New age vs christianity chart
Here is a chart comparing some key beliefs and practices between New Age spirituality and Christianity:
Beliefs
| New Age | Christianity | |
|---|---|---|
| God | Multiple, interconnected deities or a universal energy | One, all-powerful, all-knowing God (Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit) |
| Salvation | Self-realization, enlightenment, or ascension | Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins |
| Purpose | Personal growth, self-actualization, and spiritual evolution | Serving God, following Jesus' teachings, and spreading the Gospel |
| Afterlife | Reincarnation, karma, and spiritual evolution | Heaven, Hell, and the afterlife (resurrection, judgment, and eternal life) |
| Scripture | Various texts, including the Bible, but often interpreted subjectively | The Bible (Old and New Testaments) as the inspired, authoritative word of God |
Practices
| New Age | Christianity | |
|---|---|---|
| Meditation | Guided meditation, visualization, and energy work | Prayer, contemplation, and meditation on Scripture |
| Rituals | Ceremonies, rituals, and energy work | Sacraments (baptism, communion, etc.), prayer, and worship |
| Spiritual Guidance | Intuition, inner guidance, and spiritual teachers | The Holy Spirit, Scripture, and Christian tradition |
| Community | Often solitary or small groups | Local churches, denominations, and global Christian community |
| Ethics | Focus on personal growth, self-actualization, and spiritual evolution | Moral code based on biblical principles (e.g., love, compassion, forgiveness) |
Key Differences
- New Age spirituality often emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and spiritual evolution, whereas Christianity emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and serving God.
- New Age spirituality often rejects the concept of a personal, all-powerful God, whereas Christianity affirms the existence of a single, all-powerful God (Trinity).
- New Age spirituality often emphasizes the importance of intuition and inner guidance, whereas Christianity emphasizes the importance of Scripture and Christian tradition.
- New Age spirituality often rejects the concept of sin and salvation, whereas Christianity affirms the reality of sin and the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Note: This chart is not exhaustive, and there may be variations within both New Age spirituality and Christianity. Additionally, some individuals may blend elements from both traditions, creating a unique spiritual practice.