New age movement in the church

The New Age movement in the church refers to a phenomenon that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a shift away from traditional Christian theology and practices towards a more eclectic and syncretistic approach to spirituality. This movement was influenced by various Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, as well as by the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Some of the key features of the New Age movement in the church include:

  1. Emphasis on personal experience and feelings: New Age Christians placed a strong emphasis on personal experience and feelings, often prioritizing emotional and intuitive experiences over traditional theological teachings.
  2. Syncretism: New Age Christians often drew on elements from other religious traditions, such as Eastern spirituality, paganism, and mysticism, and incorporated them into their Christian practice.
  3. Focus on the inner self: New Age Christians often focused on the inner self and the development of one's own spiritual potential, rather than on traditional Christian teachings about sin, salvation, and the nature of God.
  4. Rejection of traditional authority: New Age Christians often rejected traditional Christian authority structures, such as the Bible and the church hierarchy, and instead sought to create their own spiritual paths and communities.
  5. Emphasis on mysticism and the occult: New Age Christians often explored mysticism and the occult, including practices such as meditation, yoga, and channeling.

Some of the key figures associated with the New Age movement in the church include:

  1. Thomas Merton: A Trappist monk and mystic who wrote extensively on the intersection of Christianity and Eastern spirituality.
  2. Alan Watts: A British-American philosopher and writer who explored the connections between Christianity and Eastern thought.
  3. Eckhart Tolle: A spiritual teacher and author who has written extensively on the nature of consciousness and the human experience.
  4. Marianne Williamson: A spiritual teacher and author who has written extensively on the intersection of Christianity and New Thought spirituality.

Some of the key criticisms of the New Age movement in the church include:

  1. Lack of theological coherence: The New Age movement often lacked a clear theological framework, and its emphasis on personal experience and feelings could lead to a lack of clarity about the nature of God and salvation.
  2. Syncretism: The New Age movement's emphasis on syncretism could lead to a blurring of the lines between Christianity and other religious traditions, potentially compromising the integrity of Christian doctrine.
  3. Rejection of traditional authority: The New Age movement's rejection of traditional authority structures could lead to a lack of accountability and a lack of clear teaching on Christian doctrine.
  4. Emphasis on the occult: The New Age movement's emphasis on mysticism and the occult could lead to a fascination with practices that are not compatible with Christian teaching.

Overall, the New Age movement in the church represents a significant departure from traditional Christian theology and practice, and its implications for Christian doctrine and practice continue to be debated among theologians and church leaders.