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True Worship vs. Counterfeits: Ruth Haley Barton & Mysticism Exposed
Show: Contending for the Word | Host: Dave Jenkins | Guest: Marcia Montenegro
Show Summary
In this kickoff to our September theme—True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits—Dave Jenkins and Marcia Montenegro examine the teachings of Ruth Haley Barton, the rise of contemplative mysticism, and why these practices are dangerous substitutes for worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24). We trace the influences of Catholic mysticism and Buddhism, clarify common proof-texts, and point back to Scripture’s sufficiency for life and godliness.
Topics Discussed:
- The danger of contemplative mysticism (silence, centering, “wordless prayer”)
- How misuse of Scripture (e.g., 1 Kings 19; Psalm 46:10) fuels counterfeit practices
- Why true worship must be rooted in God’s Word and empowered by the Spirit
Listen & Watch
Scripture & Resources
Key Texts: John 4:23–24; Colossians 2:6–10; Psalm 46; Philippians 4:6–9; Joshua 1:8.
- Christian Answers for the New Age (CANA) — search “Barton” for in-depth articles
- Contending for the Word at Servants of Grace and at our YouTube.
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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.
