From: Ed Newby Subject: Info on Templeton John Marks Templeton has become famous for offering a million dollars from his religious research center that is developing progress in religion. This prize has become one of the most prestigious Ecumenical awards today. Robert Schuller in his Possibilities magazine put his picture on the front cover and the inside article has Schuller stating the Christ Spirit dwells within everybody whether the person knows it or not=85nothing exists except God. (Possibilities,1986 summer p.8-12) Templeton has been noted for saying "I am hoping to develop a body of knowledge about God that doesn't rely on ancient revelations or scripture. (the bible)" The main purpose of the Templeton foundations is to encourage enthusiasm for accelerating discovery and progress in spiritual matters (the Humble approach p135-139) He goes on to say the heart of true religion is the willingness to see truths in other religions. The Persian scriptures claim, "whatever road I take joins the highway that leads to thee" "Broad is the carpet God has spread." (ibid. 35-36,45) Contrary to his broad road it was Jesus who said he alone was the way said the road is narrow and few find it.(MT.7:13) To this Templeton says "No one should say that God can be reached by only one path. "ibid.p.46,55) Templeton's message is not Christ's but his own opinion. This is the message of the Parliament of world religions in 1993, this is what interfaith meetings is all about as well as the world Council of Churches. Disregard the differences for unity and peace. Norman Vincent Peale has called Templeton "The greatest layman of the Christian church in our time" This he attributes to a man who is a evolutionist, pantheist and anti Christian.( jacket of Discovering the laws of Life 1994) The prize is for contributing toward religious progression is antithetical to Christianity which is absolute truth without ecumenical development to other religions. The first Templeton prize went to Mother Teresa in 1973. Leon Joseph cardinal Suenens who was a pioneer in the charismatic renewal in 1976. Their have been Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhist leaders that have accepted this prize as well as many evangelicals and even atheists (how this can fit with progress in religion I have no idea). Christians such as Billy Graham in 1982, Bill Bright 1996 and more recently Charles Colson. In so doing even unknowingly join to endorse his development of a ecumenical religion. While the prize money was used for evangelism, no correction or rebuke was said toward the concepts that Templeton promotes, instead he is commended. To be silent in the face of error of this magnitude is be a spiritual ostrich. We need to question why would Templeton give a gift to evangelicals when he is aware of the Christian message. The only reasonable explanation is that he finds it necessary to make inroads into the Church and have endorsement to his project. We need to pray for those involved to have discernment and boldness. From: Takeheed@aol.com Subject: Re: Sir John Marks Templeton Dave Hunt has mentioned this man over the years in some of his newsletters so if you contact Dave's ministry they could supply you with info. Every blessing -------