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Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993) was ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1922, and served as pastor at a succession of churches before changing his affiliation to the Dutch Reformed Church so that he could become pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City (1932–84). His best known book published in 1952, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” has sold millions of copies, worldwide. |
- Norman Vincent Peale, a Freemason, of “The Power of Positive Thinking” who taught Self Hypnosis – Autosuggestion, (Positive Thinking Movement)
- influenced Robert Schuller (Self Esteem Movement)
- who influenced Bill Hybels (Seeker Sensitive and Church Growth Movement)
- and also C. Peter Wagner (Church Growth Movement and NAR New Apostolic Reformation)
- who influenced Rick Warren of “The Purpose Driven Life” published in 2002 (Seeker Sensitive and Church Growth Movement)
- who influenced Brian McClaren (Emerging Church Movement).
- who influenced Anglican Church (Fresh Expressions Movement).
Noteable:
- Norman Vincent Peale, a Freemason, also influenced Billy Graham, who, at the National Council of Churches on June 12, 1966, said; “I don’t know of anyone who had done more for the kingdom of God than Norman and Ruth Peale or have meant anymore in my life for the encouragement they have given me.”
We need to “Be Alert!”
Scripture, the Word of God, succinctly warns; beware of listening to false teachers:
Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, following the tradition of men according to the rudiments of the world, and not in accordance with Christ.”
2 Peter 2:1-3
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”
1 Timothy 6:3-12
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
