The New Age Religion
The term “New Age” refers to the “Aquarian Age” which according to New Age followers, is dawning. New Age beliefs have been held by Eastern religions for thousands of years and it is a combination of different religions, astrology, occultism, religious mysticism and nature worship. The New Thought Movement, Spiritualism, and the Theosophical Society first introduced New Age beliefs and practices to America in the 1800s.
Major Beliefs and the Bible Response
(1) Pantheism-God is All and All is God.
Bible response: While humanity was created in the image of God, a human is not and never will be God (Genesis 1:26-27).
(2) Monism-All is One.
Bible response: God has created humans as unique beings distinct from other creations. “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).
(3) Reincarnation-After a person dies, he will be reborn and live another life.
Bible response: The Bible denies the possibility of reincarnation “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The New Age region teaches that man has an immortal, undying soul that can communicate with earth-people. But this is the same old lie that Satan told Eve in Eden: “Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4).
(4) You are God, and must discover your divinity.
Bible response: The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). New Age believers teach that each of us has forgotten his own divinity. Therefore, the New Age solution is to seek “higher consciousness” through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, diet, crystals, channeling, spirit guides, and more. Each of these diverse practices has the same purpose which is to awaken the god in man.
(5) Good and evil do not exist, therefore, there are no absolutes in morality.
Bible response: Both the Bible (Exodus 20:3-17) and our lives support the Christian teaching that there is a clear distinction between good and evil, right and wrong (Genesis 2:17). The existence of good and evil can’t be disputed in this world. All governments have moral principles of right and wrong.
(6) Separate the historical person of Jesus from the Christ Spirit.
Bible response: Jesus warned His followers to be on guard against false teachers who would proclaim false Christs (Matthew 24:24-25). The New Age’s view of the Christ Consciousness is one of these false Christs. Further, New Agers are Universalists, believing that all paths (Religions) lead to God.
(7) The coming of a New Age of enlightenment.
Bible response: Jesus Christ will return to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
