Hold Fast Apologetics

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Acts 17:11

Friends, no matter how popular the author or inspirational the message, it’s imperative that we readily test every message being taught about Jesus (in books, through podcasts, or at conferences) alongside the Bible. Especially when an author endorses the theology of Richard Rohr (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes 5:21)!

With this in view, we need to be willing to respectfully and responsibility examine books which are flooding the church doors. Even if our dear friends are excited about them.

Remember— even Peter needed corrected by Paul when Peter was adding to the grace of the cross (as documented in Galatians 2). Ladies, if Peter needed corrected, it’s highly likely that you and I will need correction at points in our walks, too.

John Mark Comer

John Mark Comer’s books are a wonderful example of why popularity does not necessarily mean biblical. Comer has not only been a guest on Ian Cron’s Enneagram podcast, but he also endorses the Enneagram via his Practicing the way website.

Even more concerning than promoting a pseudoscientific tool designed within New Age Spiritualism (Enneagram), Comer overtly endorses Richard Rohr.🚩 Seminary professor and respected author Dr. Douglas Groothuis describes Richard Rohr as “a heretic in the robes of a Franciscan priest. To be more specific, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a false teacher, and a deceiver (see Matthew 7:15–19; Acts 20:29–31). Basing his teaching primarily on eastern mysticism rather than biblical Christianity.”(1)

But don’t take Dr. Groothuis’s word for it, read Rohr’s firsthand! Here is a quote by Friar Rohr from an interview on August 3, 2019 via the Another Name for Everything with Richard Rohr podcast:

“Jesus was objectively Christ from his birth in Bethlehem, his conception in Nazareth, just like you and I are objectively Christ.” (2)

Succinctly stated, Richard Rohr teaches a very Jesus and a different gospel (2 Cor 11:4; 1 John 4:1-1). Richard Rohr preaches that “Jesus and Christ are not exactly the same.” (3) Rohr asserts that Christ entered the material world through the “Big Bang,” bringing a divine DNA into all materials things. (4) According to Rohr, all material things share the same Christ. The human Jesus, included. For more quotes by Richard Rohr (sources included), please refer to this printable chart. This evidence should compel us to take JMC’s endorsement of Rohr’s very seriously!

Rohr’s definition of sin on Comer’s webpage.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 1:6-9

When we read Comer’s teaching about sin, we also notice the words “Shadow Side” attached. Friends, this terminology (Shadow Side) was developed by Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung (1875-1961), a colleague of Sigmund Freud. In his article entitled, “The Big Question: Are You a Oneist or a Twoist?,” Dr. Peter Jones describes Jung as the Father of both Neo-Gnosticism and the New Age. (5) Seminary professor and respected author Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D. adds that “a careful consideration of the sources and nature of Jungian thought reveals a world view utterly and inexorably alien to biblical faith.” (6) Friends, Carl Jung’s perspective of sin is not biblical (Christian), and therefore should be rejected.

As I continued to read Comer’s website further, another concern jumped forward. Under his Practicing the Way “free resources” a statement under “Crafting a Rule of Life” which is a fitting works-based thesis for the entire resource:

“Transformation is possible, but it’s not inevitable.” – JMC

Friends, the last I checked God’s Word, God is the only one who both sanctifies and transforms us. It’s a promise. And God always keeps His word. Richard Rohr believes that Jesus is a mere model of faith (8), not the object of our faith. (9) Rohr’s perspective of Jesus is therefore opposed to historic (biblical) Christianity. Given Comer’s admiration for Rohr, and his apparent belief that transformation is works-based, we need to be very careful not to promote John Mark Comer’s teaching at this time.

*It is also important to note that I have written to Comer regarding the Richard Rohr research Comer asking for his stance on Rohr (through his church in Los Angeles, Facebook, as well as through the Practicing the Way website. So far, there has been no response from Comer…but let’s keep praying!

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

For more information pertaining to Richard Rohr and those influenced by his theology, please follow Marcia Montenegro and Christian Answers for the New Age.

1. Groothuis, Douglas. 2021. “A Heretic’s Christ, a False Salvation: A Review of The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe Richard Rohr.” Christian Research Institute.
   
2. Center for Action and Contemplation. 2019. “Jesus, Incarnation, and The Christ Resurrection.” cac.org. https://cac.org/podcasts/1-jesus-incarnation-and-the-christ-resurrection/.
   
3. “Who Is Christ? — Center for Action and Contemplation.” Center for Action and Contemplation, 2 December 2018, https://cac.org/daily-meditations/who-is-christ-2018-12-02/. Accessed 19 November 2024.
   
4. “Divine DNA — Center for Action and Contemplation.” Center for Action and Contemplation, 5 November 2017, https://cac.org/daily-meditations/divine-dna-2017-11-05/. Accessed 19 November 2024.
   
5. “Lesson 2: The Big Question: Are You a Oneist or a Twoist? | Biblical Worldview II: Seeing a World of Difference.” n.d. Blue Letter Bible Institute. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://study.bible/lesson/575.
   
6. Groothuis, Douglas, and Jordan Peterson. 2023. “The hidden dangers of carl jung.” Douglas Groothuis. https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/post/the-hidden-dangers-of-carl-jung.
   
7. https://www.filteritthroughabraincell.com/podcasts/filter-it-through-a-brain-cell/episodes/2147693235
   
8. 7. “Hidden with Christ in God — Center for Action and Contemplation.” 2017. Center for Action and Contemplation. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/hidden-with-christ-in-god-2017-08-20/. 
   
9. . “Jesus’ Invitation: Follow Me — Center for Action and Contemplation.” Center for Action and Contemplation, 18 October 2016, https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-invitation-follow-2016-10-18/. Accessed 19 November 2024.

✏️Article by Marcia Montenegro pertaining to JMC