I recently came across this very solid article by Warren Smith regarding the book Jesus Calling and I want to pass it along to my readers. This author has provided ten very scriptural reasons as to why this is a very dangerous book (remember–the Bible is the only way we know truth from lies and genuine teachers from false teachers).
I know that, inevitably, some of you will be very upset with me for daring to imply that this book isn’t what it seems, but may I please implore you to at least read this article? We have to judge everything that comes our way using the light of scripture, including this book.
Here’s a portion of the article from WND–
In 2004, in one of her rare, carefully staged interviews, Sarah Young was asked by the Christian Broadcasting Network “How did you learn to ‘dialogue’ with God?” She answered that it was from reading the book “God Calling”:
“My journey began with a devotional book (‘God Calling’) written in the 1930s by two women who practiced waiting in God’s Presence, writing the messages they received as they ‘listened.’” (parentheses hers)
Also, in the original introduction to “Jesus Calling” that stood from 2004-2013, Young specifically praised “God Calling” as “a treasure to me.” However, “The Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs,” published by Christian publisher Harvest House, describes “God Calling” as a channeled New Age book that was spiritually dictated by a deceptive spirit pretending to be the real Jesus Christ. In their lengthy “Encyclopedia” chapter on channeling and spiritual dictation, Christian authors/apologists John Weldon and John Ankerberg explain that channeling is a form of New Age “mediumship,” which the Bible clearly defines as a “forbidden” practice (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Under a subheading titled “Impersonations of Christianity,” the authors describe “God Calling” as a New Age book “replete with denials of biblical teaching”8 that “subtly encourages psychic development and spiritistic inspiration under the guise of Christ’s personal guidance … and often misinterprets Scripture.”
Removing ‘God Calling’
Soon after Sarah Young’s endorsement of this New Age book was widely publicized in 2013, all references to “God Calling” were completely removed from all subsequent printings of “Jesus Calling.” Like the missing 18 and a half minutes from Richard Nixon’s Watergate tapes, “God Calling” suddenly disappeared from Young’s book. There was no explanation, no apology, no anything. But what was even more disturbing than their obvious damage control, was that Young and her publisher expressed absolutely no concern for the countless people who had already read or were currently reading “God Calling” because of Young’s previous endorsement. Nor was there any expressed concern that – thanks to Young – “God Calling” had been resurrected from semi-obscurity and had become a best-selling book in its own right. It was being printed in multiple editions by multiple publishers and was frequently featured alongside “Jesus Calling” in Christian bookstores and other retail outlets.
Young’s silence
To this day, Sarah Young has yet to publicly renounce, much less even acknowledge, her previous involvement with and endorsement of “God Calling.” The Bible says we are to admit our mistakes – not cover them up (Psalm 32:5). And this is especially true when millions of people have been affected by those mistakes. We are to reprove and expose books like “God Calling” – not just edit them away without any explanation (Ephesians 5:11). Scripture makes it clear that in regard to issues like “God Calling,” we are to let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no” and that it is “evil” to try and avoid the matter by refusing to clarify one’s position (Matthew 5:37).
The fact remains that Sarah Young has stated that she was inspired by “God Calling” to receive her own messages from “Jesus” and described the channeled New Age book as “a treasure to me.” Until she clearly specifies otherwise, we can only assume that where her treasure is, her heart is also.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Finish reading the article here to find nine more reasons why this book is not only heretical but also very dangerous.
Thank you for being brave enough to post this. I am so saddened by the huge numbers of Christians who read and approve of this book. We MUST be diligent and on guard!
Thank you, Angela. Can’t say I take any joy in posting these kinds of posts but I try to remember that nothing is more important than standing for the Truth of God’s Word. I appreciate your comment.
So many people need to know the truth about this book! Thanks for this post.
Thank you, DebbieLynne :)
Warren Smith is a Pharasee parasite. This woman has helped millions. He is wrong.
I find it absolutely fascinating that anyone who disagrees with Warren Smith (and myself) resorts to name-calling and personal attacks. If you believe the Bible to be the inerrant, inspired Word of God I am not sure how you can disagree with this article. Warren gives very scriptural reasons. If you don’t, then we have nothing to even discuss, as we have two completely different worldviews. But notice that I don’t call you a name just because I don’t ascribe to your world view. I don’t do that because that would be unkind and unloving–opposite of what we are called to be as believers.
Thank you for this information. Every time I have tried to read from this book….I have felt disconnected and creeped out by it. Yet, so many of my friends have been encouraged. I could never understand my own discernment until now.
Yes, I have heard that from several others, as well. So glad this helped you understand why :)
I am so very there, Emy!! I would feel the VERY same way, but never could understand the reasoning. So, I chose to ignore the feelings (mainly because SO many friends and family flock to it), and try to continue to faithfully read. It got to the point where I was ONLY reading that book and not THE BOOK (the Word of God), and the Lord dealt with me about that. Now I SEE!! And I must SHARE!! I am so appreciative!! Thanks for being so bold to go against the grain and share the truth!
Thank you! Praise the Lord that He opened your eyes! I love to hear testimonies like yours :)
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Sorry, but I respectfully do not agree! Average adults reading this book would surely be aware that the words of this book are the author’s interpretation put in an uplifting way for the reader to brighten their day and give encouragement in a positive manner. My own reading of this book found only positive reaction and thoughts about its content. It was initially given me as a gift from a close friend and former classmate. I have also given as a gift because I think the book can be to many most comforting! If the book feels wrong for someone, perhaps they should not read, but I do not find the words spewing anything negative that is harmful, regardless of any origins that may be negative, as much good often arises from bad.
Scripture always has to be our litmus test for truth. It can never be our feelings or how much “good” results. The origins of this book as well as how wrongly she portrays our precious Savior should be enough to make it off-limits for all believers.
I actually wonder how many people making negative comments, actually have throughly read her books. This is sad the way people in the name of “scripture”, tear others books, and others words into shreds!! Who made any one the individuals doing so, “monitor” for such things?? We each have to judge what we encounter daily and make our own choices. We don’t need “guards” out “warning” us, at least not on such a book, in my opinion!
If we don’t have our God given good sense to judge for ourselves right from wrong, this is our own personal problem between each of us to be judged ourselves someday by God!
The negative comments throughout the above and other similar, talk about the book “Jesus Calling” are totally un-needed, and we each need to think how we can spread kindness and goodness from our hearts to others rather then rude unkind remarks to warn other the book may be dangerous! For a book! Go help those in need I would say to any of you, visit the lonely and bed ridden! That is a good way to spread good to others!
None of us have been elected or chosen to be “rule monitors” for books or other things of the sort. The Bible speaks entirely for its self. If someone wants to write about it and encourage others! Let them! No one needs to “monitor” and say such things like I’ve read here!!
The damage being done to the author of this book by those spewing negative comments is not the way we should be thinking and helping others, as I personally see it. I know I won’t convince you avout your negative thoughts about this book, I know this without a doubt. I wonder why I waste my time, actually! However, I care, and think Sarah Young’s books are outstandingly of good taste and inspiring to many!
I simply feel someone needs to speak up when people gather in group, such as here in these multiple comments by several, to speak badly and do what is being done to another human being! How is this different than malicious gossip? They both are done with intention of destroying someone or exalting ones own self, as I see it!
I categorically disagree with you. The Christian life is about repentance, truth, holiness, and true worship. Doing good for others is, of course, a part of this, but certainly not any more important than discerning truth from error in this dangerous time. I give you some verses to think on:
I Thessalonians 5:21
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Jude 1:3-4
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God[b] and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 15:21
Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
I John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
I am astonished at how judge-mental people can be about others! We all will answer for our own actions some day and our judgement of others! Have a good week ahead each and all, I’ve stated my opinion.
I say to all remarking, we all should make sure we are as perfect as we apparently expect others to be. This entire conversation from beginning to end is shameful, to say the least, as I see it.
I’m sorry I sunk so low to even be involved and on the level exhibited by each of you who was negative about this woman and her book.
I and other will and can. clearly see. what this actually is: it appears to be an obvious “witch hunt”.
God forgive them for they apparently no not what they do!
Your words are in italic and my response is in regular font–
I am astonished at how judge-mental people can be about others! We all will answer for our own actions some day and our judgement of others! Have a good week ahead each and all, I’ve stated my opinion.
I find it ironic that you are judging US for judging. Can you see how inconsistent you are being?
I say to all remarking, we all should make sure we are as perfect as we apparently expect others to be. This entire conversation from beginning to end is shameful, to say the least, as I see it.
3 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23). You are implying that perfection is a prerequisite for discernment and yet we do not see this anywhere in scripture at all (see verses below).
I’m sorry I sunk so low to even be involved and on the level exhibited by each of you who was negative about this woman and her book.
I and other will and can. clearly see. what this actually is: it appears to be an obvious “witch hunt”.
So in your world, any negative words are sinful and wrong? You would view this as the ultimate sin–even over and above blatant misuse and twisting of scripture?
I would just ask you one final question–do you read God’s Word? Do you hold it in higher esteem than Jesus Calling? Do you read it much more often than Jesus Calling? Do you hunger for it and desire God’s Word above all things? Do you trust the Bible over and above the word of a woman who wrote a book about Jesus?
If your answer is no, then I believe you will understand my concern with this book.
I also find it interesting that you did not respond to any of the Bible verses I gave in my response to you, but instead continued on your rant against me and your praise for this book. Books like this tend to remove our interest in scripture and places it elsewhere. It hardens our heart to the Truth and fills us up with ungodly nonsense about God that makes us feel good. I highly, highly caution anyone reading this book and I will stand on that no matter how many people call me names or speak unkind, negative words about me. Truth is Truth and God’s Word is where we find Truth. Anything that doesn’t line up with that is not truth. Period.
I feel Sarah’s books have been a Godsend to me and many others. I’ve not discerned anything that causes me concern. It actually brings me to God’s Word, as I use it as a devotional stepping stone. I’ve read and studied God’s Word for over 42 years.
So what I hear you saying is that because you personally “have not discerned anything of concern” and because you believe it is a godsend, then it is okay. What I have not heard you address are the facts in this post that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this book is unbiblical. I know it’s hard to face hard facts. Something that seems to be drawing us closer to the Word may actually be drawing us away is a hard pill to swallow. But we must be willing to step outside of our own desires and opinions and compare ALL things to scripture— including a favorite book or author. And if we are willing to do that, then we must admit this author and her book are clearly unscriptural.