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True Worship vs. Counterfeits: Ruth Haley Barton & Mysticism Exposed

A glowing open Bible on the left contrasts with a shadowy figure meditating by candlelight on the right, symbolizing true worship versus counterfeit mysticism, with the words ‘True Worship vs. Counterfeits’ above and the Servants of Grace logo at the bottom

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 1 min read

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

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Scripture & Resources

Key Texts: John 4:23–24; Colossians 2:6–10; Psalm 46; Philippians 4:6–9; Joshua 1:8.

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Picture of Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins

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.

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