Introduction: The labyrinth is described as a place of "meditative prayer" and "contemplative prayer" - two concepts that have been largely absent from Protestantism until recent days when the teaching of Catholic mystics like Nouwen and Manning have found wide acceptance by evangelicals. Today such concepts, which might involve chanting a single word for 20 minutes or deliberately turning off one's mind, are considering effective ways of deepening one's walk with Christ - or at least appealing to those who have no use for the church. (See Mysticism in The Church) “Labyrinths are rapidly becoming a recognised form of worship in many evangelical organisations and churches. They are being promoted by Youth for Christ, Youth Specialties, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, The Emergent Church Convention, NavPress, Rick Warren (by recommending NavPress’ pro-contemplative magazine Discipleship Journal and speaking at Youth Specialties conferences), Zondervan Publishing, National Pastors Convention, Leadership Magazine, Group Publishing and a host of others”. [Labyrinths by Gary Gilley] The Campus Crusade PDF document for The Journey says “The Journey is based upon a feature of many medieval cathedrals – one of the best remaining examples is found in Chartres Cathedral in northern France.”
The Youth for Christ on-line labyrinth says: “This is an online translation of the Cathedral Labyrinth created by London alternative worship groups Grace, LOPE, and Epicentre. It is currently touring UK Cathedrals during 2001 - 2003. Youth For Christ are running/hosting the tour.”
Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis and author of several books “… walking a prayer labyrinth, going on pilgrimage, and making the sign of the cross have served to connect the physical body to the life of faith through the centuries”. [Doug Pagitt. BodyPrayer: The Posture of Intimacy with God. Page 4]
Articles Into the Labyrinth - and Away from Christian Hope?
The mere appearance of a thing within the Christian tradition does not guarantee that it is therefore compatible with Christian faith. The appearance of a labyrinth on the floor of a cathedral doesn’t ratify it as Christ-like, any more than a pope’s endorsement of the Crusades makes them consistent with the will of Christ, especially since the labyrinth was a pagan device long before it became a part of the church. Other tests might legitimately be applied. Labyrinths
Most evangelical Christians probably would not recognise themselves in the previous discussion of mysticism (ET July to August), but there are subtle influences at work drawing believers in this direction even without their knowledge. While firmly denying any part in classical mysticism many are actually participating in time-honoured mystical practices. Enter the Labyrinth
Many feel there is a common origin of the Labyrinth because they are found in many countries and the major religious traditions in the world: India, France, Egypt, Scandinavia, Crete, Sumeria, America, the British Isles, and Italy. So if these were practiced by other religions and cultures that are of a non Christian origin, what kind of value would they have to offer a Christian who is supposed to have all that he needs in Jesus Christ according to the Scripture? Maze Craze
Despite Artress’s contempt for their faith, no doubt some faithful Christians have walked the labyrinth that Artress has popularized. No doubt they have prayed to Christ as they turned and swiveled through the curving path, believing that they have been drawn closer to the Lord by the experience.
A Walk to Life or a Walk to Death? “..Is it a coincidence that within the last 20 years an ancient practice that had been abandoned by the “Church” has once again been introduced within its very walls that is impacting thousands? Why now is it being welcomed with open arms with such great enthusiasm by an unsuspecting church populace? This is another of many deceptions that have risen up within the body of Christ to bring delusion upon those who do not love the truth of God's word. What affect will this ancient practice have upon we the believers in Christ?... ...Across the country and throughout the nations a practice is being revived within the church, which has been dormant for centuries. In effect, an ancient tool has been “unearthed” or re-discovered and people have begun to experiment in the practice of walking the labyrinth. This is a practice that seems to bring a sense of spiritual well being for those participating in it but in reality it has trapped and is snaring many in darkness because of the labyrinth’s Occult origins. According to Peter Corbett, in his article Pathfinders, Walking Medieval Labyrinths in a Modern World, “labyrinths predate Christianity by over a millennium. The most famous labyrinth from ancient times was the Cretan one, the supposed lair of the mythological Minotaur, which Theseus slew with the aid of Ariadne and her spool of thread. (See Footnote) Turf labyrinths still exist in England, Germany and Scandinavia, and are thought to be linked with local feminine deities and fertility rituals. The adoption of labyrinths into the Christian Church is not very well documented, but they were used traditionally as a site of pilgrimage. Early Christians took a vow to visit the Holy City of Jerusalem at some point in their lives. During the Middle Ages, as the Crusades made travel to Palestine unsafe, other means were needed to honor that sacred commitment. Labyrinths were adopted by the Roman Church to offer the congregation a way of fulfilling their sacred vows. Christians made their pilgrimages to the cathedral cities of Chartres, Rheims or Amiens, completing their physical and spiritual journeys in the cathedral labyrinths” (A Walk to Life or a Walk to Death? By Steve Muse)
Footnote. One of the oldest and largest of the labyrinths is located in Notre Dame in Chartres, France. The center of the labyrinth at Chartres actually once contained an engraved copper plate depicting the battle between Theseus and the Minotaur)
The Tragedy “It is tragic, isn't it? When did the Bible stop being enough? Why are believers turning away from the Word, and turning instead towards mysticism and attempts to know and experience God apart from His complete revelation of Himself. And when did we lose sight of the preaching of the gospel as they way to reach the lost? Throughout history people have rejected God and rejected our best efforts to convince them to accept Him. Changing our methods to more closely mimic the world's will do nothing to change the fact that the number of those who hate God will always outnumber those who love Him”. (Tim Challies. www.challies.com).
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Index To Section 10A 
