New age worship

New Age worship refers to a spiritual movement that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by a focus on personal spiritual growth, self-discovery, and a rejection of traditional religious dogma. New Age worship often incorporates elements from various spiritual traditions, including Eastern religions, Western esotericism, and modern spirituality.

Some common features of New Age worship include:

  1. Focus on personal spiritual growth: New Age worship emphasizes the importance of individual spiritual growth and self-discovery, often through meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.
  2. Rejection of traditional religious dogma: New Age worship often rejects traditional religious dogma and institutions, instead embracing a more eclectic and inclusive approach to spirituality.
  3. Emphasis on the divine feminine: New Age worship often emphasizes the importance of the divine feminine, or the goddess, and seeks to balance the masculine and feminine principles in spirituality.
  4. Use of visualization and meditation: New Age worship often incorporates visualization and meditation techniques to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the universe.
  5. Focus on the present moment: New Age worship often emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
  6. Emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things: New Age worship often emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, and seeks to promote a sense of unity and oneness with the universe.

Some common practices in New Age worship include:

  1. Meditation: New Age worship often incorporates meditation as a way to connect with the inner self and the universe.
  2. Yoga: New Age worship often incorporates yoga as a way to balance the body, mind, and spirit.
  3. Visualization: New Age worship often incorporates visualization techniques to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the universe.
  4. Chanting and singing: New Age worship often incorporates chanting and singing as a way to connect with the divine and promote spiritual growth.
  5. Rituals and ceremonies: New Age worship often incorporates rituals and ceremonies to mark important life events and promote spiritual growth.

Some common symbols and icons in New Age worship include:

  1. The goddess: The goddess is a common symbol in New Age worship, representing the divine feminine and the power of the feminine principle.
  2. The tree of life: The tree of life is a common symbol in New Age worship, representing the interconnectedness of all things and the cycle of life and death.
  3. The lotus flower: The lotus flower is a common symbol in New Age worship, representing spiritual growth and enlightenment.
  4. The crystal: The crystal is a common symbol in New Age worship, representing the power of the universe and the importance of spiritual growth.
  5. The chalice: The chalice is a common symbol in New Age worship, representing the divine feminine and the power of the feminine principle.

Some common criticisms of New Age worship include:

  1. Lack of clear doctrine: New Age worship often lacks clear doctrine and can be criticized for being too vague or ambiguous.
  2. Overemphasis on personal experience: New Age worship often overemphasizes personal experience and can be criticized for neglecting the importance of tradition and community.
  3. Blending of spiritual traditions: New Age worship often blends elements from various spiritual traditions, which can be criticized for being too eclectic or syncretistic.
  4. Focus on the individual: New Age worship often focuses on the individual and can be criticized for neglecting the importance of community and social responsibility.
  5. Commercialization: New Age worship has been criticized for being commercialized and for promoting a culture of consumerism and materialism.

Overall, New Age worship is a complex and diverse movement that has both positive and negative aspects. While it has been criticized for its lack of clear doctrine and overemphasis on personal experience, it has also been praised for its emphasis on personal spiritual growth and its rejection of traditional religious dogma.