Are there any doctrinal problems with Jesus Calling?

Response

Jesus Calling, authored by Sarah Young, has gained significant popularity since its initial release in 2004. Readers are encouraged to dwell in God’s presence and listen for His voice. The devotionals are based on messages the author claims to have received from Jesus and are shared with the reader as if God is speaking.

GotQuestions.org advises caution to readers of Jesus Calling. Young’s writings should not be viewed as new revelation from God. The Bible is comprehensive and contains all we need “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” «All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: », (2 Timothy 3:16). While Young acknowledges that her work differs from God’s Word, some readers perceive her devotions as Jesus’ personal words to them. This perception is understandable, as Young conveys to the reader that the words are from God Himself. In the reader’s perspective, how can words from God be any less authoritative than the Bible? If the words are from God, how are they not inspired?

In earlier editions of the book, Young shares her inspiration for Jesus Calling. She came across a small booklet titled God Calling, authored by two anonymous “listeners.” Young may not have been aware that the authors of God Calling utilized the occult practice of automatic writing to receive their messages. Nevertheless, Young mentioned, “These women practiced waiting quietly in God’s Presence, pencils and paper in hand, recording the messages they received from [God]. This little paperback became a treasure to me. It dovetailed remarkably well with my longing to live in Jesus’ Presence.” References to the controversial book God Calling have been eliminated from recent editions of Jesus Calling.

Young may be sSincere in her desire to encourage believers, but putting words in Jesus’ mouth is always dangerous. Claiming to speak for God is the same as taking the mantle of a prophetess. God has already spoken. He designed that we hear Him in His Word, the Bible, which is the only authoritative book. Young yearned for something more than God’s inspired Word, and that yearning is the faulty premise for the book Jesus Calling.

A more detailed review of Jesus Calling can be found here.