_Editor's note: Dr. Gordon Lewis is professor of theology and
philosophy at Denver Seminary and the founder of Evangelical
Ministries to New Religions. As an instructor and author in the
field of Christian missions to new religions, Dr. Lewis has
sometimes been questioned about his practice of holding
unpublicized dialogues with New Agers (as though in some way this
implies a compromise of the faith). In the following article Dr.
Lewis explains his policy in such matters, and in the process
outlines several important principles and guidelines for
approaching New Agers. Although the following is a departure from
our usual Witnessing Tips style, it is very much in keeping with
the purpose of this column: to further evangelism of those
committed to unchristian belief systems._
I talk with people involved in new religions and cults when I
can, although for over thirty years I have taught, preached, and
written against their unbiblical teachings. My standard policy is
to present and defend divinely revealed moral virtues and Christ's
grace anywhere I am invited if my message is not curtailed. (As a
young Bible school student I recall several fundamentalist leaders
who declared that they would speak anywhere, including to modernist
groups, so long as they were free to present the gospel.)
In October, 1987, I was invited without restrictions to
converse with several local and national New Age leaders at Gold
Lake, Colorado. My participation was sponsored neither by
Evangelical Ministries to New Religions nor Denver Seminary. As a
researcher I accepted the opportunity for firsthand information,
and as a Christian I went having put on all the biblical "armor"
(Eph. 6:10-18) and having prayed for discernment and opportunities
to honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My general objectives in talking with people in any group
unreached by the gospel of God's grace are threefold:
(1) In an increasingly polarized and violent world, I desire
_to promote understanding and just relationships among my
"neighbors."_ Even though some people may be involved to some
degree in New Age thought and practice, they are still
image-bearers of God and so of inestimable worth. I respect their
inherent rights and treat them as I would want them to treat me.
Like foreign missionaries, we need contacts with the people we seek
to reach. We need to _learn_ from them in order to _serve_ them as
we live among them, Lord willing, for many years to come.
Furthermore, just as God in common grace lets the rain fall on the
unjust as well as the just, we must do good to _all_ people (Gal.
6:10). Jesus explained that His disciples do good even to those who
may oppose them....
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