Who is David G. Benner and why is his theology problematic?

David G. Benner is a psychologist and author known in Christian spiritual formation circles. His teachings incorporate Jungian psychology and perennial wisdom, promoting concepts like the 'Christ-self' that distort the biblical gospel.

What is the 'Christ-self' and how does it differ from biblical teaching?

The 'Christ-self' is a mystical reinterpretation of identity promoted by Benner, blending Eastern spirituality and Jungian psychology. It confuses the believer’s union with Christ with a self-realization model that is unbiblical and New Age-influenced.

Why are Benner’s books dangerous for Christians?

Books like 'The Gift of Being Yourself' and 'Living Wisdom' may sound spiritual but are rooted in non-Christian ideas. They present psychological and mystical frameworks that subtly undermine the sufficiency of Scripture and the centrality of Christ.

How can Christians protect themselves from mystical deception?

By testing teachings against Scripture, studying sound doctrine, and avoiding sources that blend biblical language with psychological or mystical concepts not found in the Bible. Resources like this podcast help equip believers with discernment.

David G. Benner, Perennialism, and the Danger of Christian Mysticism

⏱️ 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

This conversation is a must for anyone concerned about spiritual formation, Christian counseling, and protecting the Church from mystical deception.📚 Learn more:

📖 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( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.

Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.

He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).

You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.

When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.

Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

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