Opinion: Christians Should Reject The “New Age” Movement
Escaping oppression in England, the Pilgrims fled to the land we now know as the United States of America in search of religious freedom. These individuals wanted to be free to worship, but who did they want to worship? The one, true God. The God of the Bible.
It should come as no surprise that after being founded upon biblical principles, the U.S. is, to this day, the country with the largest Christian population. According to research done by the Pew Research Center, in 2015, 76.9% of Americans identified as Christian.
Although this might make some jump for joy, it is not as good a statistic as it first presents itself to be. The word “Christian” in America has become a label for many, a commodity that simply means, “I go to church occasionally.” However, when the beliefs held by those who claim the Christian faith are examined, a blaring alarm begins to ring, and it is crucial for the church to listen closely to it.
In recent years, another Pew Research study found that a new religious movement, commonly referred to as the New Age movement was dominating the spiritual panorama.
The New Age movement, or New Age spirituality, is a conglomeration of beliefs rooted in Eastern mysticism. Things ranging from meditation to occult practices can all fall under the umbrella of New Ageism. Although it is difficult to define at times, which is why its followers rarely label themselves as such, this unbiblical worldview has permeated America, including the evangelical church.
While nowadays eight-in-ten Christians say they believe in the God of the Bible, six-in-ten believe in one or more of four predominant New Age beliefs, including the belief in psychics, reincarnation and in astrology. Even though some of these can be easily identified as contrary to biblical truth, there are other beliefs within New Age that have subtly trickled into the church.
Arguably even more dangerous is the self-love and self-actualization ideology that is being fed to many Christians today and accepted as truth. This seems, at first glance, like a belief that could align with biblical Christianity. However, when examined closely, it becomes increasingly easy to see that these claims are actually rooted in New Age beliefs rather than the Christian faith. Although the Bible affirms that every individual has intrinsic value because he or she is made in the image of the Creator, the Bible is also quick to affirm that without God, we are completely depraved.
According to former New Ager, now Christian apologist, Steven Bancarz, Satan is trying to deceive humanity with the lie he started with in Genesis 3: you shall be like God. When entangled by lies of self, we are convinced that life is simply about bettering our character or social standing, and that through affirmation, positive thinking and self-reliance it can be achieved.
Christians, beware. This is not the Gospel that Jesus calls us to. When we follow Christ, we deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him. The life of a Christian is not a life of self-actualization, but rather of complete self-denial. Not because we don’t have value, but rather because there is nothing good in us that we could give value to on our own. Our value comes directly from God alone. Only through Christ and his work of redemption can we become who we were created to be.
Rosa Elias is a Social Media Manager. Follow her on Twitter at @rosaeliasnajri.
Liberty actually teaches self-actualization and self-love in PSYC 101 because it’s on the top of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. That idea definitely did not originate with the New Age movement and it is not specific to the New Age movement. That’s an agreed-upon concept within the psychology community. I believe the term you’re looking for is “self-spirituality” which is more synonymous with the New Age belief system.
You must recoil the acts of pathology; “it is a key to a door”, so recollect/reflect that simply because we are taught theory does not mean that we are subject to the alternative of wordsmithing the theology behind the mastery of such studies as psychology/sociology/independence/community.
So as well, we must remember most whom study their practition are subject to their practition.
ex. “25yrs+ Jailer is just as much of a prisoner as the prisoners!”
Right on Austin. In addition, the Bible teaches to meditate, renew the mind, practice self control which are a big part of DNRS which is scentifically proven to change neuropathways and chemicals in the brain and body. Moreover we are made in Gods image and have his spirit living in us. God is love so anyone focusing on love is going to find him. I think where healers such as Joe Dispenzia go wrong is acknowledging the universe life force instead of the maker of the universe. And we should be meditating on Gods law not making our own law
My stepdaughter is into New Age religion using stones crystals ect as part of her belief. It really concerns me but my wife says its her business not mine. As a grandparent I worry about the doors she is opening in their home. This movement is so dangerous. Christians need to wake up and take notice this is Satan and not from God.
Your grandaughter will be fine, be a bEACON to Her hope. “She gets Lost, she will find the way!”
Grandpa, Grandma is wrong and you have every right to be concerned. This is very serious. Are her parents Believers? Can you talk to them about this? Even if they are not Believers you can have positive influence on them also.
The First piece of advice I would give is that you pray… ask the Lord to open her/their ears to hear His Truth and ask Him to help you speak with her in love.
Next I would ask you to remember you are to be a picture and example of Jesus to her. In gentleness and love, show her the Truth. Your actions are important and so are your words. Be sure she observes you living your Faith. Movies? TV? Radio? Church .. Worship and fellowship (relationships) .. examine these in your life. As God guides, be aware, your granddaughter is going to be looking closely at your lifestyle.
Then I would advise you not to nag, cajolle, or “harp” on her about this. Do not argue with her or grandma.
Our job is to present God’s Truth in Love … The Holy Spirit will do the convicting and healing. Stand firm in your position and Knowledge of Jesus.
Do not forget to put on the full armour of God … this is a spiritual battle.
And always remember that Christ has won. He stands beside you.
Also remember that many who read your post will be praying alongside you.
This is a horrible article.
I highly disagree of your opinion of this being a horrible article. You can have your beliefs and we can have ours without calling anything negative such as horrible.
I’d like to know why you say it is horrible … where is the horror?
This is disgustingly Un-American, written by a christian who wants a civil religious war.
This article is an eye-opener. We Christians should wake up from our slumber and fulfil the great commission.
As a genuine Bible believer of a number of years, I find this article (and site) spot on. I did want to reply to the person might have misunderstood.
The Grandad was asking for suggestions about spiritual issues of his granddaughter. The replies mentioning “spiritual warfare” ( Ephesians 6;13-18) are about spiritual issues. For example, I am praying for this man and his family.
It has nothing at all to do with an actual physical war of any kind. I hope that makes the former responses about spiritual issues more clear.
As people who often grew up in a Christian environment, it’s easy to forget that others may not understand our semantics. “Warfare” is only known as something physical by people who have never heard about principalities. We are familiar with knowing there is an active spirit realm living simultaneously with us. Not everyone is and they likely think this belief is unreasonable and mythical. We must be clear when we speak about the things of God.