Ken Blanchard Still Endorsing th

Ken Blanchard Still Endorsing the New Age

Update on Ken Blanchard #3

February 11, 2006

To the Reader: During the writing of this update, the words hypocrisy, fine-tuned deception, and outrageous compromise came to mind. Right now--more than any period in the Christian church--the body of Christ is experiencing an overkill of spiritual deception that is so fine-tuned it is becoming difficult to detect. Christians are suffering from toxic levels of compromise, and causing other Christians to stumble. Silver-tongued wolves have sheepishly grinned and smiled their way into the Christian church by paying lip-service to Jesus Christ, while being an intrinsic part of the New Age Movement at the same time.

Jesus Christ is coming. Precious souls for whom He died for hang in the balance. Therefore, it is imperative that Christians take up the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:1-18), stand strong in the Lord, speak the truth in love, and defend the faith.

If you aren't familiar with this ongoing issue, please review the following information prior to reading this update:

Letter to Ken Blanchard (July 21, 2005)

30 Day Update on Ken Blanchard #1 (August 21, 2005)

60 Day Update on Ken Blanchard #2 (September 20, 2005)

Go to http://tinyurl.com/dq9x9 for additional articles, information and documentation.

A note of caution: This update contains quotes from New Agers and links to New Age sources. The New Age Movement is subtle, seductive and extremely dangerous to the spiritual welfare of the believer. Reader discretion is advised.

To recap the issue, on July 22, 2005, Ken Blanchard, co-founder of the Lead Like Jesus movement and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, issued a statement regarding his "unshakeable faith" in Jesus Christ, and promised to "exercise better discernment in the future" concerning his endorsements of books "written by authors who espouse concepts that are contrary to Christian teachings."

Three days later on July 25, 2005, James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., provided an "Update on Ken Blanchard." The following is a brief summary of Walker's update:

--- Blanchard is listed as a "New Age" contributor (in this article on Watchman Fellowship's website), "due to his endorsement of a number of New Age authors and teachers."

--- Blanchard had become a Christian in the mid-1980's.

--- Blanchard has supported and promoted authors whose "teachings and philosophies that are not in harmony with the Bible and which, in a number of cases, could be better classified as forms of New Age spirituality."

--- Blanchard had consulted with Watchman Fellowship staff, and readily admitted that his endorsements were "problematic" and should never have taken place.

--- Blanchard willingly admitted to his error "by promoting New Age authors or their teachings," and made "assurances to take corrective action for the future."

--- "After spending time with Mr. Blanchard we are now convinced that he is, in fact, a brother in Christ and are committed to assist him as he continues to work through the issues that have arisen as a result of these past endorsements."

Six months later, has Blanchard kept his promise? Has he exercised "better discernment" and stopped endorsing New Age authors and books? Has Blanchard repented, retracted his endorsements, renounced his ties with New Age organizations, and totally separated from New Agers? What changes have taken place in the last six months?

Answers to these questions (and more) are forthcoming, but first, a definition of the New Age Movement, from New Agers, is in order.

The New Age Movement defined

According to his website, G Kumar has been a student of Astrology since early childhood, has studied Transcendental Meditation (TM) under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is a practitioner of TM and Integral Yoga, has developed Astrology software for Windows, DOS, Vedic Numerology, and Planetary Gemology, and is a prolific writer with over 20 years experience in the psychic sciences (click HERE for G Kumar's Profile).

Kumar defines the New Age Movement as a "Paradigm Shift to Divine Consciousness" and "...a revival of spiritual and divine values and can be called as a Divine Regeneration Movement. New Age Philosophy has conquered the West intellectually and Western culture is currently experiencing a phenomenal shift-sociological, spiritual & ideological. It's a secular, multi-cultural, multi-religious synthesis, of the Oriental mystical philosophies, mainly Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism & Western Occultism, emphasising Holism, the doctrine that Reality is organically One (now taught in American Universities after Einstein's Theory of Relativity)" ("The New Age Movement," http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/newage.htm).

"There are 6 million New Age sites on the Web." states Kumar, "and the NAM consists of a massive & well organised network consisting of thousands of groups, trusts, foundations, clubs, lodges, and spiritual groups whose goal and purpose is to prepare the world to enter the coming Aquarian Age" (ibid.).

Kumar believes that "New Age practices have almost conquered the world. Athletes are using guided imagery. Graduate schools of business are invoking TM, Yoga, and Tarot cards in teaching courses on creativity in business..." (ibid.).

Kumar's aim, he states, "is to integrate both the Western and the Indian systems. The Western system has scientific depth and the Eastern philosophic depth" (ibid.).

While Kumar is deeply entrenched in the New Age Movement, he has provided a service to Christian researchers by clearly defining New Age terms, and explaining how the New Age Movement has infiltrated every strata of our culture--both secular and Christian:

"Significant influence has been gained by NAM affecting almost every area of Occidental culture--Sociology, Psychology, Medicine, the Government, Ecology, Science, Arts, Education, the Business Community, the media, entertainment, sports, and even the Church. Organised spiritual forms such as Christian Science, Unity and even forms of Witchcraft (from the German ' Wicca' meaning the Wise; Witchcraft means the Craft of the Wise) are all its expressions. Various Human Potential Seminars, Transcendental Meditation, Zen Meditation and some Alternative Holistic Medicine practices are also its manifold manifestations" (G Kumar, "The New Age Movement," http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/newage.htm, emp. added).

Continuing, Kumar places New Age thinking into "six main characteristics":

(1) All is Unity; (2) All is Divine (3) Humanity is divine (4) A change in Consciousness; (5) All religions are One; and (6) Cosmic Evolutionary optimism" (ibid.).

Note that among other things, New Age theology dictates that everything, including mankind, is divine, and that mankind needs a change in his present consciousness, which involves developing a personal identity, a different attitude, different beliefs, and a special awareness and sensitivity.

However, as in-depth and informative Kumar's expertise is on the New Age Movement, it pales in comparison to God's word:

When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 18:9-13).

There is only one God, one Savior, one salvation: You are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shown, when there was no strange god among you: therefore you are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God (Isaiah 43:10-12).

Concerning spiritual matters, Christians are not to trust their emotions, feelings and instincts: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 KJV).

Instead of lending credibility to false teachings and false teachers, Christians are to be about: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Christianity is exclusive to all other religions and religious beliefs, for there is only One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). All other "gods" and "goddesses" are fakes, frauds and man-made fabrications (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).

While G Kumar is sincere, he is sincerely wrong.

Christian and New Age at the same time?

"To be an effective Christian in the future one is going to have to walk a 'middle way.' The old authorities are crumbling, and perhaps that is as it is meant to be. The old age must give way to a new age for God is forever making 'all things new'...To be part of the New Age is to be focused on receiving new messages, new revelations, and above all other things, to be prepared for the Master-whatever name many religions and belief give to him-when he comes again among mankind to teach" (Lawrence Kennon, "New Age Christianity," October 2001).

Spend a few minutes on the internet and you will find a wide variety of so-called "Christian" websites and newsgroups--ranging from cultic and occultic, homosexuality and transsexualism and, yes, even pedophilia. Thus, it should come as no surprise to find websites that promote New Age Christianity. Here are but a few examples:

--- Christian New Age Quarterly: "Christians and New Agers often have very different beliefs, even disparate worldviews but they also often share surprising common ground. Unless we talk together, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and goodwill, instead of talking about 'the other,' we can never fully appreciate the nature of our differences and similarities."

According to its website, the Christian New Age Quarterly is for "Christians who wish to explore, or just better comprehend, the spectrum of New Age possibilities. New Agers who seek to retrieve the deeper nuances of the Christian faith. Christian New Agers who have discovered a congruence of the Christian and New Age paths," and "Seekers & Scholars who have found that essential diversity itself spawns intellectual challenge and spiritual growth."

--- Christian Wicca: "The Kingdom is within you and all around you" (the homepage of this website actually displays a cross and an artist's rendition of a "Jesus" wearing a beard, long hair, and a white robe).

--- CANA: Christians Awakening to a New Awareness: "As an expanding group of Christians Awakening to a New Awareness-many of whom attend established churches CANA members understand where you are, as many of them have come from a similar point and are on a similar journey" (CANA, Homepage). [This website is not affiliated with Marcia Montenegro's CANA: Christian Answers for the New Age ministry]

Continuing, CANA maintains that "Your own tradition is a safe starting point and while you continue to attend your church you may if you choose, at the same time, find encouragement from like-minded CANA members who also desire to deepen their understanding of how to apply the teachings and example of Jesus in the 21st Century" (CANA, Homepage).

--- Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.: a website devoted to the works of Fr. Thomas Keating and the Contemplative Prayer Movement. On its Links page, the Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. recommends the Oregon Contemplative Outreach, where on this particular page, the word "yoga" is mentioned favorably at least nine times.

--- The Interreligious Dialog List: this newsgroup was "founded by Christians who practice Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, is dedicated to interfaith/interreligious dialogue among Christians on the contemplative journey who are also traveling or have previously traveled on the non-Christian paths of the ancient World Religions, such as Buddhism, Sufism, Judaism, Taoism, Hinduism, etc., who are meditators and desire to engage in helpful dialogue with contemplative Christians. This is a sacred space in which to share our spiritual journey with one another as brothers and sisters, in a virtual community. We ask the members to reflect rather than discuss and not to debate at all as adversaries. We are hopeful that the list will increase our understanding of one another that we may live peacefully and nonviolently in our world."

--- The Christaquarians: "This site is a growing resource for the study of New Age Christianity, Christian New Agers-whom Daren Kemp dubbed 'the Christaquarians.'"

"There is quite a wide gap between the New Age movement and the mainstream Churches. In fact, New Age groupings consist of many people who, one time, were closely linked with Christianity, but became disenchanted and disillusioned, and sought bliss and peace elsewhere. Consequently, there exists within the New Age movement quite an interest in religious matters and, basically, an openness to dialogue with official Christianity" (Ibid).

--- The World Community for Christian Meditation: "Meditators at the John Main Seminar held at New Harmony, Indiana in 1991 gave the community a new form in The World Community for Christian Meditation. It has now spread through a hundred countries. Individuals, groups and centres share the vision of peace and unity arising from meditation. Groups meet in homes, parishes, offices, hospitals, prisons and colleges. A network of Christian Meditation Centres helps to serve this community and its teaching work. Dialogue with other faiths has arisen from this deepening of Christian spirituality in the lives of men and women in all walks of life. The link with the Benedictine monastic family is especially valued."

"IT IS TIME FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE TO ENCOMPASS ALL RELIGIONS" (Dr. L. David Moore, Christianity and the New Age Religion: A Bridge Toward Mutual Understanding, 1993, back-cover).

The list goes on and on, from Christian Astrology to Christian Zen. Thus, there are those who claim to be Christian, while at the same time participating in and promoting the New Age Movement and its deceptive teachings.

While the above quotes may seem legitimate and sincere, the truth is one cannot be Christian and New Age at the same time, for it was Jesus Himself who said,

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity (Matthew 7:21-23).

The false love syndrome: deception's conditioning process

Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me (John 14:23-24).

There are two types of love: true love and false love. One is genuine; the other is counterfeit. For example, raise children and tell them You are stupid and worthless, but I love you anyway, and there's a good chance they will grow up thinking they are stupid and worthless, and develop mixed emotions on what love really is.

Accordingly, a husband who mentally and physically abuses his wife and but immediately maintains his love for her after he calms down--suffers from a false love syndrome. Whether the man realizes it or not, he has conditioned his wife and children to equate love with abuse. After years of this abusive conditioning, the wife is convinced she loves her husband and he loves her, in spite of the daily beatings. As for the children, this false love syndrome paints a bleak future for them, many of whom may continue the abusive conditioning process for generations to come.

True love isn't abusive, intimidating, manipulative or deceptive, but is gentle, kind, compassionate and understanding. On the other hand, deception's false love and its conditioning process sets the stage for further, darker, deeper delusion.

The New Age Movement avidly preaches love, harmony, peace and unity; but let the doubters' beware; it is a false love. There is such a thing as New Age Christianity, primarily because New Agers say it exists. And, regardless of how counterfeit it is and as oxymoron-ish as it sounds, it has infiltrated every strata of our culture with its own conditioning process--specifically designed thousands of years ago to deceive the unwary:

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Deception's conditioning process to convince the self-proclaimed "gods" and "goddesses" of our day they are above and equal with God originated in the Garden of Eden, and is as old as the original lie (study Genesis chapter 3).

New Age Christian-eze and its play on words

My head is a canopy;

My arms are branches;

My fingers are leaves;

My legs are the trunk;

My feet are roots;

My toes are seeds;

My skin is bark;

My blood is sap;

Therefore, I am a tree.

To the rational person, simply claiming to be a tree doesn't make one a tree, but rest assured there are people who can be easily convinced of the possibility. Claiming to be something doesn't make it so.

This is why it is imperative that Christians understand what is being said in the above excerpts from New Age sources; for their eloquent expressions contain not only a carefully orchestrated play-on-words and terminology mixed with fluent Christian-eze, but also contain false claims and a prime example of the counterfeit Jesus, gospel, and spirit that has stealthily roamed the Christian landscape for thousands of years. It is this shrewd imitation that has declared war on God's holy word and Christians, and has chaperoned many well-meaning but unsaved people to their eternal doom (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Acts 20: 27-31; Galatians 1:6-9; Genesis 3:1-24; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 23:15; John 8:44-47).

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).

Carve it in stone! There is no "common ground" or bridging-the-gap between Christianity and the New Age Movement; none whatsoever! Those who claim to be Christian, but produce deceptive, rotten fruit in their life and teachings, are false prophets and savage wolves. They may smile on the outside and sound convincing, but inside they are false prophets and savage wolves.

Compromise breeds acceptance...acceptance breeds tolerance...tolerance breeds approval...approval breeds conformity...conformity breeds harmony...harmony breeds unity...unity breeds fellowship...fellowship with workers of iniquity breeds sin. Altogether, the end result is apostasy.

Friendly or friends? A closer look at Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret (Ephesians 5:11-12).

In his Commentary on the Whole Bible for the book of Ephesians, Matthew Henry wrote:

"We must have no fellowship with sin nor sinners, v. 11. Sinful works are works of darkness: they come from the darkness of ignorance, they seek the darkness of concealment, and they lead to the darkness of hell. These works of darkness are unfruitful works; there is nothing got by them in the long run, whatever profit is pretended by sin, it will by no means balance the loss; for it issues in the utter ruin and destruction of the impenitent sinner. We must therefore have no fellowship with these unfruitful works; as we must not practise them ourselves, so we must not countenance others in the practice of them. There are many ways of our being accessary to the sins of others, by commendation, counsel, consent, or concealment. And, if we share with others in their sin, we must expect to share with them in their plagues. Nay, if we thus have fellowship with them, we shall be in the utmost danger of acting as they do ere long. But, rather than have fellowship with them, we must reprove them, implying that if we do not reprove the sins of others we have fellowship with them" (emp. added ).

Yes, Christians should be loving, kind, compassionate and friendly in their witness for Christ. However, Christians should not be friends with a Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, occultist or the unsaved. Neither are Christians to acknowledge, endorse, commend, approve of, or sponsor an organization, group, or church that compromises God's holy word. To do so violates the commands of Scripture, compromises the faith, causes confusion and others to stumble, and lends credibility to the sin-producing unfruitful works of darkness and those promoting it.

There is a difference between being friendly and being friends. When Christians become friends with those who acknowledge and promote a counterfeit Jesus, gospel and spirit, they step over the line, go beyond the boundary of Scripture, and risk endangering their own spiritual welfare, as well as the spiritual welfare of others.

How terrible it would be to learn that someone will spend their eternity totally separated from God, in hell, was a direct result of our foolishness and failure to heed the commands of Scripture.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 commands: Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

Developing friendships with those who, in many cases, are enemies of God and the cross of Jesus Christ, has caused many Christians to stumble and compromise the faith. The closer a Christian gets to the unsaved, there is a good chance the Christian will gain sympathy for the unsaved. Close friends hesitate to offend one another. By becoming friends with non-Christians, there is also the chance of being swept away into deception and sin, all because the Christian refrained from telling the truth in love and offending for the sake of Christ and His gospel.

Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4b).

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:18-20).

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Be alert, watch, guard, test, and trust in the Lord

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21)

Time and time again, Christians are commanded by Scripture to be alert and to separate from those who promote individuals, movements, programs and teachings that are contrary to God's word. While some obey, others disobey and become rebellious. This is why so many Christians have been drawn into deception. After all, it looks innocent, sounds right and feels good, so they do it.

For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears

(Acts 20:27- 31).

Clearly, Paul teaches that the savage wolves will come into the church from the outside, such as Mormon missionaries, Jehovah's Witnesses, New Agers, etc. But for many Christians, the in-plain-sight/in your face deception arising within the church is the most difficult to detect. This is because many Christians take things for granted, and are reluctant to step-back and take a serious look at the entire picture, by testing all things, questioning pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers and fellow laymen, then relying on God's word as their ultimate and final authority.

In other words, if Christians aren't willing to be alert, pay attention to what's being said, compare what's being said to the Scriptures, then defend the faith and share the truth whether it is convenient or inconvenient, they amount to nothing more than a warm-body occupying a park-bench. Not only are they wasting their time and setting a poor example for others, they are causing others to stumble. They might as well find something else to do with their time.

God's inspired word is reliable, trustworthy, authoritative and non-negotiable, and should be handled carefully and with respect.

Ken Blanchard and selective discernment

"Recently, it was brought to my attention that some of my endorsements and book forewords are for books written by authors who espouse concepts that are contrary to Christian teachings. I did not realize that this was the case when I wrote these endorsements and forewords. But now after further study and discussions with other followers of Jesus whom I respect and admire, including the staff at Watchman Fellowship, I understand why these are problematic and I promise that I will exercise better discernment in the future" (excerpt from Ken Blanchard's July 22, 2005 statement; complete text on file; emp. added).

As of this writing, six months have passed since Blanchard's 7/22/05 statement (refer to CRS's September 20, 2005 UPDATE ON KEN BLANCHARD and Letter to Ken Blanchard). Therefore, it is important to note that:

--- A flash picture of Ken Blanchard now appears on the homepage of the Hoffman Institute's website ( http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org ), along with another endorsement of the The Hoffman Process.

--- Blanchard's name appears on page 7 of the Hoffman Institute's Autumn 2005 LIGHT News newsletter, under "Advisory Board."

--- Blanchard continues to endorse the Hoffman Institute, and remains a member of the Hoffman Institute's Board of Advisors.

--- The "Spirituality in Business-An interview with Ken Blanchard, Ph.D," is still available on the Hoffman Institute's website. This same interview is on the Hoffman Institute International website and other foreign websites connected directly to the Hoffman Institute.

--- Blanchard's endorsement of Tim Laurence's book, The Hoffman Process, is still available on the Hoffman Institute's website.

--- "The Ken Blanchard Companies" are still listed as one of the "ATTENDEES" of the Heartland Circle's Thought Leader Gatherings.

--- The Heartland Circle's News from the Heartland newsletter contains an advertisement of Marc Lesser's book, Z.B.A. Zen of Business Administration: How Zen Practice Can Transform Your Work And Your Life, along with the following endorsement by Ken Blanchard: "'There is an urgent need for all of us to walk our faith in the marketplace. Z.B.A. Zen of Business Administration by Marc Lesser will surely help. Read, rejoice, and start practicing.'" According to this Book Description, the "practice of Zen" Buddhism guides, and provides strength and insight to Lesser, who utilizes "his training as a Zen practitioner" as he "learns to apply specific teachings such as the eight-fold path directly to work and life."

--- Ken Blanchard's July 22, 2005 statement has been removed from his Lead Like Jesus website, and replaced with "HTTP 404 FILE NOT FOUND."

Mark Victor Hansen, New Age, and Watchman Fellowship

Mark Victor Hansen (seen here with his friends, Ken and Marjorie Blanchard), along with his business partner, Jack Canfield, authored the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books, which have found favor with many Christians and Christian bookstores worldwide.

Of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, M. Kurt Goedelman of Personal Freedom Outreach encourages Christians to be aware of what is being advocated within the books:

"Despite the series appeal, Christians should take pause and exercise caution when they realize that these books are published by a New Age publisher. And the authors, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, are admittedly New Age proponents. At the very least, these books will be tainted by Canfield's visualization and self-esteem ideas and Hansen's humanistic bent. The books further include contributions by or references to M. Scott Peck, Joseph Campbell, Norman Vincent Peale, Napoleon Hill and other New Age or positive mental attitude gurus" ("The Non-Nourishing Mix of Chicken Soup," http://www.pfo.org/chicsoup.htm ).

Mark Victor Hansen is a graduate of the Hoffman Institute, is a "mutual friend" of Ken Blanchard, and is quoted stating that "The Hoffman Quadrinity Process is a Banquet for the Soul!" ("Mark Victor Hansen Interview," http://www.quadrinity.com/articles/article15a.htm ).

New to Mark Victor Hansen's website is his audio interview with "Internationally Renowned Author and Speaker, Dr. Wayne Dyer About the Power of Passion" ( http://www.markvictorhansen.com ), where the listener is introduced to "Living with Divine Mind and Consciousness is a place that is attainable for all" (Ibid). Here is a brief summary of Hansen's interview with Dyer:

--- Hansen is in full agreement with Dyer's message.

--- Hansen and Dyer have been friends for 31 years.

--- Hansen studied yoga in India for a year.

--- Dyer and Hansen discussed their friendship with Ram Dass, and how Hansen plans to do a benefit for Ram Dass (Ram Dass is a New Age guru whose real name is Richard Alpert).

--- Hansen said Dyer was a great help and inspiration.

--- Dyer discussed his book, The Power of Intention, and many of his beliefs about personal divinity, one's connection to the Source--whether the Source is Buddha, Mohammed, Jesus, or whatever god one follows.

--- Dyer discussed how a spirit assisted him in the writing of his latest book.

In their Index of Cults and Religions, Watchman Fellowship states that Wayne Dyer is a "Prominent New Age writer and spokesman focusing on business applications, personal transformation and motivational speaking," and "Also promotes holistic health, and Buddhism."

According to their website, "Watchman Fellowship is an independent Christian research and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age. We serve the Christian and secular community as a resource for cult education, counselling, and non-coercive intervention" ( http://www.watchman.org/about.htm ).

Currently, Watchman Fellowship's main website at www.watchman.org carries two articles on Chicken Soup for the Soul. The first article, written by Craig Branch, is "Chicken Soup for the Soul Reviewed." The second article, Serving Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work, was written by Jason Barker.

Craig Branch, formerly of Watchman Fellowship and a noted authority on the New Age, warns that "The Mormon and New Age philosophies stirred into Canfield's and Hansen's Chicken Soup make it a deadly brew for the soul" (Ibid). Accordingly, Jason Barker urges that "...Christians should be aware that the books also are steeped in a spirituality that is opposed to biblical Christianity" (Ibid).

Bob Waldrep is the Alabama State Director for Watchman Fellowship and the Executive Director for Evangelical Ministries to New Religions (EMNR). In his article, "The Shifting Paradigms Of Stephen Covey," Waldrep not only provides the reader with a brief review of Stephen Covey's book, The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, he also includes Mark Victor Hansen and his Chicken Soup for the Soul in a list of "New Age proponents and books":

"Apart from its Mormon roots, Covey's products and programs are problematic for the Christian due to Covey's promotion of New Age teachers and practices. Covey is well versed in the New Age teachings and practices of its adherents because he often runs in the same circles as they, appearing on panels and at seminars. This is especially evident in his inclusion in the overtly New Age compendium, Handbook for the Soul.

"Both SH [The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People] and SF [The 7 Habits For Highly Effective Families] have a number of quotes or references to New Age proponents and books. These include Marilyn Ferguson (The Aquarian Conspiracy), M. Scott Peck (The Road Less Traveled), Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love), John Gray (Men Are From Mars Women

Are From Venus), Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) and Oprah Winfrey. Among the New Age practices referred to are visualization and affirmation, subliminal programming, neurolinguistic programming and 'new forms of relaxation and self-talk processes'" (Bob Waldrep, "The Shifting Paradigms Of Stephen Covey," emp. added).

Ironically, the book Waldrep reviews, The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, is praised and endorsed by Ken Blanchard:

"'Stephen R. Covey is a marvelous human being. He writes insightfully and cares about people. The equivalent of an entire library of success literature is found in this one volume. The principles he teaches in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People have made a difference in my life' --Ken Blanchard, Ph.D., author of The One-Minute Manager" (back cover; click HERE to view).

Blanchard also endorsed Covey's book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness: "'Steve Covey does it again with cutting-edge thinking. The 8th Habit is about finding out why you're here and helping others do the same. Is there a nobler cause? Don't miss this book!'" (front flap; click HERE to view).

Watchman Fellowship/Birmingham lists 19 articles on the New Age Movement, and offers a variety of materials on the same topic.

According to his Bio, the President of Watchman Fellowship, James Walker, "teaches and preaches throughout the United States and internationally in hundreds of churches, colleges, and universities," and "is directly involved with evangelism and apologetics in a variety of related fields including Mormonism, the New Age Movement, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Way International, Armstrongism, the Unification Church, Christian Science, Satanism and the Occult" ( http://www.watchman.org/jkwbio.htm ).

James Walker is no stranger to the deception behind the New Age movement, as his articles and conferences attest to:

http://www.watchman.org/na/chair.htm

http://www.watchman.org/cults/txchair.htm

http://www.watchman.org/cults/page1.htm

http://www.watchman.org/cults/guruma.htm

http://www.watchman.org/cults/cutjesus.htm

http://www.watchman.org/ccc/wilmington.htm

http://www.watchman.org/ccc/okc.htm

Watchman Fellowship's main website carries hundreds of articles on the New Age, and states that "As Christians, we do believe that 'we are our brother's keeper.' Like the watchman on the wall (Ezekiel 3:17), we have the responsibility to sound a warning against the deception and destructive spiritual abuse practiced by cultic groups. In sounding such warning Watchman Fellowship also has a principled commitment to accuracy" ("About Watchman Fellowship").

Indeed, it is the Christian's duty to publicly and privately expose deception from non-Christian religions and sources. Each Christian is called to be a watchman on the wall, refrain from compromise, and is commanded to sound an alarm against all forms of spiritual deception (Ezekiel 33, Acts 20:27-31; Titus 2:15; Jude 3; 2 Timothy 4:2).

But compromise and deception should be confined to the non-Christian world. Watchman Fellowship is fully aware of the dangers and deception behind the New Age Movement, and has spent years exposing it publicly.

As a graduate of the Hoffman Institute (which was founded by Bob Hoffman, "American psychic"), Hansen considers the Hoffman Quadrinity Process "a Banquet for the Soul." Hansen co-authored the Chicken Soup for the Soul series with fellow New Ager, Jack Canfield (see this Interview with Jack Canfield and Canfield's article, "Choosing To Be Happy").

However, it isn't what they say, it's what they haven't said, and what James Walker hasn't said is that Mark Victor Hansen serves on Ken Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus National Board, and that Watchman Fellowship is one of the "PARTICIPATING SPONSORS" of Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus movement.

Therefore, Watchman Fellowship, Inc. is undeniably sponsoring an organization and individuals that condone and promote the New Age.

Ken Blanchard and the Hoffman Institute

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised (1 Corinthians 2:14).

On December 29, 2005, a call was placed to the Hoffman Institute to inquire about the Hoffman Quadrinity Process and Ken Blanchard's role as a member of the Hoffman Advisory Board.

During the call, a Hoffman representative said that those who had participated in the Hoffman Quadrinity Process came from all over the world, were of many beliefs, and that the Process helped people find and connect with their inner-self. The Process included visualization, guided imagery, and meditation techniques that could be used for the rest of a person's life.

The representative verified that Blanchard remains a member of the Hoffman Advisory Board, and that Blanchard's flash picture on the homepage and testimonials were very important to the Hoffman Institute. When asked if the Hoffman Advisory Board was still active, the rep answered in the affirmative.

Therefore, according to the representative, Ken Blanchard remains an important participating member of the Hoffman Institute--six months after his July 22, 2005 statement, and six months after James Walker's Update on Ken Blanchard.

In addition to his continuous involvement in the Hoffman Institute, according to the Hoffman Institute's Jan/Feb 2006 Light News (page 4), both Ken and Marjorie Blanchard are listed as "Intuition Council ($500 to $999)" contributors to the Hoffman Institute.

One would think that Blanchard's "promise" to "exercise better discernment in the future" would include repentance, renouncement of his endorsements of New Age authors and books, resigning his membership and participation in New Age organizations, and a total separation from the New Age movement--no matter the cost or loss.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was (James 1: 22-24).

Robert Stuberg, Hypnology, and Ken Blanchard

According to his website, "Robert Stuberg is one of the world's leading authorities on personal and professional success. He is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, coach, and consultant. His results-driven strategies for achievement have earned him constant praise for his life's work" (STUBERG.com, http://www.stuberg.com ).

Stuberg's "current ventures" involve "Hypnology," which is a "powerful system that gives you a direct channel into your unconscious mind. You can use that access to rewrite the programming that has created the results you have experienced so far in life" ("Overview," click HERE).

"The origins of 'Hypnology' are in the altered-state mental programming practiced in many areas of the world. This practice has manifested in mainstream Western culture as hypnosis, but its roots go back thousands of years. Zen monks in Asia, for example, have long used altered-state techniques (they call it meditation) to focus their minds--a few of their number have even been rumored to use the power of meditation to aid such phenomena as levitating their bodies or walking through walls!" ("Why 'Hypnology' Is So Powerful," click HERE).

Of Robert Stuberg, Ken Blanchard is quoted on Stuberg's website stating that: "Robert Stuberg is the kind of person that people will still be talking about a hundred years from now. His timeless ideas can empower and enrich generations to come. Ken Blanchard author of The One Minute Manager"

( http://www.stuberg.com ).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Jim Steffen's 'MENTOR' and 'Higher Spirit'

According to his website, Dr. Jim Steffen is the "President and Founder of Steffen, Steffen & Associates (SSA), a consulting/training firm that has been helping companies create and maintain very satisfied customers for over 20 years. Because of its proven capabilities and track record, SSA has had the opportunity over the years to work with many Fortune 500 companies across a broad array of industries."

In his book, Aligned Thinking, which was published in January 2006, Jim Steffen credits Ken Blanchard with: helping Steffen to obtain his Doctorate at the University of Massachusetts in 1972 (Preface, p. xii); encouraging Steffen to write his book on Aligned Thinking (Preface, p. xii); and helping Steffen with the Aligned Thinking manuscript (Preface, p. xiii);

On page 127, Steffen states that Ken Blanchard is his "MENTOR" and, in the Acknowledgements section on page 129, Steffen states:

"IT IS difficult to adequately acknowledge the huge influence Ken Blanchard is in my life. When I had difficulty with my doctorate, he came to help. After twenty years of my trying to write this book alone, it was his guidance, coaching, and encouragement that got the job done."

But on pages 130-131, Steffen acknowledges a source beyond Ken Blanchard and everyone involved in the production of Aligned Thinking:

"Most importantly, I must thank my Higher Spirit. As the preface states, for twenty years and fifteen drafts this book went nowhere. My Higher Spirit seemed to say, 'Give me the book. You're responsible for listening and following guidance. I'll be responsible for the results.' Frequently, when my editor and I got stuck, we went to him."

The term "Higher Spirit" is not found in Scripture, nor is "head honcho," "big guy" or "the man upstairs." These terms are the religiously-correct way of recognizing something "higher" than mankind that doesn't offend mankind.

Within the nature of the one God there are three separate and distinct personalities--God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Each Person is called God in Scripture, but there is only one God. Jesus Christ is God Himself in human form, second Person of the Trinity, our Lord and Savior. And it is Jesus, Himself, Who slammed the door shut on the term "Higher Spirit" 2,000 years ago, when He said:

You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. So they were saying to Him, Who are You? Jesus said to them, What have I been saying to you from the beginning? (John 8:23-25).

So, Ken Blanchard has been a big influence in Jim Steffen's life, and the motivation behind his book, Aligned Thinking. But the most important part in the formulation of the book was Steffen's "Higher Spirit" overshadowing the process and providing guidance.

While the term "Higher Spirit" is foreign to Scripture, it is, however, deeply imbedded within the New Age movement, and is frequently used in unison with spirit guides.

And, in the Foreword of Steffen's Aligned Thinking, Ken Blanchard states that "'Aligned Thinking has made a tremendous difference in my life. I invite you to open this book and learn the answers to the three Life Aligning Questions that lead to the discovery of the MIN Secret, which will help you live your dreams" (Aligned Thinking:Make Every Moment Count, "The Ken Blanchard Series," Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., January 2006, p. x).

It wasn't a "Higher Spirit" that created the universe and holds it together. It wasn't a "Higher Spirit" that died on the cross, was buried, and rose bodily from the grave. A "Higher Spirit" cannot save, sanctify and redeem the sinner. But it is a "Higher Spirit" that will deceive the soul and assist the sinner into everlasting torment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Jesus is the answer: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

'Leadership Encounter' encounters the New Age

"Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, co-authors of The Servant Leader, have developed a unique interactive program to help leaders find new fulfillment and effectiveness in following leadership behaviors as modeled by Jesus. Leadership Encounter workshops and retreats provide the springboard to leading like Jesus" (Lead Like Jesus Leadership Encounter page).

According to the Lead Like Jesus website, the Leadership Encounter is "A two-day transformational encounter with Jesus as a role model," and is designed to "align the Heart (leadership character), the Head (assumptions and beliefs), the Hands (actions and behaviors) and the Habits (recalibration and renewal) for effective leadership" (Ibid).

For those interested in "Upcoming Leadership Encounters," the reader is directed from the Lead Like Jesus website directly to the Life by Design website at www.lifebydesign.net.

Life by Design was founded by Bob Cavinder, who is a commissioned pastor with the Reformed Church of America, and is a certified Life Coach and trainer. Currently, Cavinder serves as the Pastor to Family and Men's Ministries at the Crystal Cathedral, and is a certified trainer of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, The Path with Laurie Beth Jones, and Ken Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus.

The Life by Design website offers a Resources page, where the reader may click-on Executive Books, and be directed to Life by Design's online bookstore. Here, the reader is introduced to New Age authors such as: Mark Victor Hansen, Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Peale, Mormon/New Ager Stephen R. Covey, Anthony Robbins, Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Gerald Jampolsky, Terry-Cole Whittaker, Gary Zukov and, surprisingly enough, Word-Faith heretic and false prophet, Benny Hinn. Of course, Ken Blanchard's books are also available.

Jon Gordon, Ken Blanchard, and 'positive energy'

According to his website, "Jon Gordon, known as 'America's #1 Energy Coach,' is a pioneer in the field of Energy Coaching-an integrative approach that blends positive psychology, emotional intelligence, nutrition, exercise and bio-energy fields to enhance health, happiness, professional success, and athletic performance.

"From corporate executives, athletes, and artists to Moms and Dads who need to recharge their batteries, Jon's innovative strategies have produced life changing and career enhancing results. He is the best-selling author of Energy Addict: 101 Mental, Physical and Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life (Perigee, 2004) and The 10-Minute Energy Solution (Putnam, 2006). Jon is also the co-founder of the Positive Energy Program, a non-profit initiative to help develop healthy positive kids" ("About Jon" at http://www.jongordon.com/jonsbio.html ).

Here are examples and quotes from Gordon's book, The 10-Minute Energy Solution:

Page 34: "Move with yoga. It's not just for Madonna. Millions of people are benefiting from yoga, and you can too...For a great selection of yoga videos visit www.gaiam.com" (this website defines their name, "GAIAM" as "a fusion of the words 'Gaia' (the name of Mother Earth from the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete) and 'I am,' reminds us that we are all interconnected with the Earth, the air and water, and very much a part of this living system that sustains us all" ("Our Mission," click HERE).

Page 74: quotes Indian Guru and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, Paramahansa Yogananda (this is the same Paramahansa Yogananda who wrote, "'In titling this work The Second Coming of Christ, I am not referring to a literal return of Jesus to earth....A thousand Christs sent to earth would not redeem its people unless they themselves become Christlike by purifying and expanding their individual consciousness to receive therein the second coming of the Christ Consciousness, as was manifested in Jesus....Contact with this Consciousness, experienced in the ever new joy of meditation, will be the real second coming of Christ and it will take place right in the devotee's own consciousness'" (Click HERE; italics theirs).

Page 98: "This 10-minute exercise is a combination of energy breathing, qigong movements, and yoga stretches" ("Qigong comes from two Chinese words: Qi (chi) means energy and gong (kung) means a skill or a practice. Qigong therefore means a skill or practice of cultivating energy... There are various kinds of qigong--broadly categorized as internal and external. Internal qigong is much like meditation, with visualizations in order to guide the energy. External qigong includes movement accompanying the meditation" (http://www.qi.org/faq.html).

Page 156: encourages breathing and visualization techniques.

Page 163: states that "While some people associate meditation with a particular Eastern religion, please understand that meditation can be practiced by people of all religions."

Page 164: Gordon guides the reader into breathing and focusing techniques, placing emphasis on certain parts of the body. Eventually, the reader is guided into the silent repeating of a word or a combination of words, where Gordon states: "The 'so hum' technique is one that I practice and learned from author and mind/body pioneer Deepack Chopra."

Concerning the words, so hum, Shiva Rea (long time yoga practitioner), explains:

"The yogic mantra 'so hum' is not only a reflection of the sound of the breath but also carries a contemplative meaning: 'I am that' (so = 'I am' and hum = 'that'). Here, 'that' refers to all of creation, the one breathing us all. This contemplation meditation is an opportunity to focus 'thinking mind' on the mystery of being and to reflect upon the interdependent nature of all phenomenon revealed by the sages and confirmed by contemporary physics" (Shiva Rea, "So Hum: Contemplation Meditation").

"Mantra, the chanting of sacred words or sounds, is a central part of yogic meditation. Mantra comes from the combination of two syllables: 'man,' meaning 'to reflect' or 'be aware,' and 'tra,' meaning 'tool for' or 'agent of.' A mantra is a tool for reflection and the cultivation of awareness, and is used for both concentration and contemplation on the Source" (Shiva Rea, "A Higher Hum: Breath and Mantra Meditation," as quoted in Yoga Journal, http://www.yjmag.com/meditation/504_1.cfm ).

"Within yoga, mantras are based upon sounds that reflect the energy of our divine nature. Om is considered to be the universal, consummate mantra" (Ibid).

Page 172: quotes Buddha.

Page 197: quotes from the New Age book, A Course in Miracles (this book, which was written by channeling a spirit guide named "Jesus," denies essential doctrines of the Christian faith and is New Age to the core). For a Christian perspective on A Course in Miracles, read:

"Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles" by Warren Smith

"A Course in Miracles" by Mike Oppenheimer

Page 205: states that "'Love is the divine force that connects us to ourselves, each other, and everything in the universe.'"

Page 211: quotes The Dalai Lama.

Pages 250-251: Jon Gordon's recommended New Age Books, Websites and Magazines:

Energy Addict: 101 Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life by Jon Gordon [published by Perigee Trade in September 2004]

An Open Heart by the Dalai Lama [ http://www.dalailama.com ]

Heart of the Soul by Gary Zukav [ http://www.zukav.com ]

Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson [ http://marianne.com/book/index.htm ]

The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer [click HERE for website]

The Art of Happiness by Howard Cutler and the Dalai Lama

Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra [ http://www.chopra.com ]

www.drweil.com (Dr. Andrew Weil. This website introduces individuals to Integrative Medicine, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and Mind/Body/Spirit exercises, which includes detailed instructions and information on yoga poses).

www.chopra.com (Deepak Chopra. According to this website, Chopra is "Acknowledged as one of the world's greatest leaders in the field of mind body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D. continues to transform our understanding of the meaning of health. Through his creation of The Chopra Center for Well Being in California in 1995, Dr. Chopra established a formal vehicle for the expansion of his healing approach using the integration of the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions" (click HERE). Among other things, The Chopra Center offers yoga (click HERE), Jyotish Astrology (click HERE), Panchakarma purification treatments (click HERE), Global Meditation Tour (click HERE), Primordial Sound Meditation (click HERE), a variety of seminars, including the Seduction of Spirit, where individuals are guided through "a daily practice of mindfulness, visualizations, the Law of the Day, and deep meditations," along with "beginner and advanced Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga instruction" (click HERE).

O, The Oprah Magazine (Oprah Winfrey. Amongst the glitz, glamour and popularity, Winfrey also promotes Mind/Body techniques such as yoga (click HERE and HERE) and meditation (click HERE).

Shift (Noetic Sciences. "Noetic sciences are explorations into the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing including intuition, feeling, reason, and the senses. Noetic sciences explore the 'inner cosmos' of the mind (consciousness, soul, spirit) and how it relates to the 'outer cosmos' of the physical world. Noetic sciences are explorations into the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing including intuition, feeling, reason, and the senses. Noetic sciences explore the 'inner cosmos' of the mind (consciousness, soul, spirit) and how it relates to the 'outer cosmos' of the physical world" (The Institute of Noetic Sciences, click HERE).

Body and Soul ("Body & Soul magazine was launched in 1974 as the New Age Journal. It was renamed Body & Soul in 2001, as the topics and themes it had always covered--organic food, natural medicine, mind-body fitness, environmentally conscious consumerism, and spiritual and personal growth-began to enter the mainstream as interests of American women" ("Martha Stewart Living Aquires Body & Soul Magazine," The Write News, September 10, 2004, click HERE for complete article).

Spirituality and Health ("The Body/Soul Connection" magazine that provides extensive coverage on various facets within the New Age Movement, click HERE)

Important points to consider:

1. Again, Jon Gordon's book, Energy Addict: 101 Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life, was published in September 2004, and carries Ken Blanchard's endorsement on the back cover: "Simple, powerful strategies...Read it so you can go for it" (click HERE for picture from Amazon.com).

2. Again, on July 22, 2005, Ken Blanchard stated that: "Recently, it was brought to my attention that some of my endorsements and book forewords are for books written by authors who espouse concepts that are contrary to Christian teachings. I did not realize that this was the case when I wrote these endorsements and forewords. But now after further study and discussions with other followers of Jesus whom I respect and admire, including the staff at Watchman Fellowship, I understand why these are problematic and I promise that I will exercise better discernment in the future" (emp. added).

3. Again, on July 25, 2005, Watchman Fellowship's president, James Walker, stated in his Ken Blanchard Update that: "It is regretful that any Christian leader might err, under any circumstances, by promoting New Age authors or their teachings. We are grateful that in this instance, when approached with the issues of concern, Mr Blanchard was not only willing to admit to this error but, to also make assurances to take corrective action for the future" (emp. added).

4. In spite of Ken Blanchard's "promise" that he "will exercise better discernment in the future" six months ago, and James Walker stating that "Mr Blanchard was not only willing to admit to this error but, to also make assurances to take corrective action for the future" six months ago, Blanchard endorses Jon Gordon's book:

"'Jon Gordon is a master at teaching people the power of positive energy. If you want to increase your joy and effectiveness, as well as your energy level, read this book." --Ken Blanchard'" (The 10-Minute Energy Solution: A Proven Plan to Increase Your Energy, Reduce Your Stress, and Transform Your Life, Penguin Group, Inc., January 2006, back cover).

Ken Blanchard: Christian, New Age or New Age Christian?

Would the Jesus of the Bible lead Ken Blanchard into joining and participating in New Age organizations, endorsing New Age authors and books, associating with New Agers, and maintaining his Christianity while doing so? Of course not! But the "Jesus" of the New Age would. This is why Christians need to learn the blatant and subtle differences.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned

(1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV).

In Acts 19:19, we find that when the New Agers of the apostle Paul's day were saved, many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Those who were led to the Lord by the apostle Paul weren't part-Christian and part-New Age, nor did they have one-foot in a witches cauldron and the other foot in Christian baptism. They stopped acknowledging, affirming, endorsing, promoting and lending credibility to their occultic beliefs. They repented and renounced their ungodly practices, and roasted their expensive books and writings over and open fire--publicly. What a glorious testimony to the gospel and love they had for Jesus Christ.

"All leaders have to confront personal pride. In fact, this ego trait as harmful as it is to ourselves and our organization can become addictive. Every day we will be faced with temptations to react in prideful ways, so we will always be 'in recovery.' The first step to overcoming such addiction is to get our priorities in order. The leader who does not seek the Kingdom of God first often does not seek it at all. (Page 32)" (Ken Blanchard, "Devotions from The Servant Leader," Day 17).

Ken Blanchard's endorsements of New Age authors and books, participation in New Age organizations, and refusal to repent, renounce, retract, and completely separate from the New Age movement is by choice, not by chance.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Actions speak louder than words. You will know them by their fruits. Is Ken Blanchard a Christian? Yes; a New Age Christian, that is...

Bud Press, Director

Christian Research Service

www.christianresearchservice.com

Jude 3

This update would not have been possible were it not for the valuable assistance of numerous Christians, whose love for the Lord, the truth of His word, and the defense of the faith are first and foremost in their lives. Indeed, their courage is remarkable.

( “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." )