Christian Versus New Age? With more and more people practicing meditation to alleviate stress and maintain peace of mind, it is important to be clear of the distinctions between Christian meditation versus other traditional forms of meditation. While almost all meditation techniques provide physical and mental benefits, as Christians, we cannot be ignorant of the use of meditation and various types of alternative practices to promote the new age movement. This movement, still in full force today, desires to move us into unity and harmony through a one world religion with the ultimate goal of eliminating Christianity altogether.
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In the new age movement, Jesus is not God’s son, but one of many anointed teachers that points us to God. Yet it does not point us to the God of the Bible. Instead we are to seek the source that embodies universal love, energy, and essence. On the surface, this may sound blissful to those unaware; however, the new age movement was formed over a century ago by those who worshiped satan and demons. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness, and against spiritual wickedness in high places. The majority of those who teach meditation, yoga, or other new age methodologies do so out of love and a pure heart, yet at the foundation of these practices is something much more sinister.
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Through Christian meditation we focus or concentrate on God’s word, his works, his character, and his presence. We touch the heart of God by abiding and communioning with Him in spirit and truth. Dwelling in God’s presence is an act of love from God to us. As Psalms 16:11 declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Our Christian meditation practice is used to enhance our relationship with God, not to become it. Our time with God should also include prayer, fellowship, and ingesting the scripture. As we approach the end times, I believe all these tools will be instrumental in keeping us centered in Christ and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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2 Timothy 5 declares, “Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, from such turn away.” People are being deceived at every turn. According to the scriptures, in the last days, many will turn from the faith. Matthew 24:24 declares, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” In the article below, “Ten Questions to Help Determine “Christian vs New Age,” it helps us to see the subtle and overt differences between Christianity and the new age movement that has infiltrated just about every aspect of our culture.
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Colossians 3:17 states, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Jesus is our prize! We must remove and eliminate everything that stands in the way of complete surrender and devotion to him. Most often that means to “cast down every thought and imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” ( 2 Corinthians 10:5) This means getting rid of everything that keeps us from enjoying and operating in the fruit of the spirit, which is love, faith, joy, peace, etc.
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Though many Christians seek a deeper connection with God, we must be careful not to be lured into those practices that have a form of godliness but that negate the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life;” therefore, he can supply us with everything we need and we don’t need to turn to counterfeits.
Ten Questions to help you determine “Christian vs New Age” |
by Susan Brinkmann |
(The following is an excerpt from Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life: A Christian
Reflection on the “New Age,” a document published by the Pontifical Council for Culture
and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.)
1. Is God a being with whom we have a relationship (Christian) or something to be used or a force to be harnessed (New Age)?
The Pontifical councils explain, “The New Age concept of God is rather diffused . . . The New Age god is an impersonal energy. ‘[G]god’ in this sense is the life-force or soul of the world. Divinity is to be found in every being,” from a single crystal up to and beyond God himself. “This is very different from the Christian understanding of God as the maker of heaven and earth and the source of all personal life,” the councils say. “God is in himself, personal, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who created the universe in order to share the communion, of his life with creaturely persons.”
2. Is there just one Jesus Christ (Christian) or are there thousands of Christs (New Age)?
Jesus is often represented in New Age writings as one among many wise men or great prophets. Christians believe
Jesus Christ is God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the same Jesus of Nazareth about which the Gospels speak, who is the only Son of God, true man and true God.
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This was and excellent article highlighting the differences between New Age and Christian meditation. The link to the 10 questions to ask was also concise and on the mark. Thanks for pioneering in the area of christian meditation and getting the word out what it really is and how to go about doing it.
God bless,
Brian