What is the definition of “New Age” religion? There is a great deal of talk about this subject, but most of it is vague and woolly as regards detail. That, to some extent is probably intended by the protagonists, as most people who subscribe to the theory, will have their own pet definition and loyalty; and the protagonists will herd them all together, for control and influence and purpose!
It is stated at this stage, that the writers are speaking from the point of view of being “born again in the Blood of Christ”, and that they hold firmly to the “fundamental” views of the person “redeemed by Christ”, and they hold to the veracity of the Holy Bible, as has been translated and passed down from the Reformation onwards; and is properly (accurately) translated. See: Canon of Scripture & Corruption of the Bible Text:
The above statement of Faith, may well be off putting to many readers, but, if the Holy Spirit is drawing a person to seek, look, study, and know; this statement will not be used to excuse and withdraw! Some will say, with some truth, that nobody is qualified to make pronouncements for God. That is so; however, as in Old Testament (OT) times; all True Christ-Ones can be used for the purpose of Almighty God, at various times in their lifetime; if they are willing!
As mentioned above, defining “New Age Religion”, is quite difficult, as there seem to be as many definitions as there are participants; although common explanations do “clump” in areas where there is a common activity to “celebrate” certain events.
Some participants deny the need for a “Saviour”; i.e. Christ Jesus; and state that they can “talk to God directly, without the need of an intermediary”! Such people have often had an experience, or teaching regarding The Lord Jesus Christ, which, due to worldwide teaching error or bad behaviour, has turned them away from the Truth of Salvation in Christ Jesus! They have though been left with “a void” in their person, which they seek to fill with such as “New Ageism”, which typically leaves them feeling “free” of the erroneous burden of those who have misinformed them.
This of course puts them in the category of not believing the Bible, which, if held to their death, would result in the judgement of Rev. 20:11-12.
The simple truth is, that since Acts 28:25-28; the Salvation of Christ has been on offer to all in the world, by simple sincere acceptance of His death on the cross of Calvary, which does not need any other action, or manmade procedure to give the individual full access to eternal life! It is not contingent on Church attendance, good works, or any burden that men or women in Pulpits may try to impose for their own, or their Churches control reasons! This truth sets people free (John 8:32 & 36); and they are then sealed (2Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13 & 4:30) until Christ Jesus raises them to eternal life!
Also; because so much of their activities, practices and belief is centred on paganism, occultism, and theosophy, ancient beliefs and practices; the followers are in the main, the very people who have need of Salvation in Christ Jesus; if they would give their will to Him! See the Bible’s warnings; these are some of the approx. 30 references in the Bible; so strong is God’s anger against Satan’s way, means, and spirits, which he uses to enslave people; to take them away from the great love that He gave in the Sacrifice of His Own Son, Jesus the Christ! Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10-11; Jer. 10:2; 27:9-10; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 2Kings 21:6; 1Tim. 4:1; 1Chron. 10:13; Eph. 6:11; 5:11 & Dan. 2:27; 4:7 etc.
The realisation by adherents of “New Age Religion or Practice”, will be stark when the present “Age” (see: Bible Dispensations) culminates. It will also coincide with other aspects of Earth’s people’s, who are to be judged by the Godhead!
To add flesh to the bones of these brief comments; below is the attempt at definition by Wikipedia; and some eminent contributors.
Definition[edit]
"One of the few things on which all scholars are agreed concerning New Age is that it is difficult to define. Often, the definition given actually reflects the background of the scholar giving the definition. Thus, the New Ager views New Age as a revolutionary period of history dictated by the stars; the Christian apologist has often defined new age as a cult; the historian of ideas understands it as a manifestation of the perennial tradition; the philosopher sees New Age as a monistic or holistic worldview; the sociologist describes New Age as a new religious movement (NRM); while the psychologist describes it as a form of narcissism."
— Religious studies scholar Daren Kemp, 2004.[1]
The New Age phenomenon has proved difficult to define, with much scholarly disagreement as to how this can be done.[2] Religious studies scholar Paul Heelas characterised the New Age movement as "an eclectic hotch-potch of beliefs, practices, and ways of life" which can be identified as a singular phenomenon through their use of "the same (or very similar) lingua francato do with the human (and planetary) condition and how it can be transformed".[3] Similarly, historian of religion Olav Hammer termed it "a common denominator for a variety of quite divergent contemporary popular practices and beliefs" which have emerged since the late 1970s and which are "largely united by historical links, a shared discourse and an air de famille".[4]Sociologist of religion Michael York described the New Age movement as "an umbrella term that includes a great variety of groups and identities" but which are united by their "expectation of a major and universal change being primarily founded on the individual and collective development of human potential".[5]
The religious studies scholar Wouter Hanegraaff adopted a different approach by asserting that "New Age" was "a label attached indiscriminately to whatever seems to fit it" and that as a result it "means very different things to different people".[6] He thus argued against the idea that the New Age movement could be considered "a unified ideology or Weltanschaaung".[7] Echoing the view that the phenomenon labeled "New Age" was not "even a homogenous entity at all", the religious studies scholar Steven J. Sutcliffe nevertheless rejected the idea of a "New Age movement", deeming it to be "a false etic category".[8]
Many of those groups and individuals who could analytically be categorised as part of the New Age movement reject the term "New Age" when in reference to themselves.[9] Rather than term themselves "New Agers", those involved in this milieu commonly describe themselves as spiritual "seekers".[10] In 2003, Sutcliffe observed that the use of the term was "optional, episodic and declining overall", adding that among the very few individuals who did use it, they usually did so with qualification, for instance by placing it in inverted commas.[11] Hence, although the religious studies scholar James R. Lewis acknowledged that "New Age" was a problematic term, he asserted that "there exists no comparable term which covers all aspects of the movement" and that thus it remained a useful etic category for scholars to use.[12]
"The New Age movement is the cultic milieu having become conscious of itself, in the later 1970s, as constituting a more or less unified "movement". All manifestations of this movement are characterized by a popular western culture criticism expressed in terms of a secularized esotericism."
— Scholar of esotericism Wouter Hanegraaff, 1996.[13]
Those involved in the movement rarely consider it to be "religion" – negatively associating the latter solely with organized religion – and instead describe their practices as "spirituality".[14]Religious studies scholars however have repeatedly referred to the movement as a "religion"; Hanegraaff for instance described the New Age as a "religious movement".[15] The New Age movement is a form of Western esotericism.[16] Hanegraaff considered the New Age to be a form of "popular culture criticism", in that it represented a reaction against the dominant Western values of Judeo-Christian religion and rationalism,[17] adding that "New Age religion formulates such criticism not at random, but falls back on" the ideas of earlier Western esoteric groups.[7]
York described the New Age movement as a new religious movement (NRM).[18] Conversely, both Heelas and Sutcliffe rejected this categorisation; he believed that while elements of the New Age movement represented NRMs, this was not applicable to every New Age group.[19] Hammer identified much of the New Age movement as corresponding to the concept of "folk religions" in that it seeks to deal with existential questions regarding subjects like death and disease in "an unsystematic fashion, often through a process of bricolage from already available narratives and rituals".[4] York also heuristically divides the New Age movement into three broad trends. The first, the "social camp", represents groups which primarily seek to bring about social change, while the second, "occult camp", instead focus on contact with spirit entities and channeling. York's third group, the "spiritual camp", represents a middle ground between these two camps, and which focuses largely on individual development.[20]
Terminology of the "New Age"[edit]
The term "new age", along with related terms like "new era" and "new world", long predate the emergence of the New Age movement, and have widely been used to assert that a better way of life for humanity is dawning.[21] It has, for instance, widely been used in political contexts; the Great Seal of the United States, designed in 1782, proclaims a "new order of ages", while in the 1980s the Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev proclaimed that "all mankind is entering a new age".[21] The term has also appeared within Western esoteric schools of thought, having a scattered use from the mid-nineteenth century onward.[22] In 1864 the American Swedenborgian Warren Felt Evans published The New Age and its Message, while in 1907 Alfred Orage and Holbrook Jackson began editing a weekly journal of Christian liberalism and socialism titled The New Age.[23] The concept of a coming "new age" that would be inaugurated by the return to Earth of Jesus Christ was a theme in the poetry of Wellesley Tudor Pole and Johanna Brandt,[24] and then also appeared in the work of the American Theosophist Alice Bailey, who used the term prominently in such titles as Disciplineship in the New Age (1944) and Education in the New Age (1954).[24]
Between the 1930s and 1960s a small number of groups and individuals became preoccupied with the concept of a coming "New Age" and prominently used the term accordingly.[25] The term had thus become a recurring motif in the esoteric spirituality milieu.[26] Sutcliffe therefore expressed the view that while the term "New Age" had originally been an "apocalyptic emblem", it would only be later that it became "a tag or codeword for a 'spiritual' idiom".[27]
As further example of the subject in hand, a statement from a Newscaster in the USA, regarding a survey of US Citizens stated:
8% believe in astrology as a method of foretelling the future
7% believe that crystals are a source of healing or energizing power
9% believe that Tarot Cards are a reliable base for life decisions
About 1 in 4 believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God which are often associated with New Age thinking:
11% believe that God is "a state of higher consciousness that a person may reach"
8% define God as "the total realization of personal, human potential"
3% believe that each person is God
This is only a very small and inconclusive listing, and does not mention any particular religion. There are some that state that there is a definite list of religions and practices, coordinated by an “Elite” grouping that controls the activities of the “New Age” concept worldwide. However that is denied by others. The adherents to New Age thinking are undoubtedly in most areas of religious activity, whether that is “Church”, sect or demonic groups. (See Google “Satan and New Age Religion”).
The movement in its present overt form is a result of the failure of the “Established Churches” to hold to the Truth of the Bible after the 2nd World War, and emerged in the 1960s in the UK, and strengthened in the 1970s; spreading initially throughout the western world. It has been underground and latent in the Roman Church since its formation by Constantine and Helena, and their forceful suppression of the early Christian debate.
Of the many practices and beliefs in the New Age compass, is that of Reincarnation. This holds out hope (false), that the dead person will be brought to life again in a yet to be future “Age”, and allows communication with that dead person, through a “medium”. This belief is particularly strong in women’s groups, and in fact is a Satanic equivalent to the Truth of the New Testament’s (NT) teaching of “eternal life” for the Christ–One.
Fundamentally, it can be seen from the above, that what is called New Age, is in fact one of the many ploys of Satan; who, masterfully has quickly seen the opportunity created by “established” and new religions, and their leaders; and is at present harvesting many deluded human beings into his net of deception! Lie (the Rev. 14:5);
It is a sad fact that many of the previously respectable Denominations are also now in the thrall of the New Age Movement, although many deny this, because they teach that “there are many ways to God”! By this teaching, they are able to relate to all world religions, and avoid the necessity of preaching “Christ Crucified for the Sin of the World”! Many “ordained men of the Cloth”, openly deny Christ is the only way of Salvation, (Acts 4:12), and also many of the other critical basic truths from God’s Word.
What many of the religions of the world have in common, is denial of Christ’s Truth! See: Organisations that deny the Deity of Christ Jesus. That starts with the “chosen people” the Jews, (see: "Why Israel"? ), and on to all the others. The magic weave has now become so complex, that many “Church” leaders will try to agree with all pagan religions, to be on “good terms” with them; and see as “successful” their efforts towards “Ecumenicalism”. See: Ecumenical (The) Movement and the Bible:
There is regular dialogue between the Roman Church and Protestant organisations, towards the objective of a “united grouping”, with the RCC leading! This has reached the stage where the RCC is looking for a base in Jerusalem, and it is reported is in active negotiation with the Israeli Government.
It is easy to see that all religious and none religious activity and practice that denies Christ, is underpinned by Satan! The definition therefore of the New Age Movement is very broad, and brings into play all none Christ based Religions. Its origins are very old, and compass all efforts to circumvent the wishes of Almighty God by Satan, since Eden at least!
Because so many people are presently in danger because of its latest manifestation since the 1960s, and especially in women’s groups, formal and none formal, around the world; special attention is needed to the words of Christ in this context. The following is a hypothetical discussion between a Christ–One and a New Ager, which is typical of most discussions. It is critical because the time left for Salvation (to be made whole) in Christ is in the opinion of the writers, and many others, is short:
Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6) and all the other religions, philosophies and pluralism together make up the broad way which leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Jesus Christ is the only one qualified to declare the way to God (Hebrews 1), every other religious teacher was a sinner (Romans 3:23) and therefore a dead soul (Ezekiel 18:20). Furthermore, Jesus Christ is the only life-giving spirit in the history of mankind (1Cor. 15:45).
Would disbelieving this expose a person's intolerance towards the Christian faith? We all know that pluralists think in shades of grey, whilst Christians in black and white, when you mix a little bit of compromise in here and there you dilute the truth and forsake the white at the expense of appeasing the black.
Christian: Jesus Christ is your only hope, only He can save you from your sin/sins separating you from God, since Eve and Adam!
Pluralist: Christianity is not the only way to God, this is an intolerant point of view.
Christian: I disagree, Jesus Christ is the only way to God, all men are sinners and Jesus is the only one qualified to save us, as the second Adam (1Cor. 15:22).
Pluralist: Don't judge me, whatever anyone believes is true; (Heb. 9:27).
Christian: Be tolerant, don't judge us, what we believe is therefore true according to you.
Pluralist: It's true for you but it's not true for me.
Christian: Our truth is that you don't have truth and what anyone believes is true according to you. (I Am The Way The Truth “The Life”; John 14:16).
Pluralist: It may be true for you but it only applies to you, it's not true for me, all ways lead to God. (Matt. 7:13-14)!
Christian: That may be your view, but our truth is that our views are Biblical also true for you and whatever anyone believes is true according to you. (See: Satan's Motivation: ).
Other Ways to God
1. Mankind’s Goodness
History testifies against it and so does our awareness of sin. A way where everyone is saved regardless of people's hatred of God contradicts both God's justice (sin is punished) and mercy (forcing people who hate Him to be with Him forever).
2. Multiple Lives
To work off transgressions and move closer to perfection contradicts God's Holiness, which is infinite and perfect, not perfect minus one. Contradicts time since we would be there already if given a progressively better nature, we moved exponentially faster towards God.
3. Pluralistic Humanism
Includes all contradictory and mutually exclusive ways and is irrational since it contradicts God's ability and desire to communicate consistently and unambiguously to encourage repentance and faithfulness.
We can compare this to 5000 cars in a parking lot, with only one of them having an engine in it. You could try 4,999 and eventually find the one which works. However, Christianity points to the car which works, leads you to it, sits you in the car and then turns the keys for you. The Pluralist joyfully responds "You narrow minded bigot, how intolerant, I'd rather try these other cars first, I have my own ideas about where the engine is and what it does".
Comment, March 2017
There has in the last few years, been subtle activity in the sphere of New Age publicity and propaganda machinery.
If all of the stated accounts and events are true, then there is major activity build up on Earth by Satan’s forces, (Maitreya [the New Age leader] is said to have appeared 238 times since his first in Kenya in 1988); which can only lead to the Biblical prophecies regarding Israel and the world’s Nations. (See: Rev Chapter 13 v. 2 and especially the Note of March 2017)! The Links on that note, take the reader to more details.
Regarding some of the claims made by the proponents of “New Age”; comments are made here in opposition; and are all Biblically based, which is the only standard of Truth on Earth!
Maitreya is stated as “self-created”; which the Bible states is not so; as only God Almighty “Alpha and Omega” can create; and He used the personage of Christ Jesus for that action. Christ Jesus also “maintains” all Creation at the present time (John 1:3; 1Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16-17 & Eph. 3:9).
Satan (originally “Lucifer”); who is the force behind “New Age”, and all its manifestations, was also created by God, (Ezk. 28: 13-14). See: Satan's Contest with God Satan's Motivation Satan's Origins Satan's People Satan's Purpose (extracts from www.revelationsmessage.co.uk) Satan's Demise!
There is the allusion in “New Age”, that Maitreya is Christ, Scripture states that a “false Christ” figure will appear in the “last days” of this “Age Time”. So; the high possibility is that Maitreya is that figure. In other comments, Christ Jesus is portrayed as “now a Master”, which puts Him below Maitreya, and therefore subordinate in their teaching to Maitreya; whereas "all authority in Heaven and on Earth" is given to Christ Jesus at this time, (Matt. 28:18)!
However, watchful diligence is needed by all Christians to ensure wise conclusion especially when considering Jesus own words on the subject (Matt. 24:24).
Maitreya is said to work at present through “familiars”. These are people with occult powers, and Scripture warns strongly against consorting with these people; (Lev. 19:31; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 20:6; Acts 16:16-18; Deut. 18:10-11; 2Chron. 33:6 & Lev. 21:8; to mention some references; there are at least 18 more in Old and New Testaments!
Maitreya says he will solve the world’s main problems; the Middle East (Israel v Palestinian); Jerusalem (he says the main religions must share that City; but the Bible says that God has chosen Jerusalem for His Name to dwell, 2Chron. 6:6; Psm. 132:13; Ezra 6:12; Exod. 20:24; Deut. 12:5, 16:6 & Jer. 25:29); world hunger (Jesus said that will remain); Christians in particular have misinterpreted Christ’s teachings; (Maitreya says that when Jesus returns He will correct all those faults, as part of the “Great Plan”)!
Maitreya says he is in contact with many high ranking people in the world already; and he will appear first in USA, then Japan. There will be a “Day of Declaration”, after which he will travel the world. He will “introduce Jesus 3 months after the Declaration”!
Special Note:
Interestingly; much, if not all of the comments above, correspond with Bible prophecy regarding the “Anti-Christ” and his prophet, which is lucidly shown in the Bible; and which the Website www.revelationsmessage.co.uk explores in some depth. The book of Daniel and Revelation major on this subject, and outlines in detail the fate of such as Maitreya, his followers and disciples; who are servants of the great enemy Satan, and who draw their power from him during their time on Earth; especially during “the Great Tribulation” (Jacob’s Trouble) of the Jews!
Christianity tells the truth about human nature, reveals both God's Justice and Mercy in perfect harmony and provides the only infallible way to God. It is a narrow way which leads to eternal life, the broad road leads to destruction. Furthermore, the character of Jesus Christ answers mankind's quest for the supreme value, answers mankind's quest for the supreme reality and answers mankind's quest for life's deepest meaning and purpose. Jesus Christ is the only way to God. (See: Ultimate Love ).
Come let us sing of a wonderful love, tender and true;
Out of the heart of the Father above;
Streaming to me and to you;
Wonderful love, dwells in the heart of the Father above."
Robert Walmsley (1831-1905).
For more study See:
Why Lucifer became Satan! & Satanic SPIRITUAL Strongholds!
Note May 2019: That Satan is all the described above and more, is noted in Google listing “Satan and the New Age movement".
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