A new way of doing Christianity or a return to religion??? by Aaron Osborne

Gnosticism requires a systematic unveiling of secrets in order to achieve salvation. There are many mystical practices that have derived from Gnosticism. One such practice is “contemplative prayer” this is a practice currently being adopted by a lot of post modern churches.
“Contemplative prayer, also known as “centering prayer,” is a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. While contemplative prayer is done differently in the various groups that practice it, there are similarities. Contemplative prayer involves choosing a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. Contemplative prayer usually includes sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settling briefly and silently, introducing the sacred word. When a contemplative pray-er becomes aware of thoughts, he/she is to return ever so gently to the sacred word” http://www.gotquestions.org/contemplative-prayer.html
This is clearly forbidden by scripture, actually it’s forbidden by Jesus himself. He instructed people to not adopt such practices. He even attributes this practice to that of pagans. 
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” Matt 6:7-8
So why are modern Christians taking up pagans practices? I see this as nothing more than the new age infiltration of the church. Which was a plan of the new age movement since the turn of the century, just read some of their works. Here’s a quote from Alice Bailey, a self proclaimed occultist.
“There is no question therefore that the work to be done in familiarizing the general public with the nature of the Mysteries is of paramount importance at this time. These mysteries will be restored to outer expression through the medium of the Church [false church] and the Masonic Fraternity… When the Great One [Antichrist] comes with his disciples and initiates we shall have the restoration of the Mysteries and their exoteric presentation as a consequence of the first initiation.”  —Alice Bailey (1880-1949)
This just one of many examples of the new age infiltration of the church. Some people within the emergent church are taking up such practices, they seem to embrace mysticism. I don’t understand their rationale for this, they spend a lot of time and energy criticism “fundamentalists” for holding to traditions and even go as far as to label people Pharisees, which I don’t disagree that we should never exalt man made principles or traditions to that of biblical doctrine, but why criticize one sect for holding to tradition while all the while marching head on into ancient gnostic practices? Practices from the same gnostic system that says you have to unlock all these mystical secrets and go through all these complicated spiritual practices to achieve true salvation. Its actually, sadly amusing seeing people fight so hard against “religion” while practicing it themselves. I think I will go with the word of God and stick to the simple Gospel and leave the chanting, incense, and mysticism in the man made religious graveyard where it belongs. Aaron Osborne (Homelesspoet)