⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Discerning False Wisdom: Exposing David G. Benner’s Mystical Theology
In this important episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Marcia Montenegro to expose the deceptive teachings of David G. Benner. Once celebrated in Christian psychology and spiritual formation circles, Benner’s work is deeply rooted in Jungian theory, perennial wisdom, and a false mystical gospel.Together, they discuss:- Why Benner’s books (The Gift of Being Yourself, Living Wisdom) are spiritually dangerous
- How his teachings distort the true gospel with the “Christ-self” and New Age psychology
- The troubling spread of his influence in Christian schools, counseling programs, and seminaries
- What Christians must know to stand firm in biblical discernment and sound doctrine
📖 Bible References
- 1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
- Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy…”
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God…”
- Galatians 1:6–9 – “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary…”
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
