Moody Bible Institute recently became aware of certain assertions made about the Institution by Lighthouse Trails Research Project. In an effort to clear up any confusion, Moody has sent a response to Lighthouse Trails Research Project and is posting the following explanation of its beliefs and teachings on contemplative spirituality, spiritual formation, and the emerging/emergent church.

Moody Bible Institute does not promote contemplative spirituality.

One of the challenges in discussing these issues is that different groups use terminology in different ways.  When we discuss terms not specifically found in Scripture, sometimes referred to as extrabiblical, there is unfortunately great opportunity for misunderstanding and misrepresentation. As to the case in point, two concepts, contemplative spirituality and spiritual formation are defined in many different ways

Lighthouse Trails Research Project defines contemplative spirituality as

A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology; the premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all) ( http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/). 

As so defined, Moody Bible Institute agrees that contemplative spirituality is dangerous, as it substitutes subjective experience for the authority of the Word of God.  Some classic “mystic” practices are not inherently wrong in and of themselves.  For example, there is a clear biblical precedent for remaining silent before the Lord (Lamentations 3:26, 28; Psalm 4:4; 46:10).  However, where these contemplative practices rely on feeling and experience rather than the truth of Scripture, they can be detrimental to the spiritual life of the believer.

However, Moody and Lighthouse Trails do not agree on the definition of spiritual formation.

Lighthouse Trails defines spiritual formation:

Spiritual formation is based upon experiences promoted by desert monks and Roman Catholic mystics; these mystics encourage the use of rituals and practices that if performed will bring the practitioner closer to God (or enable him to enter God's presence). The premise is that if one goes into the silence or sacred space, then the mind is emptied of distractions, and the voice of God can be heard and personal transformation will take place. In truth, these hypnotic, mantric style practices bring one into altered states of consciousness, and rather than the believer being changed by the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the person of Jesus Christ, he is supposedly changed (transformed) by entering this altered realm ( http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter051507.htm ). 

Moody does not teach this kind of spiritual formation and would reject this approach. Moody defines spiritual formation within the academic community as:

An academic synonym for spiritual growth toward godly maturity, or the process of Christian discipleship and sanctification (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; 2 Peter 1: 5-8). The focus of spiritual formation is on a life yielded to the Holy Spirit, open to conviction, based upon a regenerated life in Christ and anchored in the Word of God. Spiritual formation at Moody is not to be confused with, or associated with, mystic or New Age practices. Rather, spiritual formation is rooted in the spiritual disciplines practiced by believers of all times, including Christ Himself, such as prayer, fasting, reading God’s Word, and fellowship.

At the Moody Bible Institute, spiritual formation is an academic term used to describe courses or subjects that deal with spiritual development. By using this term we are saying that we offer biblically based classes that focus on the spiritual lives of our students. We also note that this is consistent with the definition adopted by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (the accrediting body for Bible colleges) which states that spiritual formation is “the process utilized by an institution to encourage growth in Christian maturity.”

In this regard, it is important that we define what Moody Bible Institute means by the term spiritual disciplines, as this also seems to be the cause of some misunderstanding. 

The Moody Bible Institute defines spiritual disciplines as:

The intentional personal and corporate habits and practices that promote spiritual growth of both the individual and the church body.  In recognition of God’s command to be holy as He is (1 Peter 1:16), spiritual disciplines should be undertaken as a means of training the believer to grow in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and ultimately to grow closer in likeness to Jesus Christ. Thus, the purpose of spiritual disciplines should be in the spirit of Paul’s exhortation in Romans 13:14, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Among the spiritual disciplines that Moody teaches and encourages in its students are

• Scripture reading
• Scripture meditation (consciously focusing on a specific passage of Scripture and its relevance to the reader as described in Psalm 1:2)
• Prayer
• Worship
• Evangelism
• Stewardship
• Fasting
• Silence and solitude (intentional time spent alone with God; see Lamentations 3:26, 28; Psalm 4:4; 46:10; Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12-13)
• Confession

Moody Bible Institute does not endorse the emerging/emergent church.

Broadly speaking, the term emerging church (also emergent church) refers to a conscious and widespread movement present largely in western evangelical Protestantism. While the nature of the movement’s grounding in postmodern thought defies a simple or all-encompassing definition, what follows is a general attempt to categorize the movement in its major trends and positions.

The emerging church movement is essentially a response to the modernism-driven contemporary evangelicalism of North American Christianity. At its core, the emerging church movement values a grassroots, authentic spirituality; a decentralized church government; community among believers and unbelievers; an open-minded approach to theology and revelation; a rejection of traditionalism; and most notably an emphasis on spiritual experience as a primary source of truth.  Finally, the emerging church seeks to engage the world missionally, moving with intentionality into the culture and reality in which the church exists.  (For a helpful perspective, see Christianity Today.) 

Moody Bible Institute would respond to this movement with several key critiques:

• While not accepting church tradition as equal to Scripture in terms of authority, Moody values the historical roots and tenets of the Christian faith and rejects an overtly skeptical position toward our past.  Instead, Moody chooses to evaluate the statements and practices of those who have gone before in light of the written Word of God, holding fast to what is good and learning from the mistakes of our spiritual ancestors.
• While standing firmly in the Protestant tradition of rejecting a universal church hierarchy and instead embracing the priesthood of all believers, Moody affirms the value of a church leadership structure that accurately teaches the Word of God, shepherds the flock responsibly, administers church discipline, and keeps the church moored to the Scriptures and away from error.  
• Moody believes that the Word of God speaks to all the issues of life, both large and small; Scripture is our sole authoritative source of revelation and insight into the God whom we serve.  Therefore, Moody rejects an overemphasis on spiritual experience as a reliable teacher of spiritual truth and on cultural relevance as the highest goal of ministry. 

It is noteworthy that there have been—and occasionally still are—individuals who use the terms “emerging” or “emergent” in reference to church planting efforts around the globe.  For example, missionaries might refer to church planting results as “the emerging church in China.”  It is important to differentiate between this definition and the Western postmodern definition. 

Moody Bible Institute does not promote contemplative spirituality or emerging / emergent church ideologies in the Missionary Relationships class (MI-415).

As stated in the MI-415 syllabus, Missionary Relationships provides "a holistic approach to the relationships involved in a missionary ministry.  The course focuses on the missionary's relationship to God, himself, agency, sending and emerging church, co-workers, and host culture.  Emphasis is given to the development of building interpersonal relationships skills of listening, responding, and conflict management/negotiations."

In this context, the term "emerging church" refers to the nascent national church in the missionary's ministry context.  It does not refer in any way to the emerging church movement in western evangelical Christianity.

The Missionary Relationships class encourages students to strengthen their relationship with God as a prerequisite to successful missions ministry and relationships with others.  It does not promote contemplative spirituality as defined by Lighthouse Trails Research Project.

Moody Bible Institute defends the educational importance of having students read books that challenge our theology.

During their studies at Moody, students may be asked to read books or journals that differ from the theological viewpoints of the student or from the theological viewpoints of Moody.  Part of the education process includes helping students learn to evaluate a variety of positions—including those we believe are not biblical—in light of God's Word.  This approach teaches students to discern and appropriately confront error when they encounter it. 

Though a particular book may be required or recommended reading for a class at Moody, Moody does not endorse or uphold each teaching or claim that the book or the author may make. 

Moody Publishers, Moody Broadcasting, Moody Conference Ministries, and Today in the Word remain committed to our doctrinal statement. 

Moody Publishers, Moody Broadcasting, Moody Conference Ministries, and Today in the Word have and will continue to interview or feature guests, books, etc. that may not agree with Moody’s doctrinal statement on every point. However, each Moody ministry remains committed to our doctrinal statement of faith. Such interaction with various authors or subject matter experts does not constitute an endorsement of every aspect of that individual or group.

Moody Graduate School’s Department of Spiritual Formation and Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship (MASF/D) degree do not promote contemplative spirituality.

Moody Graduate School offers a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship degree.  The MASF/D degree is a 60-hour academic program designed to prepare men and women to become effective Christian ministers in developing spiritual formation programs in both the church and parachurch organizations. Special emphasis is placed on the development of spiritual formation in one's own personal life and in one's family.

As stated above, spiritual formation is an academic term used to describe courses or subjects that deal with the spiritual development of students.  By using the term, we are saying that we offer biblically-based classes that focus on the spiritual lives of our students.

Classes specific to this program include Biblical Spirituality, Spirituality and the Family, Spiritual Disciplines and Spiritual Warfare, Theology and Practice of Soul Care and Discipleship, and Theology and Practice of Prayer.

During the course of this degree program, students may be asked to read books or journals that differ from the theological viewpoints of the student or from the theological viewpoints of Moody.  Part of the education process includes helping students learn to evaluate a variety of positions—including those that are not biblical—in light of God's Word.  This approach teaches students to discern and appropriately confront error when they encounter it. 

Though a particular book may be required or recommended reading for a class at Moody, Moody does not endorse or uphold each teaching or claim that the book or the author may make. 

In 2005 Dr. Michael Easley praised Dallas Willard and his books The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God and The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. 

Dr. Easley has said on many occasions that he reads widely yet does not agree with every author on every point.  While Dr. Easley would take issue with many of Willard’s conclusions, Willard’s observations about Christ’s prayer life, seeking solitude, fasting, etc. are accurate. Christians should indeed follow after Jesus’ example.