Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 27 minutes ago
John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a “renaissance” of spiritual formation in the Western Protestant church. But does this movement lead believers toward biblical faith—or away from it?
Bob DeWaay examines the claims of modern spiritual formation and warns that true spiritual growth does not come through mystical practices, spiritual directors, or contemplative techniques, but through faith in the revealed truth of Scripture.
This episode also addresses panentheism—the belief that God is somehow enfolded into creation—and explains the crucial biblical distinction of God’s transcendence and immanence. God is fully present everywhere, yet forever distinct from His creation.
Drawing from the book of Hebrews, Bob warns believers not to seek God through mystical experiences, but to approach Him through the new birth in Jesus Christ alone.
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 49
This is a critique of "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, 2024.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Resources:
Richard Foster Celebration of Deception
cicministry.org/commentary/issue112.htm
John Mark Comer credits Richard Foster with launching a “renaissance” of spiritual formation in the Western Protestant church. But does this movement lead believers toward biblical faith—or away from it?
Bob DeWaay examines the claims of modern spiritual formation and warns that true spiritual growth does not come through mystical practices, spiritual directors, or contemplative techniques, but through faith in the revealed truth of Scripture.
This episode also addresses panentheism—the belief that God is somehow enfolded into creation—and explains the crucial biblical distinction of God’s transcendence and immanence. God is fully present everywhere, yet forever distinct from His creation.
Drawing from the book of Hebrews, Bob warns believers not to seek God through mystical experiences, but to approach Him through the new birth in Jesus Christ alone.
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 49
This is a critique of "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, 2024.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Resources:
Richard Foster Celebration of Deception
cicministry.org/commentary/issue112.htm
