New Age from a Christian point of view

New Age belief is best characterized as spiritual exploration. It unlike most of the world’s religions is a relatively new faith. At first glance, it is similar to Wicca, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is about seeking a spiritual journey like Hindus and Buddhists. They are similarities in that there are mystical traditions taken from world religions and pagan faiths such as Wiccan. Like these religions, New Age is a flexible belief. It is not a monotheistic religion based on strict codes like Christianity or Islam. Nor are the boundaries strict as in Christianity and Islam. Rather, what I mean by flexible belief is that believers have different paths and different beliefs based on the teachings that they believe and their own experiences.

Because of its flexibility, trying to pin down the basics of the religion is very difficult unlike with Islam or Christianity. However, there are a few beliefs common to New Agers. They believe that all humanity and life are interconnected and that God is one name for energy that we are participating in. There is also a belief in spiritual guides that we must be open to such as angels. There is also a correlation between New Age Belief and Humanism in that the Human Mind is capable of overcoming physical reality.In other words, we create our own reality. We are capable of our own destiny. We have a purpose and we must know what our purpose is. We have a lot of lessons to learn on this planet while we are yet alive. But death is not the end. There is a belief in reincarnation, a process of being reborn. Life is a cycle and death is a part of life that teaches us. We are subject to spiritual laws, such as the law of cause and effect.

There is a search for purpose and spiritual meaning from not one path, but through diverse religions. There is no one or few sacred texts as in other world religions. Strict dogmas are not of great importance to New Agers. For example there is a strong belief in the renaissance of the feminine in religion. The belief here is that feminine spirits or entities have been “subordinated, masked, or obliterated by patriarchial movements that were widely practiced when sacred teachings were first committed to writing.” (Wikipedia.com: New Age) Some New Agers may even use objects as for direction and healing such as crystals and tarot cards. However, most belief that God is all that exists, but needs to be sought in the universe and within oneself. This belief is common in both pantheism and panentheism. Many New Agers also believe in an aura, a field which is radiated by the body. A person’s aura can be detected a person’s state of mind and overall well-being. Some also believe in a transformation which can be enhanced using guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation.

There are also beliefs in a New World Order and a Universal Religion, which seem to go hand in hand. A universal religion says that there are different paths to one God. There is no one correct path to God. The hope of the universal religion is that all religions will be universally accepted yet will evolve. The New World Order is when there is world government and that there will be peace and an end to suffering. People will give up allegiance to their tribes and nations and strive for peace and end suffering for the sake of the world and its people. (Religious Tolerance.org: New Age)

At first glance, the New Age belief is very good to a Christian, especially the ones about the Universal Religion and the New World Order. Who wants to live in a world where there is peace and no suffering? All of us do. No one wants to suffer. But the Bible says things differently about a world where there is peace and no suffering. All you have to do is read Revelation 21 and 22. Sadly, not everyone will take part in this new world. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Many in new age practice the magic arts, for New Age takes much of their beliefs from the occult and mysticism. And a word concerning Universal religion.

Someone once asked if there is one God, then why are there many religions? The correct answer is there is only one True God and He is the Only Way, Truth, and Life and His name is Jesus Christ.He said it Himself in John 14:6-7, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” There is no reincarnation in Christianity, but there is definitely resurrection, for He rose on the third day. 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belongs to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put everything under his feet.” Finally, from Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him wh hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” God is Guide, Lord, Master, Creator, and Savior. Come to Him. Today is the day of salvation. Come to Him. Call on His Name. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and believe that God rose Him from the dead.Call on the name of Jesus.

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