Is “Jesus Calling” Heresy? Why I Won’t Be Reading It

The first time I picked up a copy of Jesus Calling, I felt immediately underwhelmed. Each day’s entry was a short 2-3 minute read and included 2-3 scripture references (not verses written out, simply references like “Psalm 18:29”) added as a seeming afterthought to the bottom of each page.

But the more I read, the more my underwhelm turned to concern.

Every entry in the entire book felt like a gentle hug. Sure, they encouraged readers to trust Jesus… but they lacked any call to discipline, service, or sacrifice that regularly marks the pages of the Bible.

The Jesus of the Bible, though loving, also called people out on sin. He challenged them to hold themselves accountable to God in their day-to-day lives and to give up everything they held dear to follow Him.

In contrast, the Jesus of Jesus Calling seemed only to remind readers of how much He loved them and wanted good things for their lives. It just didn’t settle right with me.

So I did a little digging! And it turned out that not only did many agree with me but some even consider Jesus Calling heresy.

Is Jesus Calling heresy? Let’s take a closer look.

Background on Author Sarah Young and Jesus Calling

In discussing Jesus Calling, it’s important to understand author Sarah Young, the inception of her book, and the methodology behind its creation.

Review of Sarah Young

Sarah Young is the evangelical Christian missionary who penned the bestselling daily devotional Jesus Calling.

The success of her work has led to a significant following. Readers find comfort in her words, which aim to capture the voice of Jesus and provide a personal spiritual connection.

Origins of Jesus Calling

Jesus Calling was first released in 2004 by major publisher Thomas Nelson. Young’s book rapidly gained popularity for its comforting messages, written as if Jesus Himself were speaking directly to the reader.

The book has since sold millions of copies, proving its widespread appeal among Christian readers.

Influences and Methodology

Young has stated that her book was inspired by the book God Calling, a devotional book written in the 1930s by two anonymous women.

The technique used by these authors, known as “automatic writing,” involved waiting in God’s presence, pen in hand, and writing down the messages they believed the Holy Spirit was delivering to them. Similarly, Young describes her writing process as listening to God and recording the messages she believes are imparted to her.

Theological Examination

So…let’s examine the theological concerns with Jesus Calling.

Claims of Divine Revelation

Jesus Calling has been challenged for stating that its contents are messages received directly from God.

Critics argue that considering these messages to be additions to God’s Word in the Bible presents serious theological issues. The concern is that any assertion of divine revelation must be carefully weighed against the closed canon of Scripture to avoid the dangerous potential of following false teachers.

First Person Writing Style

The use of a first person perspective, purporting to be Jesus Himself speaking throughout the entire book, is also unconventional and has (understandably) raised some eyebrows.

This first person approach can be seen as potentially misleading to readers, blurring the lines between authorial imagination and the words of God. It demands rigorous theological discernment to ensure it doesn’t inadvertently attribute human thoughts to the voice of God.

Comparing Jesus Calling Content to Biblical Doctrine

The content in Jesus Calling seems to resonate with many individuals seeking daily encouragement. I mean, who doesn’t want a warm hug of encouragement every day, right?

However, some have questioned whether the devotional’s messages consistently align with the teachings and voice of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture.

Malachi 3:6 states, “I am the Lord, I change not,” and Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” But God’s voice and tone do seem to have changed in this devotional book, sounding more like the encouragement of a modern Christian woman than the timeless words of God.

Controversies and Criticisms

While readers can find a whole host of other problems with the devotional Jesus Calling, two major problems stand out above the rest.

Accusations of Heresy

The biggest problem is that many who scrutinize its theological content consider Jesus Calling heresy.

They argue that author Sarah Young, presenting herself as channeling Jesus’ words directly, deviates from orthodox biblical truth. This critique often references the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, which suggests caution against similar New Age movement practices that claim divine channeling.

In particular, the claim that Jesus Calling adds to Scripture invokes the biblical warning in Deuteronomy 4:2 against altering God’s word. Detractors often reference the allegation of a “false Christ” that could mislead readers, especially when the Jesus in Young’s work delivers messages that seem inconsistent with His biblical portrayal.

Allegations of New Age Influences

Others allege that Jesus Calling bears resemblances to New Age channeling.

Critics pinpoint connections to the New Age movement, raising concerns over the practice of “listening” for personal revelation beyond Scripture. This aspect is especially delicate as the New Age movement often endorses subjective spiritual experiences over traditional doctrine, which can raise some red flags.

But this issue isn’t specific to Jesus Calling by Sara Young. It’s part of a larger issue of books, which claim to be Christian, having teachings resembling those of “false teachers” in the realm of New Age thought.

Editions and Revisions

Another one of the major problems with Jesus Calling is the quiet evolution of its content. The devotional book has seen alterations that raise critical discussions about their theological implications.

Changes over the Years

Since its first publication, Jesus Calling has undergone various changes across its editions. These content adaptations by publisher Thomas Nelson are a result of evolving dialogue among its readership and critics.

In the more recent editions of Jesus Calling, certain original elements described as problematic have been modified or removed in an effort to undergo some damage control. Interestingly, the book’s approach to God’s personal messages, which some claim to resemble a channeled New Age book, has been a focal point of these revisions.

Comparison of Original and Recent Entry Editions

Let’s take a look at some specific examples of this in action, shall we?

For starters, the first edition of Jesus Calling noted in its October 15 entry:

TRY TO STAY CONSCIOUS OF ME as you go step by step through this day. My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection. My final statement just before I went to heaven was: Surely I am with you always. That promise was for all of My followers, without exception. (bold added)

The problem was that, according to the Bible, those were not Jesus’ final words before ascending to heaven. Therefore, the next edition of Jesus Calling was edited to correct the biblical issues in question:

TRY TO STAY CONSCIOUS OF ME as you go step by step through this day. My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection. After My resurrection, I assured My followers: Surely I am with you always. That promise was for all of My followers, without exception. (bold added)

Was Jesus wrong in his original divine revelation to author Sara Young?

Or maybe she just heard it wrong. We’re all human, right?

But if Young heard it wrong there, she also heard it wrong in her January 28 entry:

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS. These were the last words I spoke before ascending into heaven. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. (bold added)

This lead Thomas Nelson to also correct that entry in the next edition:

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS. I spoke these words to My disciples after My resurrection. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. (bold added)

In another revision example, it sounded in the original December 25 entry as if Jesus was complaining about the “dark night” of His birth:

Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby. I set aside My Glory, so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions—a filthy stable. That was a dark night for Me, even though angels lit up the sky proclaiming “Glory!” to awe-struck shepherds. (bold added)

That entry didn’t sit well with critics, so the next edition was watered down to omit a few of the more problematic words:

Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby. I set aside My Glory, so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions—a filthy stable. There was nothing glorious about that setting, though angels lit up the sky proclaiming, “Glory!” to awe-struck shepherds. (bold added)

In the biggest revision of all, the edited “divine revelation” completely changed the Bible story and characters it originally referenced. The original entry read:

ENTRUST YOUR LOVED ONES TO ME; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one—as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father’s undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love. (bold added)

Biblical scholars had major problems accepting this assessment of Abraham’s “sin” of idol worship, especially because there’s no reference to it anywhere in the Bible. So publisher Thomas Nelson updated the next edition to speak to a different set of biblical characters with less inflammatory accusations and fewer problematic words:

ENTRUST YOUR LOVED ONES TO ME; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one—as well as yourself. Joseph and his father, Jacob, suffered terribly because Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons and treated him with special favor. So Joseph’s brothers hated him and plotted against him. Ultimately, I used that situation for good, but both father and son had to endure years of suffering and separation from one another. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love, so beware of making a beloved child your idol. (bold added)

Comparison of Original and Recent Stance on “Divine Revelation”

Of course, these specific examples begged the question – was Jesus wrong when He said it the first time? And since we of course know that Jesus is never wrong – was the author not truly hearing from the real Jesus Christ?

To address this concern, more recent editions of Jesus Calling also edited the book’s stance on the text to sound less as if the author was speaking on the authority of God and more as if she was sharing her personal thoughts.

In the original edition, author Sarah Young stated:

This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received. In many parts of the world, Christians seem to be searching for a deeper experience of Jesus’ Presence and Peace. The messages that follow address that felt need. (bold added)

To take some responsibility off the shoulders of the female teacher, more recent editions of Jesus Calling now read:

This practice of being still in God’s Presence has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the writings I have gleaned from these quiet moments. In many parts of the world, Christians seem to be searching for a deeper experience of Jesus’ Presence and Peace. The devotions that follow address that felt need. (bold added)

And since Young’s original inspiration, book God Calling, is recognized by most Christians to be a channeled new age book inspired by automatic writing, newer editions of Jesus Calling omitted any mention of that inspiration from the entire book.

This side-by-side comparison provides a clear view of the transformation. The shift from a direct, first person narrative attributed to God, toward a more reflective and third person voice, suggests a careful consideration by both the author and publisher to address biblical issues and concerns regarding the book’s initial portrayal of divine communication.

Defenses and Apologetics

Outside of their careful editing, author Sarah Young and publisher Thomas Nelson have also more directly addressed these critiques.

Responses from Sarah Young

Sarah Young has articulated her intentions behind Jesus Calling as reflecting her personal devotional life.

She considers her work as an instrument to bring people closer to God, aiming to share the comfort she’s found in her faith. She maintains that her writings are not replacements for the Bible but rather supplements to help readers hear God speak to them in today’s world.

Publisher’s Damage Control Efforts

Publisher Thomas Nelson, standing behind Jesus Calling, has engaged in damage control by emphasizing the book’s positive impact on readers’ spiritual lives. They highlight endorsements and good work by pointing out testimonials of individuals who’ve found solace and connection with God through Young’s words.

The publisher’s position is that any criticism should be weighed against the numerous accounts of personal transformations and deepened faith that testify to the book’s beneficial role in many believers’ lives. In this spirit, they’ve since created an entire Jesus Calling franchise, with books geared toward mothers, children, students, and more.

Guidance for Believers

So…what does all of this information mean for us?

In navigating our personal faith journeys, we must stay vigilant against false teachings. Here’s how I stay grounded and ensure that my own spiritual practice remains true to God’s word.

Discerning Spiritual Messages

I make it my practice to weigh every spiritual message against the unwavering truth of God’s word. Whenever I come across a new teaching or prophecy, I turn to the Bible as my primary source of truth.

Here’s how I discern the messages I receive:

• Scriptural Alignment: I check if the message aligns with biblical teaching.
• Prayerful Reflection: I seek guidance from the Holy Spirit through prayer to understand His will.
• Community Consultation: I discuss the message with trusted leaders and fellow believers to gain insight.

This approach helps me to ward off the influence of false prophets and remain in the truth.

Advice for Integrating Devotionals

Devotionals can offer a great supplement to your daily walk with God. But they should always complement, not contradict, the teachings of the Bible.

With many devotionals, even those printed by a major publisher, pedaling the words of false teachers, here’s what I consider to ensure I’m not following a false Christ:

• Biblical Consistency: The devotional book should reinforce, not reimagine, biblical truths.
• Personal Relevance: It should relate to my life and help me grow in my relationship with God.
• Edification: It’s important that it encourages me to live out my faith and do good work.

I carefully select devotionals that inspire and challenge me. They help me in my spiritual journey to walk in a way that’s rooted in Scripture.

It’s also important to remember that you are never married to a devotional. If you initially find no issue with a devotional book, but later come across some problematic doctrine, it’s never too late to put the entire book down.

What about practicing automatic writing for yourself?

It’s hard to deny the allure of automatic writing! While we know the Bible is God’s Word, we’d also love to hear his specific thoughts on our lives and situations, similar to the way we chat with a friend.

While God will often impress thoughts upon your heart, one of the major problems that can arise is that it can be very difficult to differentiate the voice of God from your own words and thoughts.

This has led to God “telling” people who they’re going to marry, “condemning” and “cursing” those the listener dislikes, and “promising” million-dollar salaries, twin and triplet births, and luxury homes and cars. I put these words in quotes not because I don’t believe God could say these things but because the more prevalent experience is that of people falsely speaking these things on God’s behalf.

For this reason, it’s best to practice only a small form of “automatic writing” while studying the Bible.

Read a passage of Scripture to ensure you’re basing your impressions on biblical truth, pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the scripture’s meaning and appropriate application to you, and then sit quietly in God’s presence. You may feel a thought pressed upon your heart but should keep in mind that it’s likely a mixture of God’s revelation combined with your own words and thoughts.

Remember that God will never introduce a new revelation or a new way of living that contradicts the Bible. It’s also important to keep in mind that God’s Word found in the Bible should comprise 99.9% of your communication with Him, since “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

So…is Jesus Calling heresy? It’s something that you’ll need to decide for yourself. In this and every consideration, study the evidence, think and pray over it, and then make your own decision.

The good news is that Jesus has been calling us long before Jesus Calling was published! He’s calling you every single day from the pages of the Bible. So go read and study what He has to say to you!

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