New age church

A New Age church is a type of religious organization that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a blend of Eastern spirituality, Western mysticism, and a focus on personal growth and self-realization. Here are some key features of New Age churches:

  1. Eclecticism: New Age churches draw from various spiritual traditions, including Eastern religions (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism), Western mysticism (e.g., Gnosticism, Theosophy), and indigenous cultures.
  2. Focus on personal growth: New Age churches emphasize personal transformation, self-awareness, and spiritual growth, often through meditation, yoga, and other practices.
  3. Non-dogmatic: New Age churches tend to be non-dogmatic, rejecting traditional religious dogma and authority structures.
  4. Inclusive: New Age churches often welcome people from diverse backgrounds and spiritual paths, promoting a sense of community and inclusivity.
  5. Emphasis on intuition and inner guidance: New Age churches often encourage individuals to trust their intuition and inner guidance, rather than relying solely on external authorities or scriptures.
  6. Holistic approach: New Age churches often incorporate elements of holistic health, environmentalism, and social justice into their teachings and practices.

Some notable examples of New Age churches include:

  1. The Church of All Worlds: Founded in 1962, this church is based on the principles of Wicca and draws from various pagan and mystical traditions.
  2. The Fellowship of Isis: Founded in 1976, this church is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess and draws from various pagan and mystical traditions.
  3. The New Thought Movement: This movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction.
  4. The Unity Church: Founded in 1889, this church is based on the principles of New Thought and emphasizes the unity of all people and the power of positive thinking.

Some common practices and teachings found in New Age churches include:

  1. Meditation and contemplation: Many New Age churches incorporate meditation and contemplation into their services and teachings.
  2. Energy healing: Some New Age churches offer energy healing practices, such as Reiki or qigong.
  3. Channeling and mediumship: Some New Age churches incorporate channeling and mediumship into their services and teachings.
  4. The law of attraction: Many New Age churches teach the law of attraction, which emphasizes the power of positive thinking and visualization in manifesting one's desires.
  5. The importance of the feminine principle: Many New Age churches emphasize the importance of the feminine principle and the worship of the Goddess.

It's worth noting that the term "New Age" can be somewhat misleading, as it implies a specific set of beliefs or practices that may not be universally accepted. Additionally, some critics have accused New Age churches of being overly focused on individualism and lacking a clear moral framework.