Why Jesus Calling Isn’t Just Unhelpful, It’s Dangerous

I realize this post has the potential to upset some people. I know this book has meant a lot to many. But I’d rather be honest, because it’s that important.

Lately, several people have asked me whether Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a good devotional. And while I’m encouraged that many are beginning to wrestle with Scripture and sense that something about this book feels “off,” it also deeply troubles me that Jesus Calling is still so widely read, promoted, and even used in churches.

This book has been weighed, examined, and thoroughly critiqued by countless gospel-centered pastors, theologians, and teachers, and not one faithful voice has endorsed it.

Why? Because it doesn’t lead people to the real Jesus through His Word. Instead, it points them to a mystical, man-made message cloaked in emotional language and spiritual overtones.

It’s not just unhelpful, it’s spiritually dangerous and should be avoided.

A Brief Word on Sarah Young

Sarah Young may have been sincere in her desire to help people draw closer to Jesus, but sincerity doesn’t equal sound doctrine.

By claiming to speak words directly from Christ outside of Scripture, she positioned herself as a modern-day prophet, something no faithful teacher should ever do. Her approach bypasses biblical authority and opens the door to confusion, error, and spiritual deception.

Ten Biblical Reasons to Avoid Jesus Calling

1. It Puts Words in Jesus’ Mouth

Sarah Young doesn't just reflect on Scripture—she writes as if Jesus is speaking directly through her. That’s not a small thing. It’s a serious theological overreach that borders on blasphemy. Unless you are quoting Jesus directly from Scripture, you are not qualified to speak as Him. The apostles didn’t do it. The church fathers didn’t do it. We shouldn’t either.

Deuteronomy 18:20; Revelation 22:18-19

2. It Was Born from a Desire for “More Than the Bible”

Sarah Young openly admits in the introduction that she was spiritually unsatisfied with Scripture alone. She longed for a more personal, direct experience of Jesus, so she turned to a method of “listening” and began writing down what she believed He was saying. That admission is telling: a craving for experience over divine revelation is how people get led into error.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2

3. It Makes Subjective Feelings a Source of Truth

The entire method of Jesus Calling is built around internal impressions. Young quiets herself, waits for a “word,” then records it. But the Bible never tells us to rely on gut feelings or emotions to hear from God. Our hearts are deceitful, and subjective impressions are unstable ground. That’s how cults start, not biblical Christianity.

Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 3:5; Colossians 2:18-19

4. It Lacks a Clear Gospel Message

One of the most glaring problems in Jesus Calling is the absence of the actual gospel. There is no clear presentation of sin, repentance, the cross, substitutionary atonement, or salvation by grace through faith. Instead, the “Jesus” in this book offers general encouragement and emotional healing, but not the saving truth that sets sinners free. That’s a different gospel.

Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

5. It Distorts Scripture

Young frequently paraphrases Scripture loosely or misapplies it to create a more therapeutic tone. This isn’t careful biblical interpretation, it’s massaging the Bible into self-help language. The result is a spiritualized pep talk, not a faithful proclamation of God’s Word.

2 Peter 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15

6. It Emphasizes Emotion Over Truth

The tone of Jesus Calling constantly elevates peace, calm, comfort, and personal affirmation. But the real Jesus doesn't always affirm; He rebukes, warns, calls to repentance, and flips tables. The Jesus of Scripture is tender with sinners, yes, but He is also Lord and Judge. When your “Jesus” never confronts your sin, that’s a red flag.

John 17:17; Ephesians 4:14-15

7. It Was Inspired by New Age Mysticism

Sarah Young says she was deeply influenced by a book called God Calling, written by two anonymous women who practiced “listening” prayer. That book is widely recognized as being New Age in nature, filled with vague spirituality, personal revelation, and a soft universalism. That’s the foundation of Jesus Calling. That’s not discernment, that’s spiritual compromise.

1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:14

8. It Promotes Occult-Like Spiritual Practices

Let’s be blunt: what Sarah Young describes in her “listening prayer” method is almost indistinguishable from automatic writing, an occult practice where one opens themselves up to receive messages from a spiritual source. Scripture never encourages this kind of passive, open-channel communication. We are told to seek God through His Word, not apart from it.

Isaiah 8:19–20; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Hebrews 4:12

9. It Presents a Sentimental, Self-Help Jesus

The Jesus of Jesus Calling feels more like a life coach or therapist, always affirming, always gentle, always focused on making your life peaceful. But that’s not the Jesus who died for your sins and calls you to carry a cross. He is Savior, Lord, and returning King. And that means He doesn’t exist to enhance our emotional well-being; He exists to rule and reign.

Luke 6:46; Revelation 1:12–18

10. It’s Popular Because It Avoids Hard Truths

The reason this book has sold over 40 million copies isn’t because it’s biblically rich—it’s because it’s safe, sentimental, and non-threatening. It avoids the reality of sin, judgment, and holiness. And in doing so, it gives the appearance of godliness while denying its power. That should concern us.

2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14

Final Thoughts

If you're longing to know Jesus, go to the Bible. He has spoken fully, clearly, and finally in His Word. You don’t need “new” words from Jesus; you need to trust and obey the ones He’s already given.

Don't trade the truth of Scripture for emotional impressions. Don’t settle for a counterfeit Christ. Cling to the real Jesus, revealed in the Word.