Jay Bakker, the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker (PTL Club) isn’t exactly following his parents’ footsteps into the glitzy, show biz style Christianity, but it is regretful to report that he has headed right into the emerging church and the mysticism that goes with it.

The 31 year old pastor became discouraged with the Christianity he saw as a kid and turned away from it. What he apparently has found instead is an emerging spirituality that resonates with many apostatizing with in the Emerging Church aka Emergent Church, now morphing into Emergence Christianity (EC), as well as with contemplative teachers as a recommended book section on Bakker’s website shows with contemplative teachers like Brian McLaren, Brennan Manning, Rob Bell and Tony Campolo.

On Bakker’s “links” page, he shows his affinity with groups like Youth Specialties and Sojourners and an organization called RHOP (Revolution House of Prayer) where alleged “ancient” forms of prayer and “emerging” spirituality are adhered to. A quote by Henri Nouwen on Bakker’s site further illustrates his sympathies towards Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism.

In addition to resonating with contemplative spirituality, Bakker has become outspoken in his non- biblical views about homosexuality. In an interview with Radar Online, Bakker is quoted as saying: “I felt like God spoke to my heart and said ‘[homosexuality] is not a sin.'” This statement from Jay Bakker also appears in the ABC News story Punk Pastor Preaches Tolerance, Compassion.

On Bakker’s website, this view is consistently upheld. And in a December 15th interview with Larry King, the following conversation took place:

KING: Would you say that you’re part of the liberal sect of Christianity?

JAY BAKKER: Well, I definitely say I’m a little bit more liberal than probably most, yes.

KING: You, for example, in your church would you marry gays?

JAY BAKKER: If the laws passed, yes.

KING: You favor there being a law, though?

JAY BAKKER: Yes, I do. (Online source)

As Lighthouse Trails has shown in previous reports, homosexuality and New Age thought go hand in hand. This “marriage” of mysticism and sexual depravity is drawing more and more people into its seducing and dangerous web. Jay Bakker’s attraction to and promotion of both will undoubtedly mislead many young people away from the saving grace of Jesus Christ, who alone can bring true peace and deliverance from sinful lifestyles.

This article originally appears in Coming from the Lighthouse Newsletter, January 1, 2007 and republished here by Apprising Ministries with permission. 

See also:

EMERGING CHURCH PASTOR JAY BAKKER CLAIMS HE KNOWS THE SCRIPTURES BUT IS STILL “GAY AFFIRMING”