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A Time of Departing: How ancient mystical practices are uniting Christians with the world's religions
A revealing account of a New Age spirituality that has infiltrated much of the church today. Exposes the subtle strategies to compromise the gospel message with Eastern mystical practices cloaked under evangelical terminology and wrappings.Topics • Contemplative Prayer• Yoga• Labyrinths• Spiritual Directors• Reiki• Desert Fathers• Spiritual Formation• Spiritual Disciplines• Purpose Driven and the Emerging Church
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 9, 2012
There was a time when I would have written this guy off as a fearmonger, but no longer. My family has been sorrowfully touched by the "mystical" and I am currently in a church where this contemplative stuff is being touted. What is so sad is how easily Christian believers are deceived, especially when they know very little about Biblical doctrine.
This is a very important book. You don't have to agree with him 100% to learn something from him. I personally am not as certain as he is about the 'end times' predictions, but that did not detract from the important message of this book.
If you doubt any of this is true try googling on "lucis trust" and "Alice Ann Bailey."
I was stunned.
This is a very important book. You don't have to agree with him 100% to learn something from him. I personally am not as certain as he is about the 'end times' predictions, but that did not detract from the important message of this book.
If you doubt any of this is true try googling on "lucis trust" and "Alice Ann Bailey."
I was stunned.
April 28, 2008
in case it's not obvious from my rating and my "who i would recommend this book to" statement, i didn't like this book. but, i'm going to try and write a fair review...
the beginning of the book was ok. it traced some new age practices and showed how they have infiltrated christianity. and did an ok job of showing why that was dangerous. some of the statistics and research was very interesting.
it went downhill from there. the second half of the book (actually, more like three quarters) was a basic witch hunt, decrying anyone who had ever quoted anyone who may have endoresed a possible new age practice. i've read lots of books that have a problem with some of the emerging church leaders, but this took that to a whole new level... brennan manning, thomas merton, richard foster, chuck swindoll, rick warren, beth moore... no one was safe.
rediculous if you ask me. i could say more on the both the positive and negative sides of this book, but i think i'll go read something good to get this sour taste out of my mouth :)
the beginning of the book was ok. it traced some new age practices and showed how they have infiltrated christianity. and did an ok job of showing why that was dangerous. some of the statistics and research was very interesting.
it went downhill from there. the second half of the book (actually, more like three quarters) was a basic witch hunt, decrying anyone who had ever quoted anyone who may have endoresed a possible new age practice. i've read lots of books that have a problem with some of the emerging church leaders, but this took that to a whole new level... brennan manning, thomas merton, richard foster, chuck swindoll, rick warren, beth moore... no one was safe.
rediculous if you ask me. i could say more on the both the positive and negative sides of this book, but i think i'll go read something good to get this sour taste out of my mouth :)
May 10, 2013
This is an excellent example of what happens when you square a first half of life approach (see Richard Rohr's "Falling Upward") with a kataphatic mind dominated dogmatism (see Kenneth Boa's "Conformed to his image"). If you read both of those books you will understand why this is a very narrow, misunderstanding, egocentric and elitist perspective. The scholastics and monastics have been going at it forever.
For those of you not familiar with the terminology, liken it to the endless debate between Arminianism and Calvinism. Personally I am more Calvinist though I used to be more Arminian. But here's the thing, I'm not about to write book on why Arminianism is a wrong or heretical expression of Christianity and go with hunting for any supposed "Christians" who seem to even remotely possibly supportive of it.
The only people who are going to like this book are people at the same level of understanding as Yungen. People who are convinced and mistake the laws of their tribe for the laws of the land.
For those of you not familiar with the terminology, liken it to the endless debate between Arminianism and Calvinism. Personally I am more Calvinist though I used to be more Arminian. But here's the thing, I'm not about to write book on why Arminianism is a wrong or heretical expression of Christianity and go with hunting for any supposed "Christians" who seem to even remotely possibly supportive of it.
The only people who are going to like this book are people at the same level of understanding as Yungen. People who are convinced and mistake the laws of their tribe for the laws of the land.
August 10, 2011
If you are looking for a book built on assumptions, consumed by fear-based theology, and illogical conclusions, then this book is for you. The main goal of the author is to show how New Age spirituality has crept its way into evangelical circles and is leading Christians astray. His focus of attack is on contemplative prayer and all who endorse it as a way to grow in one's faith. He believes that all who engage in contemplative prayer and practice "silence" will ultimately enter an altered state of consciousness, will recognize all religions as one, and acknowledge that God is in all things. In his wake, he attacks Rick Warren, Beth Moore, Chuck Swindoll, Henri Nouwen & Richard Foster for spreading the disease of contemplative prayer and poisoning the minds of believers. Not only was I baffled by the extreme charges he brought, but it was also poorly written.
September 8, 2013
A very poorly written book based upon "last days" end times fears. Some true insights on the "contemplative prayer" movement that gives it some credibility but reads like fundamentalist gossip in attack mode.
December 31, 2010
Read this book. A timely warning to a largely oblivious church.
Read
July 19, 2008Another must read for every Christian. Especially if you are involved ina big church. Ray exposes the New Age movement and how some of America's main stream Pastors are on board. The inforamtion is shocking nad revealing. Many books our churches are using today for bible studies are written by new age sympathizer and the agenda is to do away with biblical christianity and combine it with the New Age belief system. Gnosticism revived. I have spent several years reading up on this topic and there is a really deep and dark deception sweeping in and we as Christians have been blinded to it because of the continual conditioning by society.
May 21, 2008
We are seeing the birth of the apostate church.
Emerging church, post evangelical, etc.
Churchs are allowing new age doctrines to seep into the church. Saddleback is just one example.
One more sign of the times.
Emerging church, post evangelical, etc.
Churchs are allowing new age doctrines to seep into the church. Saddleback is just one example.
One more sign of the times.
April 6, 2016
In A Time of Departing Ray Yungen has summarised his conclusions from his extensive reading. His concerns centre on contemplative prayer and he marshals quotations that have caused him serious disquiet. I have not read the original literature so cannot comment on how well any quotation reflects the context in which it was found.
His description of the attraction of New Age thinking and practices makes considerable and helpful sense.
What is less helpful and causes me disquiet includes
• His reliance on ‘guilt by association”
• His novel and personal reinterpretation that the current New Age emphasis IS what is meant by Paul in 1 Thess 5:1-6
• His dogmatic assertions of what some people mean when it is not obvious to me from the words they have used
• His failure to address the concerns of those who find knowledge of words not the same as knowing the Word.
• His failure to address the ever present danger that we talk to God but fail to listen to God.
Overall then I am grateful for his extensive work and his cautions. I have taken note and strongly concur that we need wisdom and discernment. There can be a slippery slope experience in this area as well as many others but I do not share his view that it is inevitable. I maintain that it is possible to be too cerebral and fail to have a heart knowledge of God and Yungen does not address this.
Yungen has contemplative prayer in his sights. It comes across to me as a reader that, because meditation is present in other religions, it is unacceptable in biblical Christianity. This argument could be extended to fasting, intercessory prayer and even to reading.
I don’t suspect we would want to dispense with those!
His description of the attraction of New Age thinking and practices makes considerable and helpful sense.
What is less helpful and causes me disquiet includes
• His reliance on ‘guilt by association”
• His novel and personal reinterpretation that the current New Age emphasis IS what is meant by Paul in 1 Thess 5:1-6
• His dogmatic assertions of what some people mean when it is not obvious to me from the words they have used
• His failure to address the concerns of those who find knowledge of words not the same as knowing the Word.
• His failure to address the ever present danger that we talk to God but fail to listen to God.
Overall then I am grateful for his extensive work and his cautions. I have taken note and strongly concur that we need wisdom and discernment. There can be a slippery slope experience in this area as well as many others but I do not share his view that it is inevitable. I maintain that it is possible to be too cerebral and fail to have a heart knowledge of God and Yungen does not address this.
Yungen has contemplative prayer in his sights. It comes across to me as a reader that, because meditation is present in other religions, it is unacceptable in biblical Christianity. This argument could be extended to fasting, intercessory prayer and even to reading.
I don’t suspect we would want to dispense with those!
July 19, 2012
A must read for Christians who want to stay close to the truth of God's word. It gives insight in what we can expect as the day of Christ's return draws nearer.
It wasn't the easiest book to read vocabulary wise. It's definitely not light reading. But it gave me a lot of insight in the dangers for Christians and the magnitude of the implications of the conclusions that the author comes to is somewhat scary.
It wasn't the easiest book to read vocabulary wise. It's definitely not light reading. But it gave me a lot of insight in the dangers for Christians and the magnitude of the implications of the conclusions that the author comes to is somewhat scary.
August 16, 2017
This books is an excellent and important resource for every Christian. It lays out in a concise and logical manner the depth in which the philosophies and practices of the New Age movement have come to be accepted by the church. Yungen explains a number of devices and practices that have moved from the fringes of the sixties and seventies straight into our twenty-first century leaders' retreats, churches, and youth groups. Test these words against Scripture and weigh their worth.
The only reason I could not give it a higher rating is that the implications are heartbreaking. Satan's first defense when our eyes are open is to flood us with the sense of isolation and insignificance in such a vast world. Knowing too, that authors I had admired were so heavily steeped in Eastern religion by their own study is devastating. At first, a part of me wished I could forget what I had read, but we are called to be watchmen on the walls. Keep Scripture handy to remind you of Christ's victory, and rejoice in His reigning.
The only reason I could not give it a higher rating is that the implications are heartbreaking. Satan's first defense when our eyes are open is to flood us with the sense of isolation and insignificance in such a vast world. Knowing too, that authors I had admired were so heavily steeped in Eastern religion by their own study is devastating. At first, a part of me wished I could forget what I had read, but we are called to be watchmen on the walls. Keep Scripture handy to remind you of Christ's victory, and rejoice in His reigning.
January 15, 2020
A powerful warning about the infiltration of Eastern Mysticism into Evangelical Christianity. Gives the leading personalities and their teachings. 'Contemplative Prayer' is a big part of the means to subvert the churches.
'The answer to the contemplative prayer movement is simple. A Christian is complete in Christ. The argument that contemplative prayer can bring a fuller measure of God's love, guidance, direction and nurturing is the epitome of dishonour to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. It is, in essence, anti-Christian.'
Reiki is another element widespread in our society, and Christians can easily assume it is a harmless or even helpful practice. There is a Reiki practitioner in my hometown.
'The answer to the contemplative prayer movement is simple. A Christian is complete in Christ. The argument that contemplative prayer can bring a fuller measure of God's love, guidance, direction and nurturing is the epitome of dishonour to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. It is, in essence, anti-Christian.'
Reiki is another element widespread in our society, and Christians can easily assume it is a harmless or even helpful practice. There is a Reiki practitioner in my hometown.
January 4, 2021
Really flawed argumentation, which is unfortunate, since I was sincerely seeking to engage with some of these questions. Lots of Scripture was taken out of context, and a lot of his arguments are thinly veiled xenophobia fearing an exotic spiritual threat from "the East" and blatantly fear-mongering, arguing mainly along the lines of a culture war. A lot of his arguments involve odd networks of condemnation - mainly rooted in whether or not he feels leaders distanced themselves with adequate condemnation of some of Merton's conclusions. A disappointing and frustrating read.
July 13, 2025
Very important book. Would have given 5 stars but I wish the book provided even more scripture and perhaps a tad more emphasis on identifying heretical teachings and doctrines, and a tad less emphasis on the personalities advocating such doctrines. However, overall this work is excellent and should be on the shelf of every pastor, and really, every Christian should read this book to obtain important information about carefully comparing the popular false gospel to the Bible - info that is sadly hard to come by in most churches today.
August 8, 2021
Loved this book. Updated on 2006 yet so relevant today. We have just left a church who are heading into this stuff and despite reasoned questioning were told we we seeing things. Discernment is sorely needed in today's church.
March 14, 2019
An eye-opening must read.
April 9, 2025
PROS
+ Excellent investigation and discernment when it comes to New Age and Catholic Mysticism.
+ Well-structured book.
CONS
- While he employs a great discernment regarding the core topics mentioned in this book, he tragically sends the reader into another deception, namely Calvinism. Although he is in this book more decent about it than in his book 'Simple Answers', he still includes problematic endorsements:
- In detail, he endorses the problematic Francis Schaeffer (Presbyterian) who is one of the 3 founders of the Seven Mountain Mandate (an idea which also developed in the Swiss Alps at L'Abri and which was further developed by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson) and who has brought us the New Age teacher Sarah Young (book 'Jesus Calling', she converted at Schaeffer's L'Abri and is also Presbyterian).
- Endorsement of the problematic teacher John MacArthur (Figurehead of Augustinian-Calvinism; Cessationist ...):
"Pastor and author John MacArthur summed up this profound and imminent danger brilliantly in his book, Reckless Faith ..."
- Endorsement of the problematic teacher Spurgeon ("I believe there will be more in heaven than in hell", strong embrace of ecumenism, follower of the Knights Templar Bernard of Clairvaux, Augustinian / Calvinist ...).
- Promotion of the Pelagian & Lutheran doctrine of 'Faith & Grace Alone':
"Salvation is entirely a gift of grace bestowed on whoever believes in Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross as both G-d and man. Consequently, we must receive Him as Lord and Savior, understanding that it is by grace and grace alone that we are made acceptable in Christ before a holy G-d. [...] Nothing else can be added to this."
What actually saves a person (Past Salvation) is THEOS' grace, love, mercy and resurrection, together with our hearing of the Word, believing in IESOUS and His resurrection, having faith, repenting from being a sinner and confessing with your mouth, usually expressed in an immediate baptism on the very same day (how far have we deviated from the ideal ...). Present Salvation further includes the regular taking of communion, denying of yourself, putting everything else second to THEOS, obedience & discipline, growing of faith, making disciples and becoming holy.
SECONDARY ISSUES
- He erroneously claims that Cain brought a wrong offering:
"The account of Cain and Abel is a classic biblical example of spiritual infidelity. Both of Adam's sons wanted to please G-d, but Cain decided he would experiment with his own method of being devout. Cain must have reasoned to himself: "Perhaps G-d would like fruit or grain better than a dead animal. It's not as gross. It's less smelly. Hey, I think I will try it!" As you know, G-d was not the least bit impressed by Cain's attempt to create his own approach to pleasing G-d. The Lord made it clear to Cain that G-d's favor would be upon him if he did what is right, not just what was intended for G-d or G-d-focused."
This is plainly wrong, because the Bible clearly states that he "brought it rightly", but did "not rightly divide it". Gen 4:7 in the Greek OT reads: "Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? Be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him."
+ Excellent investigation and discernment when it comes to New Age and Catholic Mysticism.
+ Well-structured book.
CONS
- While he employs a great discernment regarding the core topics mentioned in this book, he tragically sends the reader into another deception, namely Calvinism. Although he is in this book more decent about it than in his book 'Simple Answers', he still includes problematic endorsements:
- In detail, he endorses the problematic Francis Schaeffer (Presbyterian) who is one of the 3 founders of the Seven Mountain Mandate (an idea which also developed in the Swiss Alps at L'Abri and which was further developed by Lance Wallnau and Bill Johnson) and who has brought us the New Age teacher Sarah Young (book 'Jesus Calling', she converted at Schaeffer's L'Abri and is also Presbyterian).
- Endorsement of the problematic teacher John MacArthur (Figurehead of Augustinian-Calvinism; Cessationist ...):
"Pastor and author John MacArthur summed up this profound and imminent danger brilliantly in his book, Reckless Faith ..."
- Endorsement of the problematic teacher Spurgeon ("I believe there will be more in heaven than in hell", strong embrace of ecumenism, follower of the Knights Templar Bernard of Clairvaux, Augustinian / Calvinist ...).
- Promotion of the Pelagian & Lutheran doctrine of 'Faith & Grace Alone':
"Salvation is entirely a gift of grace bestowed on whoever believes in Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross as both G-d and man. Consequently, we must receive Him as Lord and Savior, understanding that it is by grace and grace alone that we are made acceptable in Christ before a holy G-d. [...] Nothing else can be added to this."
What actually saves a person (Past Salvation) is THEOS' grace, love, mercy and resurrection, together with our hearing of the Word, believing in IESOUS and His resurrection, having faith, repenting from being a sinner and confessing with your mouth, usually expressed in an immediate baptism on the very same day (how far have we deviated from the ideal ...). Present Salvation further includes the regular taking of communion, denying of yourself, putting everything else second to THEOS, obedience & discipline, growing of faith, making disciples and becoming holy.
SECONDARY ISSUES
- He erroneously claims that Cain brought a wrong offering:
"The account of Cain and Abel is a classic biblical example of spiritual infidelity. Both of Adam's sons wanted to please G-d, but Cain decided he would experiment with his own method of being devout. Cain must have reasoned to himself: "Perhaps G-d would like fruit or grain better than a dead animal. It's not as gross. It's less smelly. Hey, I think I will try it!" As you know, G-d was not the least bit impressed by Cain's attempt to create his own approach to pleasing G-d. The Lord made it clear to Cain that G-d's favor would be upon him if he did what is right, not just what was intended for G-d or G-d-focused."
This is plainly wrong, because the Bible clearly states that he "brought it rightly", but did "not rightly divide it". Gen 4:7 in the Greek OT reads: "Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? Be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him."
May 30, 2017
It is a well-documented book on the story of New Age and mysticism and contemplative prayer / spirituality as it sweeps through Christian leaders and many churches. This second edition was dated 2006. I can only guess how wide-spread this is now in 2016 (ten years later). I'm concerned that it hasn't slowed in its acceptance, which illustrates the lack of spiritual discernment within the church, the leadership, and individual Christians. It now must be our responsibility to be individually equipped to discern the truth through God's holy Scriptures and to be well-versed in biblical doctrine. My concern is how to pass along what I have learned to others.
May 16, 2013
Christians need to read this book and heed its warnings. While some areas I would say I do not agree with the author, the author presents a very clear picture of how "the emergent church" is quickly becoming the "apostate" church. He documents his examples and gives scripture to back up his warnings. As Jesus said "wide is the path that leads to distraction, narrow is the gate that leads to salvation, few find it". The New Age movement is deeply ingrained in our culture, the church today doesn't look very different than the culture...
May 26, 2015
Great Informational read!
There is so much heretical teaching creeping into the church, it's becoming impossible to keep track. Now more than ever we must stay in the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to show us satan's devices. This book serves as a watchman on the wall, warning believers?
There is so much heretical teaching creeping into the church, it's becoming impossible to keep track. Now more than ever we must stay in the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to show us satan's devices. This book serves as a watchman on the wall, warning believers?
Read
April 17, 2009A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen (?)
July 4, 2013
Eye opening.
May 13, 2014
Excellent expose of apostasy in the postmodern church! Very important read if you call yourself a Christian!
August 20, 2012
An excellent understanding of scripture and how it pertains to our Christian walk....
April 20, 2018
An excellent book for understanding the infiltration of contemplative prayer, a practice of eastern, non-Christian religions, into evangelical churches in an attempt to legitimize is as a part of Christianity as given to us by Christ in the New Testament.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews