- According to Russell Chandler, "New Age is not a cult or sect per se," but rather "a hybrid mix of spiritual, social, and political forces, and it encompasses sociology, theology, the physical sciences, medicine, anthropology, history, and the human potential movement, sports and science fiction."
- As many as 12 million Americans are active New Age participants.
- Another 30 million are avidly interested.
- There is no definite statement of New Age beliefs, no founder, no central church or headquarters, and no formal structure.
- More than 3000 publishers offer New Age and Occult books.
- Bestselling New Age books include A Course in Miracles, A Return to Love, Out on a Limb, and Celestine Prophecy.
New Age Basic Beliefs
- God is who or what you want him to be.
- Truth is what you want it to be.
- Salvation depends on you. - Since you are a god there is no need for salvation
What New Age borrows from other Religions
- Hinduism - ideas of monotheism, pantheism, and reincarnation.
- Buddhism - Meditation and elightenment (nirvana). Rely heavy on Zen Buddhism.
- Taoism - There is no absolute truth.
- Gnosticism - Dualism
- Native American religions - Belief in the nature spirits. Also, shamanism, healed by spirits.
- Occultism - Belief in a power based on a hidden knowledge about the universe and its hidden forces.
Recap
- The influence of new age spirituality is embeded in all aspects of society.
- Many New Age practitioners are thoughtful professionals who have a common vision to transform society and bring about a new era of harmony and human progress.
- New Age spirituality has characteristics of monism, pantheism, defication of humanity, transformation, ecological centerdness and a belief in a new world order.
- The New Age and the Bible present different realities about God, truth and salvation.
Discussion
What New Age influences do you see today?
1 comment:
These are three characteristics of New Age that are seen heavily today:
God is who or what you want him to be.
Truth is what you want it to be.
Salvation depends on you. - Since you are a god there is no need for salvation
The new trend is for people to make their own god and truth. They want to believe in their own power and not anything else. They want to think that they themselves can determine their own destiny through being "good enough". All of this is of course not correct and is disturbing. People have to decide for themselves that they are not capable of "saving" themselves. They have to come to a point of brokenness and know that they need the Lord Jesus Christ to save them! We must pray and witness for Him so that more people will see His truth and believe!!!
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