IN THE IMAGE OF MAN:
AN OVERVIEW OF THE HUMAN POTENTIAL MOVEMENT AND MOTIVATIONAL SEMINARS

By Marcia Montenegro (page 2 of 2)

June, 2003

There are also groups using humanistic teachings and methods from this movement that present themselves as Christian. One of these is Momentus, now being offered as BREAKTRHOUGH, its parent company having changed its name from Mashiyach Ministries to THE ASSOCIATION FOR CHRISTIAN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (ACCD). Momentus was founded by Daniel Tocchini, a former trainer with Lifespring. Secrecy and aversion to criticism also mark this group. Christians should recall that Jesus taught in the open ("I have said nothing in secret," John 18:20 ), and that God tells us to use our reason and minds to think things through (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 119:59; Matthew 22:37; Romans 12:3; I Corinthians 14; Philippians 4:8). Christians are not to accept teachings uncritically, and secrecy is not a hallmark of anything connected to authentic Christianity.

The recommended reading list for ACCD, although it includes some books by several sound authors like Tozer, Oswald Chambers, and J. I. Packer, includes books by those whose views are problematic such as Stephen Covey, Rick Joyner, and M. Scott Peck.

Another motivational teacher within the Christian community is John C. Maxwell, who teaches principles of success, leadership, and teamwork. Maxwell favorably quotes New Thought teachers like Napoleon Hill (who also practiced occult techniques) and Norman Vincent Peale, and endorses the principles of positive thinking, which at their core derive from the New Thought movement and do not align with scripture. For a cautionary evaluation of Maxwell, see article at http://www.richardghowe.com/Maxwell.pdf.

There are hundreds of such groups and seminars, both secular and Christian, throughout the country. Be aware that some groups may change their names; therefore, it is important to recognize them by the way they present themselves, their secrecy, and their teachings (which may have to be investigated online if the group does not share the specifics).

The following traits connected to seminars, classes, programs, or workshops should set warning flags waving, and a rigorous investigation should be done. Nobody needs to go through verbal abuse, mind conditioning techniques, or radical "breakthrough" experiences coerced by others in order to be a better person, leader, or team player.

-An organization, its leaders, or past participants refuse to share the contents of the seminars beforehand
-You are required to sign a "hold harmless" agreement (letting the organization and its leaders off the hook if harm or distress should result from the training)
-The organization/seminar has hyper language offering self-transformation
-Strong sales-type techniques are used to get you to participate
-The organization portrays its critics as ignorant, evil, or influenced by Satan
-The organization dissuades you from evaluating the teachings and methods yourself
-The organization discourages or discounts criticism from participants or others
-Promises are made to redesign your view of your self and reality
-Past participants exhibit an elitist attitude toward those who have not participated
-Past participants are pressured to recruit