John is simply a vessel, he is planting seeds. In the West, our tendency to deify the merits of rationalismand it does have merithas caused us to ignore the value of the imagination.17Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978), p. 22 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_17').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_17', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); He goes on to advocate listening to our dreams. Just because certain ideas contribute to the success of a given initiative does not mean the idea is predicated upon something true or godly. His discussion here is illustrative of how many Christians misuse their Bible, especially if the passage in question is historical narrative. God cannot lie and His Word never changes. Rather, this power is something by which one can rise above obstacles which ordinarily might defeat you7Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking (New York: Fawcett Crest, 1952): ix jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_7').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_7', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); by channeling spiritual power through your thoughts.8Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking (New York: Fawcett Crest, 1952), ix. Cowards became courageous. You have a very gentle yet truthful way of sharing these concerns. But his misuse of Scripture, his tacit endorsements of New Age writers and doctrines, and his questionable doctrines of theology and psychology should give any Christian concern in the use of his material in otherwise legitimate local church initiatives. She says, regarding the earth, the sea, the clouds, the birds and the sun, all these God made and He made them out of Himself. 25Agnes Sanford, The Healing Gifts of the Spirit (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1966), p. 24 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_25').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_25', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); Further, Sanford teaches: You see, God is actually in the flowers and the growing grass and all the little chirping, singing things. They can admit failure. I met this man on a Christian dating site and told him over the phone that I could not date anyone who believed in the prosperity gospel. [7] Maxwell, a building named after him and his family at Indiana Wesleyan University, Maxwell Center for As for brother richard, based on Matthew 18:15-17, i believe it would have been right if you send bro John your findings rather than laying it out in the open for all to see his faults without giving him a chance to defend himself. An extended quote should suffice to show that this book is anti-Christian: Now and again I have had evidence that unseen friends hover about me, unknowable to ordinary senses. Agnes Sanford is a Pantheist. God used miracles to vindicate the ministries of Moses, the Prophets, the Apostles of Jesus, and most significantly, of Jesus Himself. However, we must be willing to accept Gods will even if it conflicts with ours. Faith in Christ alone will save us, not faith in ourselves. Worse, I was consistently appalled by the mans blatant theological errors, misuse of Scripture, and, what came across in the video as egoism or self-absorptionand this despite the message he professed to be teaching. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); I was even more dismayed at what I found. While these might be useful points in some sense, it is my contention that these have nothing to do with Jesus at the Cana Wedding.5One may ask what this passage of Scripture does teach. But, many a times that affirmation remains only at a theoretical level. I am so glad I found your article! What I discovered is absolutely consistent with the facts presented in your article. Whether these principles are true or not is not my concern at this point. Most of your writing here is seen to majorly cite from his book, THE WINING ATTITUDE. To put it as directly as I can: the categories of positive and negative are impotent to capture a proper understanding of reality vis--vis our personal and spiritual lives. [10] In 2012, he was awarded the Golden Gavel by Toastmasters International. I have come, said the voice, to give you one more section to include in your book. The lost person should not be optimistic because he is doomed without Christ. Third, in addition to the New Age elements peppered throughout his material, Maxwell also employs questionable theological doctrinessuch as a mistaken notion of the miraculous, a conspicuous absence of the crossand questionable psychological doctrinesincluding self-esteem psychology and temperaments psychology. Its principle thinker was Earnest Holmes. ", "John Maxwell to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Symmetry Financial Group's National Conference", "Local Businessman Conducts Transformational Leadership Training with the John Maxwell Team in Guatemala", "Congreso por la Vida y la Familia de un Estado fundamentalista", "John C. Maxwell, en evento de la CIG, llama "lder" a Consuelo Porras", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_C._Maxwell&oldid=1129960613, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with a promotional tone from September 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 23:25. The following addresses some of the problems with the particular psychological applications Maxwell advocates. Sign in or Register. I will pass on your comments to Richard Howe. Though he mentions a number of verses, including Pauls discussion of our security in Romans 8, he says little that could not have been said by a liberal Christian or someone speaking from a generic religious perspective. Lets see visions and dream dreams.29Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978), p. 170 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_29').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_29', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); Now, perhaps I cannot be sure what Foster means by the term New Age, but it is important to note that his book came out at the time the New Age Movement was propagating similar views. John C Maxwell Wife When Moses faced off with Paroah, when David defeated Goliath and when Joshua entered the Promised Land, they did so with the faith that GOD was with them and their success was dependant on THAT FACT, not their own skill, ability or self-effort! The thrust of the book is that success is a function of ones attitude. As it is with much of our present military, the church has run aground with these humanistic philosophers who do not know the Word of God or even desire to understand its simple truths. But a closer looks shows that for Maxwell, the key to living life is a change in attitude. Cart. John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 16 million books. If the mountain is to be cast into the sea, it will only be because that is Gods will. Maxwell employs this passage to teach that the only thing that will guarantee the success of a doubtful undertaking is the faith from the beginning that you can do it. (TWA, p. 139) There are several things wrong with taking the passage this way. 56-57) What he thinks Romans 10:7 has to do with this is not clear in his discussion. To me, one of the things that explains why John Maxwell is at the top of the charts as the leadership guru in the whole world (as quoted by many sites, check it out online) is because he uses the word of God indirectly to teach lessons. [5] He founded INJOY, Maximum Impact, The John Maxwell Team, ISS and EQUIP. The secure can be honest about themselves. John C. Maxwell is a well-known author, speaker, and pastor from America. I cannot tell you whence the voice came. Specifically, Hill teaches there is a Supreme Secret that is the key to life. Box 446 We should not allow this message to be distorted, or we have allowed many to be successful in this life at the expense of their eternal salvation. The no revelation (no vision) is a parallel contrasting law (Hebrew, Torah) and the cast off restraint is a parallel contrasting happy. One can see this verse is teaching that without the Word of God, Gods people become unrestrained; and only with instruction (Torah) can Gods people be happy or blessed. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1994); and, perhaps, the best treatment, Paul Brownback, The Danger of Self Love (Chicago: Moody Press, 1982 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_35').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_35', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });). First, is an appeal to pragmatism. Details may include related records, political party, location, and more. Dr . He credits a friend of his for making him realize that he should practice resting in God [for] His support and power. To take Goliath as if he is illustrative of problems or obstacles in our lives, the Israelites reaction as negative thinking, and Davids reaction as positive thinking, is again to completely violate sound principles of Biblical interpretation regarding historical narrative. God will not say one thing (that has already been recorded for us in the Bible), and, then change it to say something else in these days (Numbers 23:19a). I decided to look through some material written by John C. Maxwell after I had agreed to be on a team to help implement a new initiative at my local church. I regret that the use of Maxwells materials sends the wrong signals to the church family as to how to use and interpret the Bible. We cannot presume that God would give us anything we ask if He has not promised it in His word. Warner Faith $24.95 (312p) ISBN 978--446-52958-7. To teach that any Christian should expect the miraculous in his life is to dilute the significance of the miracles in the Bible. In The Winning Attitude Maxwell says, "When Goliath came up against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, He's so big we can never kill him. by Guest Writer | Apr 10, 2016 | Fall 2003, Hermeneutics, John C. Maxwell, MCOI Journal, mysticism, New Age, Psychology, Volume 9 | 24 comments, (Originally printed in the Fall 2003 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning on page 10). They are wrong. Have you given Maxwell credit where due? John C. Maxwell's views on leadership are very conventional. Bear in mind that my concern in this section is not whether a particular conclusion is true or false. John C Maxwell Gender: Male Residential Address: Colo Springs Co 80908 . John C. Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 30 million books, has been identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association and the worlds most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. Maxwells Use of New Age Teachers and Philosophies. . 132-134) Again, it should be clear this has nothing to do with the passage. I contend that Gods will is fully revealed in His Wordthe Bible. The secret is: Anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve.14Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich (New York: Fawcett Crest, 1967): 176 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_14').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_14', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); In other words, the power of mind is the key to bring what is needed in life. Speaking is really my first passion. It is to each of these concerns I now would like to direct my attention. We are to: avoid prejudicial first impressions; become less self-centered; withhold initial criticism; stay calm; listen with empathy; be active listeners; clarify what we hear; and recognize the healing power of listening. Further, Maxwell recounts a testimony where one uses this passage as a commentary on how one sees the world around him; how ones attitude can make a difference. I contend that they do not. It is with that concern that this article is offered.. Many mistakenly think all Peale is saying is that one should try to look for the good in every situation. 3:8). Maxwells goal as seen by me has been to reach out to the outside business community that doesnt know Christ using the Biblical principles (i suppose in a much clever way) lest some people wont get to pick his material, and thus missing an opportunity to follow him and then know Christ in the process. In The Winning Attitude, Maxwell gives a four-step formula to handle fear from Acts 4:29-30. American author, speaker and pastor (born 1947), Jacket notes, inside back flap "The Difference Maker". . Have you really read some of his other work and grasped the concepts like TODAY MATTERS, THE 15 INVALUABLE LAWS OF GROWTH! Dr. Maxwell has also received the Horatio Alger Award, as well as the Mother Teresa Prize for Global Peace and Leadership from the Luminary Leadership Network. David looked at the same giant and thought, He's so big I can't miss." (TWA, p. 31, emphasis in original) This again is an example of missing the real reason why the narrative tells us a story. David looked at the same giant and thought, Hes so big I cant miss. (TWA, p. 31, emphasis in original) This again is an example of missing the real reason why the narrative tells us a story. This lesson of obedience, according to Maxwell, tells us that we are to obey Jesus even if you are not in the right place (TWA, p. 12) and takes the fact that Jesus performed His miracle at a wedding instead of a church to mean we can expect some of Gods greatest blessings will be at other places if we are obedient to Him. Maxwell goes on to point out how other elements of the narrative illustrate obedience in our Christian lives. Mark Twain My attitude stinks. (TWA, pp. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of these institutions.]. Imagine your spiritual self, alive and vibrant, rising up through the clouds and into the stratosphere. This is not to say that we cannot pray for things about which the Bible is silent. [9] Maxwell was the keynote speaker for the Symmetry Financial Group's National Conference in February 2018. John B Maxwell Gender: Male Residential Address: Aurora Co 80016 Party Affiliation . It, Justin, No one mentioned anything about disliking Mormons. John C. Maxwell By John Maxwell | August 18, 2021 John C. Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 30 million books, has been identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association and the world's most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. What they are telling us about God will be discovered only by treating the text according to sound principles of interpretation. Its almost as if they see Maxwell as more of a savior than Jesus himself, and they value Maxwells self-focused theology more than the Bibles God-centered teaching. His leaders hold positions of influence at a time when hierarchy is breaking down. It is beyond the scope of this treatment to give a thorough examination of the text. Founded in March, 2011 by John C. Maxwell, the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team has grown to more than 40,000 members from 161 different countries worldwide to date. I can only think about what you could have done with the hours and hours you spent researching and pontificating. Your email address will not be published. Barriers turned out to be blessings. Again, the question might present itself What is this story about? In each case, my response is designed to point out that Maxwell ignores sound principles of Biblical interpretation. I see from this article that Maxwell is open to Peales teaching and Napoleon Hill. A friend of mine recently encouraged me to watch an on-line video of Maxwell ostensibly teaching from the Scriptures at his own church. THE CATERPILLAR INC. Then, the proper application to us as Gods children will be easier to see once we have learned what the text is telling us about God. What does apply is a public response to a public teacher who is in error. Maxwell summarizes the change wrought in the disciples lives by the Holy Spirit as changing an attitude. (TWA, p. 178) Maxwell remarks: They were filled [with the Holy Spirit]. Maxwell was a Christain leadership advisor. Yield yourself to itlet it flow through you.10Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking (New York: Fawcett Crest, 1952), 213 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_10').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_10', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); One more quote should suffice to illustrate that the ideas of Norman Vincent Peale depart from an orthodox Christian world view. Maxwell refers to this law many times throughout the book. This is not positive thinking. But even if it were, I maintain it still is not a Christian attitude for several reasons. There goes the false system of psychology! I need not have faith that I can do it. He reassured me that some of the name it and claim it leaders had gone too far, such as KC Treat. Obviously your USMC taught you (us) some things about honor & faithfulness! Thank you for your article, Its this type of influence that is turning pastors from shepherds into CEOs because perhaps business (church) looks better and looks successful. Rather, my criticism is that, whether Maxwells point is true or false, Proverbs 29:18 has nothing to do with it. This is especially of concern regarding the younger Christians in the church family. The Categories of Positive and Negative:, In both The Winning Attitude and Becoming a Person of Influence, Maxwell uses the categories of positive and negative. He talks about the positive and negative influences on us (TWA, p. 44), our positive and negative influence on others (BPI, p. 8-11), positive and negative words and attitudes (TWA, pp. However, there is a conspicuous lack of the cross in Peales positive thinking. He does not necessarily link the fruits of positive thinking to an acknowledgement of ones own sin and the provision that God has made through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He was so religiously incorrect too. His performing this miracle is telling us something about who He is. John C. Maxwell - Start Your Personal Growth Journey with . First, Foster teaches techniques of meditation by saying, the imagination is stronger than conceptual thought and stronger than the will. I would like to add that when Peter rebuked the Lord for His negativity, the Lord rebuked him saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (Mark 8:31-33 KJV). With my concern aroused, I decided to look more closely at some materials John Maxwell had written.1The Success (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993) (TWA); The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork :Embrace Them and Empower Your Team (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001) (ILT); Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers works by Maxwell that I mention in this paper are The Winning Attitude: Your Pathway to Personal 1997) (BPI); and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999)(IQL). P.O. His leaders hold positions of influence at a time when hierarchy is breaking down. In 1 Cor. Second, as Dr. Howe pointed out the manner in which Maxwell handles the Scriptures to teach his principles is sometimes egregiously mistaken. Some of the principles may be true but the context of the passages does not support the claims. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and INJOY Stewardship Services. One answer given says he's wearing a Masonic ring in one of his He is the founder of INJOY, Maximum Impact, ISS, and EQUIP, The John Maxwell Team. A few comments should adequately show that some of Fosters doctrines are problematic. 1 New York Times bestselling author, coach and speaker who has sold more than 24 million books in 50 languages. It is beyond the scope of this treatment to give a thorough examination of the text. He completed a bachelor's degree at Circleville Bible College in 1969, a Master of Divinity degree at Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. It is as simple as that. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Conspicuously, he makes little appeal to the Bible to justify these teachings. EQUIP is an international leadership development organization working to help leaders,[3] involved with leaders from more than 80 nations. Glad you liked the article. On November 16, 2008, he began serving as a guest pastor at Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California. It may very well be that we not only have to pick and choose the individual resources, but also pick and choose the ideas and suggestions within a particular resource. These principles will vary according to whether the text is an historical narrative, a parable, a poem, or a teaching passage. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_7584_2_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_7584_2_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], }); This is not to say I necessarily disagree with the principles themselves.