This one was mentioned recently on Lynn Dickie's "Set the Captives Free." They also seem to have some presence in all 50 states, including in my general vicinity. I see their fliers occasionally, and am not sure what to do about it.
Anyways, they sell themselves as the only way to God and/or enlightenment. They were founded by Paul Twitchell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Twitchell), sometime pulp writer (like L. Ron Hubbard). It seems he studied under some Hindu Guru, and Scientology, where he rose quite high in the ranks.
Scientology, founded by Hubbard, of course, has an undeniable link to dark occultism. Jack Parsons had a sort of love-hate with Hubbard, and they both practiced dark rituals. That's outlined in "Dark Mission" by Richard Hoaglund (pray up before reading that one). Hoaglund also ties both of them to Aleister Crowley, as sort of apprentices of his. So in essence, Eckankar is really the "grandson" religion of one of the most wicked men of the 20th century-Crowley.
Here's an article talking about someone discussing inaccuracies in the religion.
http://truthabouteckankar.blogspot.com/2007/06/chanhassen-newspaper-scratches-surface.html
So, sketchy origins rooted deeply in Hinduism, New Age and Scientology.
Looking through their site (which i won't link to) it's hard to find out what exactly they teach.
What i've discerned is they teach reincarnation, astral (soul, body) travel, and a few other odd things. They teach that the "Holy Spirit" is like an energy field.
They also teach that the eck teachings have been around basically through all human history with roots in the far east, yet no country claims to have originated it. I suppose if you count Hinduism, you could say that.
Well thats enough on the history.
Even though it's hard to find any really specific doctrine on their website, the Bible can shed some light on why Harold Klemp, or any "Eck Master" is really not a messenger of God. The Bible is very clear on what a true messenger of God will be like and also what a false teacher will be like. What God tells us through His word shows us that Eckankar (and its subsidiaries) are not His messengers, but rather false teachers.
Satan has no new tricks, which is how we can know the truth about Harold Klemp and Eckankar.
2 Corinthians 11:4
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receiveth another spirit, which ye have not received, or another Gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
1 Galatians 8-9
"But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
"As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye received, let him be accursed."
Well, that about sums it up. We know the gospel is salvation through Jesus Christ alone. His death, atoning for our sins when we repent and accept Him. Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God. (John 14:6)
Eckankar teaches they are the best road to God. He also teaches that Jesus is merely a good teacher and the one who leads us Christians to God/spiritual enlightenment. (1 John 4:1-3). Except that they must not know what Jesus taught. Jesus taught alot of things, and one of them was that He was the ONLY way to God. (http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/10/was-jesus-really-just-good-teacher-then.html)
So, strike one and two for Eckanisms and Mr. Klemp. Wrong on how to get to God, and COMPLETELY wrong about Jesus.
Another pop-out thing Eckankar/Klemp teaches, is to chant a certain word (which i won't repeat). This is also accompanied by internal visualizations. Visualization is a key element in New Age pracitces, i used to do it occasionally myself.
On their website, i noticed that they also teach chanting different words/letters for varying effects. Again, i'm not linking to it. In any event, as i understand it anyways, they think this brings them closer to God. It's not really praying i guess, but it would be an equivalent to prayer.
When we pray to God, it should be a conversation with God, and a time of praise, thanks and petition. Not repeated words, phrases or sounds. (Not to pick on Catholics, but this applies to you too when praying the Rosary.)
Here's what God says about how to pray. That's in addition to the prayer Jesus taught ("Our Father...")
Matthew 6:7
"When ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."
Chanting, and repeating are often gateways into the occult, because it brings about an altered state of conciousness, which in turn brings contact with demonic beings. Of course Eckankar and Klemp call these spirit guides, a classic New Age feature. Strike three for Eckankar? Or perhaps a foul?
Spirit guides are another topic perhaps, but the short of it is this. They ALWAYS lead you further into yourself, or other strange methods that are supposed to help you attain a higher level. They also will teach you false things about Jesus.
1 John 4:1-3
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
Of course no look at New Age/Hinduistic religions would be complete without reincarnation. Of course. Eckankar is no different. It's a lie Satan loves. After all, why worry about your actions and choices in this life when you can just set them right next time around? Except it doesn't work that way.
Hebrews 9:27-28
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
One time's all you get. God is fair. He gives each person one chance to get it right. Would be fair for one person to get saved on their first life and another person 30 lives? Unless you're playing Super Mario, one life is all anyone gets.
This is all just a brief overview, but even from this it is plain to see that Harold Klemp is not God's messenger, nor will Eckankar lead you to anything eternal. At least not an eternity with God.
Paul T. didn't die for you. Harold Klemp will not die for you. Eckankar will not lead you closer to God, nor is the "Holy Spirit" they offer even close to God the Holy Spirit. Instead, they will string you along through countless initiations, probably taking your money and teaching you the lie that you are already divine.
I don't know about you, but i know i can't be divine i make far too many mistakes and treat people less lovingly than i should. I regret decisions i've made and the fact that i don't do more to help those suffering in need. If you or i are divine, why aren't we better?
Instead, why not turn to the real divinity. God, the true divinity, sent His Son Jesus to come. He came and died for our sins, though He shouldn't have. He also rose from the dead and has been glorified by God the Father. The REAL Holy Spirit will attest to what Jesus has done. He is the way, if you repent and turn your life to Him, He will set you free with out initiation. He will walk with you on your spiritual journey. He's already done the work, all you have to do is believe. Accept Him as Savior. Accept that He's dealt with your sin, and wants to draw you close.
Eckankar is a spiritual yoke of bondage to past lives, karma, initiations and mindless chanting (Which will bring new bondage: "spirit guides" aka, demonic oppression). The yoke of following Jesus Christ is His arm around you as He walks with you to God the Father. But you have to accept Him first.
Appendix:
For more on Eckankar:
http://www.gotquestions.org/Eckankar.html
They explained things much better than I.
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