Emergent Theology and The Omega of Heresies
by Adam Hendron
Ellen White’s 1904 prophecy regarding “the omega of heresies” appears to be fulfilled in today’s Emerging Church movement. This blossoming belief system was just budding in her day, with a new theory that the seer of Seventh-day Adventism identified as the “alpha of deadly heresies.” (Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet; omega is the last.) “The omega will follow,” she said, “and will be received by those who are not willing to heed the warning God has given.”1
With chills of foreboding, Mrs. White heard a lecturer: “The subject upon which he was speaking was life, and the relation of God to all living things. In his presentation he cloaked the matter somewhat, but in reality he was presenting scientific theories which are akin to pantheism.”2
Pantheism is the idea that God is everything. Emergent theology teaches something akin to this, called panentheism—the idea that God is in everything. “God is enfolded in the world, so he has to be unfolded, and that’s where you get the concept of emergence.” So teaches Emergent leader Jürgen Moltmann, as summarized in the video, “Quantum Lie.”
Jesus says, “If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,” Revelation 3:20. But the new theology says Christ is already built into us; we just need to tease him out. “Part of the goodness of Creation is an inherent potential to generate new possibilities so that more and more goodness can emerge.”3
While he doesn't come out and call it “panentheism,” Emergent leader Rob Bell indeed uses scientific theories to cloak this heresy, just as the prophet described. In his “Everything is Spiritual” lecture, Bell sees God in sub-atomic particles. The Mars Hill pastor says quantum physicists are finding that “the universe at its core made up of some sort of relational energy.” All matter, that is, contains some of its Creator.
The Bible says Christ is Creator.4 It also says that Jesus will make his abode only in those who keeps his words.5 “Many will depart from the faith,” White warned, “giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most startling nature.” Startling it is, to see that only a century later, a foundational tenet of Christianity—the need to invite Jesus into your heart—has been eliminated.
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1 First Selected Messages, p. 200
2 Fifth Manuscript Release, p. 375
3 The Language of the Emerging Church, p. 109
4 Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17
5 John 14:23
What goes around–comes around. Only a few months ago we were cautioned here about the alpha and omega, only to be reminded again. EGW’s interpretation is recycled every few years to ensure that that all who have not heard this message, or new converts, will be properly warned. Christianity has made many changes in its long history and more will be made. Rejecting evolution, Christianity has been an evolutionary religion since its beginning.
Funny you should write that, Elaine… My devotional reading for this morning contained the text, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
I am not sure that we can jump from that text to the conclusion that the church does not, or should not change. I have no doubt that pantheism will again become a real challenge to the church, but I am not convinced that the emerging church is where the danger will come from. I wonder sometimes just howmuch of the fear of the emergent church coming from conservative Adventism is simply fear of anything that is ḋifferent.
If people did not fail to find what they are looking for in Adventism, they would not spend time looking outside. Perhaps our effort would be better spent in constructing a better form of Adventism rather than constantly gazing outward in fear.
No fear here, Kevin. The prophet gives me confidence. Seems like a lot of anxiety on the other end, though.
Re. your posit: What if people are looking for something in Adventism that doesn’t belong there?
But what if people are looking for something in Adventism that should be in all forms of Christianity and not finding it? I believe that is happening, as well as the problem of people looking for what should not be there.
Yes, I have some fear when I look at the state of the church. Both Ellen White and the Bible give me confidence that in the end God wins, but neither promise a smooth ride to that end. It is possible to have faith in God but still be uneasy about people and their actions, and where that may lead them and the church.
Is this not the signs of (Apostate?) Christianity forging a pact with Spiritism and Spritualism? Many in the West (and the masses influenced by the West) have, due to wholesale Secularisation, embraced Eastern pantheism and it’s derivative panentheism. A popular ‘spin-off’ of this is the concept among Western Secular Culture is that each one must ‘find one’s own path to spirituality’ or ‘god realisation’ which must be searched for from within (very theistic evolution like) and not from without. (I’ve seen this notion expressed on this website by some commentors). Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” [John 14:6]
At least at the core of Eastern and Middle Eastern religions can be found some absolutes which they subscribe to, at least in theory. In the Emergent Christian radical culture of today which has been swept away by Secularization: “There are no Absolutes – except for that statement of course.” (I heard someone say this on the radio the other day)
Neale Donald Walsch, quotes ‘God’in his New Age book: “You are always a part of God, because you are never apart from God. This is the truth of your being. We are Whole. So now you know the whole truth.” “So go ahead! Mix what you call the profane and the profound—so that you can see that there is no difference, and experience All as One.” “I Am What I Am: All That Is.”
“For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (Romans 1:25)
The danger in all of this? “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” [1Tim 4:1]
In God we Trust?
T
Now here’s someone who’s done his homework. None of these rambling rants. And he actually quotes Scripture!
Mr. Hendron seems to subscribe to the idea proposed by the Standish brothers that EGW was the greatest prophet of all. This means that everything she ever wrote was infallible, every prophecy ever made was apocalyptic, non-conditional and inescapable, her reading of events surpasses that of the NT prophets and JEsus. This is 1980/Walton all over again!
His novel interpretation that the Omega apostasy is the emergent church is just another attempt at fear mongering heard in Atlanta and conspiracy theory gone mad.
I’ve heard all kinds of interpretations of this “Omega apostasy”, including one that proposes banishing drums in church because they are a fulfillment of this “prophecy”.
It’s also disturbing when people root for EGW quotations when they can’t substantiate their ideas from the Bible. Can we find an “Omega” apostasy in the Bible? That should be our search and not try to force EGW into an inexorable prophet of every detail of the future.
Jesus made it clear that the apostasy of the end-times would include the same practices of the pre-flood world: look up Gen. 6 for details. He also said there would be little faith on earth, that hardly applies to our days or to the emergent church. Paul stated that in the last days, there would be widespread apostasy in the family, religious and social world.
We do not need a novel interpretation of a “secret” prophecy by EGW. We do not need to make her into our own little Nostradamus speaking in cryptic terms about the end times. The Bible is plenty clear about it.
“Keep watch”.
I’m not up on the Standish bro’s; never read a book of theirs.
As for EGW’s writings, they’re just as inspired as Scripture. Moreover, the Church obviously needed this latter-day gift of prophecy, or God would not have imparted it (and foretold its appearance, Rev 12:17). Despise not prophesyings.
The panentheism EGW associates with the Omega appears to correspond with what Scripture calls “the lie” in 2 Thess. This is the text referenced in the “Quantum Lie” video (referenced in my article). It is the presumption that unconverted man has God within, as Satan also insinuated in the garden. Lighthouse Trails Research has addressed Emergent Panentheism on the basis of Scripture alone. EGW’s writings simply bring the matter into sharper focus. Far from cryptic, they are express revelation.
Regarding Christ’s statement about there being little faith on the earth at time’s end, you’ve inspired my next article, which shall examine this question in depth.
Thanks for writing!
Ellen White’s 1904 prophecy regarding “the omega of heresies” appears to be fulfilled in today’s GYC – Generation of Youth for Christ. By your fruits you shall know them.
Michael
I am not a fan of the GYC, but do they really fit the picture of ‘the omega of apostasy’? Perhaps you could list the similarities you see. I am not sure I see pan(en)theism in GYC and more than in most parts of the emergent church.
http://spectrummagazine.org/blog/2011/05/31/samuel-koranteng%E2%80%93pipim-cancels-speaking-appointments-and-resigns-michigan-conference
Where in the Bible is there a definitive explanation that pantheism or panentheism is the omega of apostasy? While the Bible mentions the first and last of the alphabet, where is it explicitly said to be any doctrine that is in error?
Adam,
I have no dog in this fight but your definitions are in eror. Pantheism is God is “in all things” and panentheism is “all things are in God.” In the latter God would have loss if something was not ultimately a part of Him. How could God destroy anything without destroying part of Himself?
regards,
pat
Jesuit Hunter: Fearful of using your legitimate name?
Pat, is seems sufficient for some to raise concerns about the “omega” which is lacking in such a defintion in Revelation, and simply follow those who have been certain of its identity.
There are only three verses in the entire Bible that use these terms and they are all in the most symbolic book.
“I am the alpha and omega” (Rev.1:8).
“I am the alpha and omega” (Rev. 21:6).
I am the alpha and omega” (Rev. 22:13
Meaning: “I am the beginning and the end.”
Since all three are identical statements identifying God as the beginning and end, how did the “omega” become a heresy? If God is both the beginning and the end (the meaning of these Greek letters) why is there such a distortion of these very plain texts? There is never an association with heresy–unless one wishes to claim that belief in God is heresy. How and where did such an unbiblical belief originate?
John Andrews asks: Can we find an “Omega” apostasy in the Bible? That should be our search and not try to force EGW into an inexorable prophet.”
Adam now says it can be found in 2 Thess. Maybe someone should do a biblical search and perhaps there are more theories, as all good conspiracy theories need several sources.
Elaine,
I only said I don’t have a dog in the fight of what EGW might have meant by “the omega.” She was referring to the “living Temple” content of Kellogg in the Alpha.
As you have suggested this is extra biblical nomenclature as “she used it.”
I believe the question of panentheism coming into the church is a legitimate worry. Whether that is what Ellen White meant by ‘the Omega’ of apostasy or not, whether she was insppired or not, whether she has misused biblical language or not, seem like side issues. The emergent movement is a large and somewhat diverse movement. Conservative Christians (and they are not alone in this) have a track record of misunderstanding people who use language differently, as well as being prone to see conspiracies where none exist. So the real question is whether any/some/most/all emergent leaders are teaching panentheism. That question would be relevant if Ellen White had never said anything.
I believe some of the evidence points more to a different approach to the world and the language used to describe that. I have Anglican friends who often use the language of seeing God in all things. They are not pan(en)theists of any sort, they just believe that the Christian should be able to see God’s activity in all events and situations. It sounds very much like what some emergent church leaders are saying. My response to much that I have read from emergent writers is ‘yes, but …’ But then, I have the same response to many SDA writers, so that may not mean much.
Kevin,
You are correct that both pantheism and panentheism are “false descriptions” of God in His relationship to His creation…and “classical” Evangelicals have long recognized it…without the writings of Ellen…in fact that was one of her concerns with Kellogg and how the church would be viewed by Christians of the day.
For those who wonder what the emerging church is, and what it believes, the following article is a reasonable introduction. If you have time, the 7 pages of responses also are interesting.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/february/11.35.html
Here we go again! Another claim about the “Omega of Apostasies.” I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard such claims and seen where the result was just more debate that distracted us from doing what God wants us to be doing.
When the church grows stale with perfectionist theology and is so introverted in looking for sins among its own, this is the inevitable result: more searching for reasons for the “Lord delaying His coming.”
Where did that idea originate? We mere humans are not in control of God. He will return when He decides, not based on anything we do. We should be about our “Father’s business” simply because there are so many hands needed to help those who are hurting all around us. But instead, we are “soul-searching” seeking the last possible sin to eradicate in our lives. Such Puritinical navel-gazing will always result in judgmental attitudes.
People who are busy helping to feed the hungry (there certainly is a desperate need there); and aiding flood and tornado victims will have no time to do “soul-searching.”
Elaine,
Well said! When I’m busy doing God’s work I don’t have time to get lost in useless debates and my tolerance for them gets really short in a big hurry.
Elaine, I like this note from you–I agree.
“We mere humans are not in control of God. He will return when He decides, not based on anything we do. We should be about our “Father’s business” simply because there are so many hands needed to help those who are hurting all around us. But instead, we are “soul-searching” seeking the last possible sin to eradicate in our lives. Such Puritinical navel-gazing will always result in judgmental attitudes.”
This attitude of worrying about our own salvation comes across as self-centered “naval-gazing” all right. The only conspiracy is that of the adversary/accuser, and he has one for averybody: perfectionism, pantheism, secularism, criticism, all sorts of isms to fit our every need! They can become our idols and identity. And they all fit the biblical “form of religion that denies the power thereof.” Faith can change lives and attitudes if practiced.
Thank you Adam.
I like your post, short and to the point. I’ve seen the DVD you recommend some time ago and I agree with you that it explains very well how this pantheistic/panentheistic understanding of God is in the foundation of Emerging theology.
Another important thing mentioned, is that we as Christians don’t understand that evolution is not only about origins but about the eschatology as well. Spiritual evolution is where we are supposedly heading and quantum physics (in their understanding) and this emerging worldview where everything is “unfolding” is preparing the way.
Better stay away from any physicists and especially those who are studying quantum physics. One never knows what’s behind such studying.
I see an emphasis on works in some of these responses. In essense “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you do good.” …Be careful with the “social gospel.” There were many crying social needs in Jesus day that He did not take up. Serving others is part of Christ’s method, but if it is followed by bad theology, it is wasted effort. Many corporations and Hollywood stars seek to cover their corruption with charity. It’s like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.
“The Devils believed and trembled.” If what one believes is not shown by his life, it is worthless. Many “beliefs” have nothing whatsoever to do with actions. One may believe that any work on Sabbath is violating God’s law, but he may then expect someone else to “pick up the slack” because he refuses to work on that day. IOW, His religion is more important than another’s welfare. Putting one’s belief ahead of one’s love for his fellow man. No thank, that kind of religion is not attractive at all. The same God who spoke the Ten Words also said that to love others is to fulfill the law.
Alden Thompson’s article in the Summer issue of Adventist Today on Ellen White and the emerging church has demolished this shallow argument by Hendron et al.
You tell them, Dr. Thompson!!
Relying completely on SDA sources makes any argument both stale and redundant, speaking of “emergent churches.” Those are not usually found within the SDA organization, although perhaps in individual churches.
John Andrews,
Alden Thompson is part of the emergent scene. Of course he would justify it. But others, who have much higher respect for the Bible than the historical-critical-method-loving Thompson, could refute him point by point from a solid, Biblical basis.
Elaine, relying on SDA sources makes it much more likely that the writers are actually being true to the Bible. Why read Bible-rejecters, Bible-twisters, and Bible-sceptics writing on Bible-related topics? I may as well read Elaine Nelson writing about the 144,000 if I want to know who they are.
Pagophilus: You are welcome.
As Satan has a counterfeit for everything , including the Second Coming, we should recognize Emergent Theology is a counterfeit for the Grace of God. Grace that comes first, by all being in Him; and second, by Him being in believers (by faith). cf. John 14:20; John 15:4. Thus this doctrine does away with the doctrine of Biblical reconciliation: Grace through faith alone.
Colossians, 2:1-20
2(1:20) The word translated “reconcile” (Gk, katallassoy means to change thoroughly, and in its various forms occurs in Rom.5:lO,l1; 11:15; 1 Cor.7:11; 2 Cor.5:18-20; Eph.2:16; Col.l:20- 21. In the KJV it has been rendered by the words “reconcile” and “reconciliation” except in Rom.5:11 where the noun form (katallagge), translated “atonement,” should be rendered “reconciliation.” A study of the passages referred to above indicates that the work of God in¬volves two distinct reconciliations: (1) The reconciliation accomplished at Calvary-“God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Cor.5:19). Here God was not changed for He had always loved the world; nor was the world changed, for it continued in sinful rebellion against God. But by the death of Christ the relationship between God and the world was changed; the barrier because of sin being taken away judicially, enabling God to show mercy where judgment was deserved. This reconciliation was the work of God alone, in which man had no part. And (2) there is a reconciliation wrought by God in the sinner himself, whereby he becomes changed in his rebellious attitude toward God, so that he is persuaded to receive the reconciliation already accomplished through Christ at the cross (Rom.5:11). In this ministry of reconciling the sinner, Christians have a part, being ambassadors for Christ bearing the “word of reconciliation” com¬mitted to them (2 Cor.5:19) and beseeching men: “Be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor.5:20).
3(2:2) The “mystery of God” is Christ, as incarnating the fullness of the Godhead, and all the divine wisdom and knowledge for the redemption and reconciliation of man.
The first reconciliation is by the grace of God alone. Objective reconcilliation.
The second reconciliation is by grace through faith alone. Subjective reconcilliation.
Cf. Titus 2:11-14, Grace saves me, and grace changes me through faith.
Emergent Theology exchange the truth of God for a lie, it worships and serves the creature rather than the Creator, cf. Romans 1:25.
Wow! What are you, some kind of Bible scholar?
That MH quote is what I was referring to earlier: "serving other is part of Christ's method." It's the last part that is too often missing: "follow Me." His Spirit leads us into all truth. Jesus taught and preached as well as healed. He did not teach the host of errors that Babylon espouses (bolstered by "good works").
Well said
You tell them, Jesus!! You tell them, James!!
Elaine said, "Since all three are identical statements identifying God as the beginning and end, how did the "omega" become a heresy?"
Come on Elaine! Are you serious? Ellen White talks about an "omega" apostasy in reference to it being the "final" or "end" apostasy before the time of Christ. She is in no way equating it with the "Omega" which is Christ, that is simply nonsense to suggest. The context of what she meant is obvious.
Somehow I missed earlier the comment that “Ellen White’s 1904 prophecy regarding “the omega of heresies” appears to be fulfilled in today’s GYC(General Youth Conference) movement.” I don’t disagree (or agree for that matter), but would someone please explain in a little detail how the GYC is the "omega of heresies"?
Does EGW trump John's Revelation?
"I am the the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come."
"Then he said, 'It is already done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.'
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Where does the Bible identify "Omega" as heresy?
Elaine,
Surely it is not worth the effort to be this obtuse? The reference is to alpha and omega as the first and last, not to Jesus. It surprises me how often you have these fundamentalist moments.
'"I am the the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord God"
Elsine
At least you are consistent. If you wanted to be, you ccould be an excellent fundamentalist. Your talent is wasted among liberals 🙂
Please tell me what Scripture identifies omega as heresy? Is it not simply EGW and the Bible in disagreement on this?
From Proverbs we read:
6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
6:14 Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
6:16 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
6:19 A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What kind of a person tries to hold another to account for a text she doesn't believe in herself–and knowingly misuses? (Or as Daniel Flynn's commentary follwoing John Roberts' Obamacare decision–another absurdity–put it: "One becomes a participant in farce when one engages with someone acting in bad faith as though they act in good faith.")
Huh?
Hmm. And just when you might think that some topic has been completely vetted, someone pops up with something out of left (or right?) field. It just shows that you can’t keep a bad idea down.