After posting below on this article, i sent the author a note and got a response. I'm now actually dumber than I was before thanks to her response:

To: cmickels@wavecable.com
Subject: Youth Specialties

Cathy,
I've gotta tell this in the nicest way possible, but I'm dumber for having read the Youth Ministry Update around Youth Specialties. It is ill informed, ignorant and full of half truths. I encourage you to take a real look at Youth Specialties and actually attend one of the conference instead of bad mouthing it. Talk to youth pastors who leverage YS's great resources, training and encouragement and see if your opinions hold true.

Thanks,
Dave

Cathy Mickels wrote:

Dave,

Are you saying that you are willing to overlook error and false teachings such as yoga, contemplative prayer, and labyrinth walks introduced to the Body of Christ?

These spiritual practices are all contrary to the Word of God and they are rooted in eastern religions. Have you read the articles written in Youth Specialties material endorsing many of these eastern spiritual practices?

See for more information: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/index.html

Out of love for the brethren and God's word, believers have a responsibility to warn others.

English preacher, J.C. Ryle, wrote in the 1800's, "...controversy in religion is a hateful thing...But there is one thing which is even worse that controversy and that is false doctrine tolerated, allowed and permitted without protest or molestation...I believe to maintain pure truth in the church men should be ready to make any sacrifice, to hazard peace, to risk dissension, and run the chance of division. They should no more tolerate false doctrine than they would tolerate sin."

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth...but you be watchful in all things..." 2 Tim.4

In Christ,

Cathy

Cathy,

Thanks for your note. Have you ever seen Christian Writers who bash movies, music and books which they've never actually seen? When I see it happen, I feel embarssed for how that person is ignorantly representing our faith to the world around us, fufilling a lot of the stereotypes that people have about Christians. I would encourage you to actually check out a Youth Specialties conference and talk to some of the people involved, like their president, Mark Ostreicher.

On a side note, I'd love to hear your explain how things like Yoga, Contemplative Prayer and Labyrinth Walks are contrary to the word of God. Are you familiar with some of the ancient practices of our faith like Lectio Divina?

I hope as you dig deeper into these things, you'll clarify some of your misconceptions.

Thanks,
Dave