as likely three counterfeit miracles from the Enemy of our souls, making these ungodly people think the miracles are from God. How can there be miracles from God on set, when the producers are New Age and the actors are nonchristians? In Jesus’ ministry, one of the purposes of miracles was to verify His authenticity; Downey and Burnett’s “ministry” is not authentically Christian.

Remember when Downey hosted various episodes of “It’s a Miracle” (see proposed blog below)? Downey seems to call every supernatural phenomena a “miracle” – whether it is from God or from Satan and his minions.

New Blog #3) Their 100-day devotional book based on “The Bible”. Many days have New Ageish lingo if read very closely. Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Story-God-All-Reflections-Inspirations/dp/1455525677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363010459&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bible+reflections+downey

New Blog #4) “Christian” Roma Downey hosting demonic “Touched by an Angel” marathon on GMC … on Easter Sunday 2013. (When the listing becomes available, I plan to list the episodes of TBAA being shown.) If she were truly born again, Downey would certainly have wisdom, common sense,  and biblical discernment. She would realize how irreverent/blasphemous it is to host TBAA on – of all days – a Christian “holy day”. (I oppose Catholicism – I’m trying to come up with a term more appropriate than “holy day”.) Want proof that TBAA has a demonic theme in its 212 episodes? As mentioned above, throughout  the series, the “angels” never mention the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a trait of demonic angels, not heavenly angels. Yet even today Downey continues to praise the TBAA episodes, maintaining she and the other “angels” did a wonderful thing by bringing viewers God’s word (small w, I say).

In a commercial on GMC March 13 and other days in March 2013, Downey says, “Hello, this is Roma Downey encouraging you to gather your family for a very special “Touched by an Angel” marathon [clip inserted of “angel”/New Thought minister Della Reese saying “and that oughtta be good”] – a full day featuring some of my fondest show memories and a collection of episodes that will remind us all what Easter is really about” [clip inserted of “angel” Della Reese saying “miracles happen around you every day”, then guest star Valerie Bertinelli responds “Amen”]. Join me for Miracle Sunday.” GMC then makes an announcement: “All day this Easter, leading up to the GMC World Premiere Movie, “The Carpenter’s Miracle” [another occult/New Age show] at 7.” Downey then closes the commercial, quoting GMC’s motto, “Uplifting Entertainment”.

First of all, does “born again” Christian Roma Downey really believe TBAA – which never mentions our Lord Jesus Christ – reminds of us of what Resurrection Day is really about? (Unless of course Downey is not a born again Christian, but actually a New Ager.) And second, GMC started out as “Gospel Music Channel” – why are they now showing the “non-heavenly angel”/”occultish miracle” genre of TV shows?

New Blog #5) Roma Downey’s comments on hosting various episodes of  “It’s a Miracle” from 2003-2004.  Click here for details on this TV series. And click here for a list of the episodes; I’m trying to determine which of the 267 episodes Downey hosted. Born again Christians viewing this TV series believe most of the “miracles” were not from God but were demonic, occult manifestations (ESP, psychic mediums, past life experiences, astral travel, etc.).

New Blog #6) Roma Downey’s comments about her music (which is New Age). Click here for her discography.

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!

© 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.

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Roma Downey’s comments and connections with psychic medium John Edward show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

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 …

NEW: 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: 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 of the above articles are copyright 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.
———————————————————————————————-

Now on to the current blog:

(revised 02/19/14)

Roma Downey’s comments and connections with psychic medium John Edward show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

Shortly after “The Bible” TV miniseries came out, Whoopi Goldberg on The View mentioned that psychic John Edward had endorsed the movie. Whoopi seemed baffled as to why Edward would endorse the movie. To find the answer, I Googled on the the search string [“Roma Downey” “John Edward”].

I guess it should come as no surprise – I stumbled across several articles connecting self-proclaimed “Christian” Roma Downey with psychic medium John Edward. The Bible condemns occult practices such as those of John Edward. Seems to me this is powerful proof Downey is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager.

So far I have found two articles detailing Downey’s connections with Edward. I have reposted them verbatim below, to document these connections. I have emphasized certain points by bolding, and inserted comments in [brackets].

Exhibit #1
Roma’s TV chat to dead mother [in 2002](click here for the original source of this article)

Byline: DREW MacKENZIE in New York

ACTRESS Roma Downey has talked to her mother through a psychic on live TV.

The Derry-born Touched By An Angel star was a guest on a celebrity version of the US psychic show Crossing Over, hosted by medium John Edward.

Roma’s mother Maureen died of a heart attack in Derry when she was 10.

And Roma was heartbroken that she was never able to tell her how much she loved her.

So she jumped at an offer from the producers of the show on the Sci-Fi Channel to speak to her mum using Edwards for the connection.

Downey sat directly behind Edwards during the programme and he did not know who the celebrity he was speaking to was until he turned around at the end of the segment.

He was able to tell that the 41-year-old actress was caught in a hail of gunfire during an IRA gun battle 30 years ago which almost killed her.

Facing the audience, he said: “I hear you crying. I hear some sort of popping.

“The sort of popping I am hearing would mean there is some sort of gunfire or like someone was caught in a spray of bullets.”

And referring to the celebrity’s mother, he said: “She [the spirit of her mother] was commending and applauding what you do and how you do it.”

Roma said: “My mother was telling me that she was very proud of me and my work, it just made me want to weep.”

The psychic show will be aired in America tomorrow night.

CAPTION(S):

SEANCE: Downey

Exhibit #2
Roma Downey develops rosary concept with John Edward, includes her rosary CD in his book

Note: this Amazon link to the first edition includes a “Look Inside” link to read various pages online

And a reader comment on the second edition of the book (which also includes Downey’s CD) states: “John Edward came out with this brilliant concept with Roma Downey”.

Practical Praying: Using the Rosary to Enhance Your Life (click here for the original source of the article below)

Roma prays the entire rosary on the beautiful CD that comes along with this book. It’s quite lovely and gives you the special opportunity and a unique spiritual closeness to Roma to be able to pray right along with her as if she was right there at your side.

The book above by well-known author John Edward was published in April [2005]. Practical Praying is divided into three sections; the first includes Edward’s thoughts about writing the book and his own personal approach to prayer, as well as the history of the rosary in the Catholic Church. The second section discusses usage of the power of prayer through the rosary. The last section is the audio CD, which the author says is “one of my favorite parts of the book. It’s unbelievably beautiful.” Roma Downey refused to accept pay for her work, instead asking Edward to make a donation to Operation Smile in her name “so she could pay for more smiles,” he said.

You might enjoy purchasing one of Roma’s beautiful rosaries from her collection at QVC to use when listening to Roma’s beautiful voice or you may use them and pray the rosary with her.

For those that may be surprised that John Edward wrote a book all about the use of the rosary in your life, you may feel differently after reading a recent article Praying the Rosary [link not included] John Edward’s new book details his favorite ‘weapon of spiritual defense’ that ran recently in The Catholic Telegraph. Click on the link [broken link] to The Catholic Telegraph to read the full article. Although to many, including some Catholic clergy, they are not surprised at all. During the run of his popular [psychic medium] show, he always promoted the use of the rosary and shared that he prayed it daily. John Edward is an Irish-Italian Catholic. In regards to this specific book and his promotion of the rosary, he even received recently a papal blessing, signed by the current pope when he was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. [Wow – I’d like to research this further – the Pope is “God’s man on Earth.” All his decrees are (supposedly) infallible – yet he gave his blessing to Edward’s book??? Shocking.] The book has become quite popular with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Conclusion and thoughts

I’m wondering if Edward and Downey received some of their Rosary concepts from the teachings of New Ager Elizabeth Clare Prophet, who also developed her own brand of the Rosary back in 1972. Click here for a description of  “the New Age  Scriptural Rosaries given to Elizabeth Clare Prophet by Mother Mary.”

I do believe Mary accepted Christ as her Saviour – that she was born again and is in Heaven. But she is not an intercessor or Co-Redemptrix (hopefully I’m using the right Catholic terms). And any messages or apparitions supposedly from her are actually demonic counterfeits.

FOR FURTHER READING

Retta Blaney, A psychic guru prays the rosary: John Edward’s new book promotes the ancient prayer – A Catholic article that details how Edward came up with his rosary concept; barely mentions Downey.

David J. Stewart, Psychic John Edward EXPOSED!– a Baptist article exposing many occult teachings of Edward, including his use of the Rosary

Famous “Catholic” Psychic Says the Afterworld is Bipartisan  – A “conservative” Catholic article detailing and critiquing John Edward’s connections with Catholicism. (I oppose Catholicism, which has its own occult practices such as “praying” to the saints, praying for the dead, etc. But I agree with many of this writer’s criticisms of Edward.)

WARNING – The following four YouTube audios are recommended only for born again Christian researchers. I hesitate to even post these here. Please give your feedback. If you feel including these four audios is “crossing the line”, I will remove them from this blog. These four audios contain the content of the CD included with Edward’s book. First Downey prays the idolatrous Rosary entirely the “normal” way, then Edward prays the idolatrous Rosary entirely using his method. It’s creepy, hearing a psychic medium pray the Rosary – yet Downey goes right along with Edward in this idolatrous  project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K1eeTqdozY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WU_jR9550Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJKzNlAsiHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LklR8IdEcME

 

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Roma Downey’s comments about her New Age “Spiritual Psychology” degree show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

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……

NEW: 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: 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 © 2012-2014 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.

————————————————————————————-

Now on to the current post:

(revised 08/10/13)

Roma Downey’s comments about her New Age “Spiritual Psychology” degree show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

In the Wikipedia article about Roma Downey I noticed this fact: “Roma graduated from the University of Santa Monica with a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology.”

On a technical note, this blog says Downey “will graduate in June”; it was written Apr. 23, but doesn’t say what year. I looked back at several previous blogs – the Mar. 25 blog refers to “this Sunday, March 28.” Which would mean the Downey blog was written Apr. 23, 2010. So apparently Roma Downey graduated from USM in June 2010.

What exactly is “Spiritual Psychology”? Is it “New Age”? Bingo, you’re correct! I’m going to quote from several sources here, to explain Spiritual Psychology and Downey’s involvement.

This discernment article (which unfortunately says we should give “The Bible” a chance by watching it and discussing it with nonbelievers) nonetheless contains much helpful info on Downey. Such as:

I think, without question, [Della] Reese has had an influence over Downey’s view of God, and possibly that of Burnett, as well. However, even if she hasn’t [obviously she has, as I showed in another blog], Downey definitely has been exposed to the New Age having earned a degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica (USM). (Charisma)

Lest one think this is a fully accredited four-year university with degrees in several schools; it is not. USM only offers an advance degree in “Spiritual Psycology”. If there is any question as to whether this is tied into New Age thought one only has to look to the founder of USM, Roger Delano Hinkins [I added this link-DM], who goes by the name, John-Roger. Hinkins, or John-Roger, is a prominent New Age author and teacher.

And here’s  what I found about Spiritual Psychology at the Santa Monica Spiritual Psychology website:

“Spiritual Psychology is the study and practice of the art and science of human evolution in consciousness… “surrendering” and “sacrificing” is work that can and has been called “healing,” which includes healing on the physical, mental, and emotional levels in service to the deeper revelation of who we truly are as Loving, Peaceful, Compassionate, and Joyful beings. We refer to this level of awareness as the Authentic Self…

Put another way, Spiritual Psychology is a technology that empowers students to convert their everyday life experience into rungs on the ladder of Spiritual Evolution…

Change is taking place at an unprecedented pace on our planet… From within the Context of Spiritual Psychology, the only way to truly promote peace is for there to be more peaceful individuals living in the world.

… assuming we get through the current challenges, these very same skills will be highly valued as we transform into a more peaceful, highly globalized world.”

Regarding the University of Santa Monica, this Wikipedia article states, [founder Roger Delano Hinkins was joined by] “Dr. H. Ronald Hulnick and Dr. Mary R. Hulnick (former faculty members at New Mexico State University), who shortly thereafter took on the roles and responsibilities as President and Academic Vice President, respectively.” And in Google’s “Book” section, I found this book: Loyalty to Your Soul: The Heart of Spiritual Psychology,  by H. Ronald Hulnick, Ph.D., Mary R. Hulnick, Neale Donald Walsch. The New Age Roma Downey provides this glowing endorsement (viewable online) near the beginning of the book as follows:

“As a USM [University of Santa Monica] graduate, I know firsthand the value I received from participating with Ron and Mary in the Master’s degree Program in Spiritual Psychology. I am so grateful to have Loyalty to Your Soul to sweetly remind me of all I have learned. Let’s just say that I went from playing an angel on TV to living more of an angelic life every day. The teachings in this beautiful book have sent me on a journey to the very center of my own being where, wrapped in the safe wings of Love, I feel as though I have come home.”

For more info on the above book on Spiritual Psychology, see the book’s home page here.

Finally, a quote from this source:

“Roma also attends the University of Santa Monica, a private graduate school founded by New Age spiritual and self-help guru John-Roger, and will graduate with a master’s degree in spiritual psychology in June [2010].

‘As someone who has been on a spiritual journey for many years [so basically Downey admits she has been a New Ager for many years – notice she doesn’t say here she’s been “a Christian” for many years], it seems a natural extension of that work,’ says the lady still seen in Hallmark Channel reruns as angel Monica. She notes, ‘The skills I’m learning will ultimately qualify me to be a therapist’ — not that she has plans to start a practice anytime soon. ‘It’s really so interesting to learn about human behavior.’

And other matters.

Says Roma, who lives in Malibu, ‘My kids go to school about a 40-minute drive away. I’m open to the group’s opinion about what we listen to on the way there. On the way back, I get my own selections — books on tape by Eckhart Tolle, Tony Robbins…My husband says I’m so self-realized I’m practically levitating.’

And Downey, a Spiritual Psychology major who listens to Eckhart Tolle and “practically levitates”, is co-producing “The Bible”? This is pretty heretical – not to mention all her other New Age statements quoted in my other blogs.

This article by Kate Nesbitt gives a New Age definition of Spiritual Psychology.  Note that 1) the writer graduated from the same school as Roma Downey. And 2) Downey has stated elsewhere recently that she hopes to become a “therapist” (similar to Kate Nesbitt, I assume).

Sooo… when did Downey supposedly become a Christian? Before or after getting a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology? And perhaps Downey received this degree near the same time she was “contemplating” a production of “The Bible”.  Sounds to me like Downey is claiming to be a “Christian” in the same way Oprah Winfrey is claiming to be a “Christian.” It would be interesting to see Downey go on an Oprah show as a guest. Wouldn’t that be a hoot, seeing one famous New Ager who insists she’s a Christian talk with another famous New Ager who insists she’s a Christian.

Would Christians like “The Bible” if it were produced by Winfrey, or Shirley MacLaine, or Deepak Chopra? Seems to me like Roma Downey is just as bad.

FOR FURTHER READING

John-Roger Hinkins (aka John-Roger, J-R, born Roger Delano Hinkins)

Google list of many articles on Hinkins (Christian discernment articles, secular articles opposing Hinkins, secular articles favoring Hinkins)

Christian discernment articles exposing Hinkins:

Apologetics Index, Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA)

Christian Research Institute (CRI), The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA)

Secular counter-cult articles exposing Hinkins:

John Roger and MSIA (first of a series of articles)

The Origins of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA)

MSIA articles about their own history and teachings:

Early History and Organization [of MSIA]

Neale Donald Walsch (co-author of the book Downey endorses above):

Berit Kjos’ revealing article exposing a number of Walsch’ occultic quotes

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!

© 2012-2014 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.

Read Full Post »

Roma Downey’s comments about her theology show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

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 ……

NEW: 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: 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 © 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.
—————————————————————————————-

Now on to the current blog:

Roma Downey’s comments about her theology show she is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager

[Note – I’ve repeated much of the following info in this blog about “Touched by an Angel”.]

Closely study reruns of “Touched by an Angel” and I’m sure you’ll find many heretical New Age views held by both Roma Downey and New Thought/New Age co-star Della Reese. There is much evidence that Downey is not a Christian as she claims, but a New Ager.

Check out the following quotes from Downey, found here. I have emphasized certain points by bolding, and inserted comments in [brackets].

“It’s fantastic that [the Touched by an Angel reruns are] on GMC,” says Downey. “It’s reaching a whole new generation of people with its beautiful message of faith. I loved being on that show. I loved it. I loved playing Monica. I loved being the messenger, the believer. I loved being part of a message that went out weekly reminding people there is a God and this is God’s purpose for you and God will be part of your life and most importantly that God loves you.

“I got to deliver that message every week for almost 10 years to millions of people a week.”

“Still to this day, wherever I am in airports or shopping malls people tell me, ‘Oh, that show has changed my life.’ or ‘That show helped my family heal’ or ‘You’ll never know what that show did for us’ and so I’m thrilled that it’s back at a regular spot in the television and has a chance to heal and touch people’s lives all over again. [I don’t see any wording here about bringing people to salvation through the Father’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ, do you? I guess that would be rather difficult for “Touched by an Angel” to do, considering the 212-episode series  has never – that I know of – mentioned the name of Jesus Christ.]

“I’ve been there, too, needing an angel — I can tell you. Over the years I’ve found myself wishing sometimes my angel would show up. [So Downey would want to communicate with angels? I’m not surprised. By the way, the Bible forbids communication with angels – this insightful pdf article mentions this.] I could use a little uplift, a little reminder.

“And then you know, and it’s available to everybody at all times. You’ve just got to turn your attention into your own loving heart where God exists inside of all of us.” [This reminds me of the heretical Inner Light teaching of George Fox and the Quakers, “that of Christ in all men” – supposedly.]

“There’s a timeless quality to the story,” she says. “It was always stories of people at certain crossroads in their lives when a decision was to be made. The spirit [notice Downey doesn’t say “the Holy Spirit” but rather uses the liberal/New Age term “the spirit”] would show up and help you make that good decision. You know, there’s no magic wand. Somebody didn’t come down and fix it for you. All we did as the angels was to come down and to remind you that you were a child of God [only a born again Christian is a child of God – nonchristians are offspring of Adam and “children of the devil” – see John 8:44 and I John 3:10] and God loves you and God wants the best for you, that God has a purpose for you and that you have to reach into your own heart to see it and believe it and then out of that place, make a good choice for yourself. [Again, “reach into your own heart” and “out of that place” are heretical New Age phrases.]

“It was very empowering in that way. It wasn’t some easy fix, because life isn’t filled with easy fixes. But when you pray and really trust and hand yourself over to God [notice she doesn’t mention repenting of your sins and accepting Christ as your Saviour], you know that God has you and holds you in his heart and in his hands.

“You know there’s no better feeling.

“If I were to look back at my career, I think my greatest achievement is very simple.

“I’ve been able to make choices where I could glorify God.”

So there we have it – a bit of Downey’s theology in her own words. As we will see in my various blogs about Downey, she is extremely New Age. Several questions: would she say in the previous paragraph her New Age beliefs “glorify God”? And how does she define “God”? For that matter, how does she define the label “Christian” which she applies to herself? Like I said, she is not a Christian like she claims, but a New Ager.

I wonder how Downey’s beliefs would measure up, when it comes to this chart. In this comparison between the worldview of Christianity and the worldview of the New Age movement, I’m positive she would be New Age – if she were honest.

By the way, I perused this devotional book about “The Bible” as it was premiering. It is supposedly written by Downey and hubby Mark Burkett. But don’t be deceived by the biblically sound lingo found throughout the book. It sounds very different from Downey’s New Age statements in her quotes above. I’m going to take a wild guess here and speculate that portions of the book were written by ghost writers (perhaps some of the heretical “Christians” on “The Bible” Board of Advisors who have a better grasp on Christian lingo.)

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!

Note – all above blogs © 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.

Read Full Post »

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

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 …

NEW: 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: 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 © 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.
——————————————————————————————–

Now on to the current blog:

(revised 03/31/13)

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 has claimed to be a Christian for years, yet has in reality been a New Ager for years. I haven’t discovered exactly how the TV series “Touched by an Angel” came into being – nor why New Agers Downey and costar Della Reese were hired. I do know that Downey and Reese are closely bonded to this day.

I am coming across a great deal of info tying Downey with Reese. I have posted some excerpts below; click here for the original site of this info. I have emphasized certain points by bolding, and inserted comments in [brackets].

“Downey, who produced the 10-hour miniseries “The Bible” (Sunday [03/03/13], 9 p.m. History) with her husband, Mark Burnett (producer of “The Voice” and “Survivor”), spent nearly the next decade in Salt Lake City. Nine seasons and 212 episodes [of Touched by an Angel], all filmed in Utah.”  [Why Utah? Is there a cultic Mormon connection? There has to be a reason they selected Utah for the shooting site – this is a very unique location.]

“The biggest change came in 2007 when Downey married Burnett in a ceremony officiated by her former “Touched by an Angel” co-star, Della Reese” [This extremely New Age article mentions that Downey’s 1995 marriage before Burnett was also officiated by Reese – and that Reese is godmother of one of Downey’s children.  Most couples I know select a minister who agrees with their theology. So if Romey and Burnett are New Age, they would be comfortable with their “Reverend” friend Reese being New Age.]… There’s no safer place in the world than in the arms of Della Reese,” Downey said. [The safest place in the world for Downey is in the arms of a New Age “Reverend”? Just another sign that Downey is not a Christian but a New Ager.] “And I still see Della with regularity. My mother died when I was a child, and she stepped in to be my mother. And then, when we were filming together, her only daughter died. I stepped in to be her daughter. And we know that was a God thing that we were brought together to be family for each other.” [I get it – Downey and Reese care for one another. I don’t mean to be insensitive here and overlook human love and compassion. But as a supposed Christian, why is Downey is giving credit to God for bonding her with a cult figure? Yet again, I maintain that Downey is in reality a New Ager claiming to be a Christian. And I suppose New Thought/New Age cult figure Reese would also claim to be a Christian.]

Does it concern you that Downey is so close to Reese? It should. I wonder how much of Reese’ heresies Downey has incorporated into her own theology. Quoting from the Wikipedia article about Reese, “In more recent times, she became an ordained New Thought minister in the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, California.” Here is the Wikipedia article on New Thought. And here is the “church” website where Reese is “Reverend”.

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!

© 2012-2014 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 are provided to my original blogs. Thank you.

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