r/TrueChristian • u/BladerKenny333 • 7d ago
What do you think of Cynthia Bourgeault?
I came across one of her books The Wisdom Jesus, it's been interesting and enjoyable. But I'm kind of afraid it might not be about the real Jesus and is just her version. Have any of you read her material? Thanks.
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u/TheAmazinManateeMan 7d ago edited 7d ago
I can't find anything that neatly sums up her theology but assuming I'm understanding the gist of her rightly, I see all ther hallmarks of someone who as John says "runs ahead not staying in the gospel" (paraphrasing 2 John)
She seems to be a prominent member of a "centering prayer movement" which as best I can tell tries to borrow eastern prayer styles and wisdom and use it to seek Christ. Which on a surface level seems wise. According to Paul it is profoundly unwise. Many of the greeks also tried to mix other "sources of wisdom" into Christianity to try to better themselves as Christians. Paul tells them this will always lead them astray as no wisdom from another source can be brought to Christ. He is the only source of wisdom.
Excerpts from Colossians 2 NIV
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
And
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.
A significant portion of heresies that were condemned in the early church started with mixing greek philosophy and speculations with the truth of scripture. Probably because the greeks were obsessed with philosophy. In the original greek verse 3 reads more like calling out that way of thinking because the greek word for "wisdom" is "philos". Likewise now Eastern philosophy is popular these days and we are going to see the same issues pop up with eastern as they did with greek philosophy.
I also saw mentions of the original already condemned greek heresies mentioned on one of her pages but without knowing the nuances of her perspective I can't be anymore specific.
Edit: "Philos" was autocorrected to "Philosophy" probably not an issue but it's corrected back to what it should be.