Hi David,
Global Leadership Interlink is "a Sector of Congress WBN and was founded in 2001 by Dr. Noel Woodroofe" of Congress World Breakthrough Network "GLI is a global network of thousands of professionals and university students committed to transformation in society through the development of values-based leaders (see [
www.glinetwork.org]). This is most definately religious in nature! However, they (like so many in churches today), may be borrowing and using leadership skills, beliefs and practices taken from New Age/Emergent global futurists who are working towards a one-world order & one-world spirituality (transformation of the world). These are the business management and organizational experts like the late Peter Drucker, Peter Senge, Jack Canfield, Ken Blanchard, and others. Packed in between the business aspects of their many books that are recommended reading for leadership training and development, you'll find what's known as the systems theory. This theory is based on the concept of holism where God is seen as a universal energy force or consciousness that permeates all of creation, therefore, everything and everyone is interconnected- ALL is One (Eastern/occultic mysticism). From the smallest of particles to animals, humans, earth, the Universe--all are part of the greater whole. New Age futurists see humans as needing to evolve into gods in order to save ourselves and the planet--resulting in a "Christified" world. How do they become gods? Through the use of SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Fasting is one of them. But it is the use of occult meditation (rather than Biblical meditation-simply pondering on something you've read in Scripture), that is the essential key to supposedly becoming your Higher, Divine Self. Deep breathing techniques are used in this type of meditation in order to still the mind and listen to God's voice. This is a form of self-hypnosis which can be very dangerous both physically, mentally, and spiritually. You put yourself into an altered state of consciousness (as seen in transcendental meditation and yoga). Occult meditation comes under many names--contemplative prayer, listening prayer, centering prayer, etc., so it can sound Christian. In reality, any voice you hear using occult practices can not be from God since He condemned all occult beliefs and practices (see Deuteronomy 18:9-22, etc.).
David, are you from the U. S.? Also, could you please describe some of the other strange practices you've heard your friend talk about or seen him do? This would possibly help me identify just what's going on with your friend. As far as him talking about staying single until he's old--that could have something to do with wanting to be an "apostle" for God. His only focus then would be doing God's work. He wouldn't have to deal with a wife and family (just a possibility).
I don't want to try to sell you something, but I think you might learn alot from my book, Missions, Mysticism & Magic. You may recognize some things your friend is into. I describe many of the beliefs and practices that are being taught within the Congress WBN. The book will give you a good clear picture of how so many young adults are being lured into Eastern/occult mysticism and socialism through similar leaders. It's only 80 pages, easy to read, and very inexpensive. If you don't have a Kindle, just go to amazon.com and look up the title. There is a free application for Kindle you can download onto your computer. Then buy the book ($2.99), and you can read it on your computer. In the meantine, I've printed out alot more info on Global Leadership Interlink and Congress WBN that I want to sift through. Please write back and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
In concern,
Claris