The Circle Maker = witchcraft?

[Nessa]

Has anyone read about Mark Batterson, a well known pastor who wrote 'The circle maker'?

The story behind it, is not one from the Bible but of the Jewish legend, Honi.

Some have equated drawing a circle around you while praying to a witchcraft practice or at best the 'name it and claim it' false gospel...

[Philip]

I don't know, Nessa - it sounds like it's based upon Jewish mysticism (mumbo jumbo).

Here are some critical comments by a reviewer on Amazon Books - true or not?

"This book is a new twist on the prosperity gospel at best. There is no Biblical foundation for his "new way of praying". There is no mention of circles in the Bible for prayer. It is more subtle. This author uses scripture out of context and stories out of context. The origin of chalk circles is well steeped in witchcraft and sorcery which Rodney Gypsy Smith knew very well. Circles drawn, often three clockwiseare patterns are used to conjure up spirits and demons. Honi was indeed a real man, revered by the same Jewish leaders who hated Jesus. He was hunted as a sorcerer and a practitioner of dark magik. This book is not a book I would ever recommend and intertwines witchcraft with Biblical verses. I only read it as one of the Bible study groups decided to read this. Yes, they are aware of my thoughts on this book as a book for spiritual guidance. Remember how subtle the serpent was with Eve."

And this is what Wikipedia relates about Honi:

"His surname is derived from an incident in which, according to the Talmud, his prayer for rain was miraculously answered. On one occasion, when God did not send rain well into the winter (in the geographic regions of Israel, it rains mainly in the winter), Honi drew a circle in the dust, stood inside it, and informed God that he would not move until it rained. When it began to drizzle, Honi told God that he was not satisfied and expected more rain; it then began to pour. He explained that he wanted a calm rain, at which point the rain calmed to a normal rain.[1]
Tomb of Honi ha-M'agel in Hatzor HaGlilit, Galilee."

"He was almost put into cherem (excommunication) for the above incident in which he showed "dishonor" to God. However, Shimon ben Shetach, the brother of Queen Shlomtzion, excused him, saying that he was Honi and had a special relationship with God."

"Two variations of this story appear in the Talmud, in Taanit."

[Philip]

BTW, "prayer technique" books abound and they sell well. But isn't it the power of a simple prayer prayed that lines up with the will of the One Who has the ability to answer it, that is effective? Or is it the eloquence, technique, etc. of the prayer?