What is the Danger of New Age Contamination of Christian Spirituality?

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Berserk

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Over the years, I have heard some of the most spiritually effective ministers being dismissed by Evangelicals as New Agers (e. g. Rick Warren and Richard Foster). Yet Rick Warren is a self-professed Southern Baptist and Foster is a devout Evangelical Quaker. What makes this slander particularly odious is the failure to define precisely what "a New Ager" is. True, channeling, western reincarnationism, astrology, and certain occult arts are rightly labelled "New Age." But practitioners of Yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and radical environmentalism have often also been characterized as New Agers. So what do you understand The expression to mean?

The question is important because 1 in 3 Americans self-identify as "spiritual" but not "religious" and would constitute the largest religion in America, if "spiritual" could be identified as a religion. Many of these wannabe "spiritual" types seem to fit nicely within the "New Age" label. The important issue for me is this: where is the line between "New Age" beliefs and practices and acceptable evangelical beliefs and practices?
 
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brakelite

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I think it was about 15 years? ago that Warren released his very popular Bible study series Purpose Driven Life. I was invited and attended a small group in my local neighbourhood led by an elder of a local evangelical church. I cannot remember the specifics of how our study progressed, but I remember clearly that the further we delved into the book, the more uncomfortable I became regarding how Biblically off center Warren's teachings were, and pointed this out on a couple of occasions with that elder. We even sat down and had dinner one evening, he and I and his wife, and discussed my misgivings. He did agree with me that Warren, in several instances, was promoting concepts that were not Biblical, and some distinct doctrines that were at the very least, quite unorthodox. However, this elder asked me to overlook these things, and not bring them up in the meetings, as it would confuse the people. The idea was to love...not to dispute where Warren was coming from. Sadly, that elder died half way through the series, and no-one actually completed it...probably for the good. I went a little deeper later on to find out Warrens real agenda, and became more and more suspect as to his true standing between real Christianity, and some variant. New Age? I don't know, but I see recently he is associating more and more with a global push for ecumenism and religious unity...which is most assuredly based on and deeply embedded in new age philosophy and not true Biblical unity.
I do not know who Foster is, nor the issues that people have with him.
As for what new age is all about. I would suggest the difference is really Messianic. By that I mean...who are we waiting for? The Luciferian cosmic Christ to establish a kingdom on earth, or the true Christ whose kingdom is not of the world. Whose kingdom are we trying to establish, and whose agendas are we promoting? The lines can very quickly become quite blurred as we go into specifics. For example, some people on this forum I believe would become very uncomfortable as they read through some of the information I and others have revealed in the thread on this forum,
I wonder where this might lead...
 

Enoch111

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The important issue for me is this: where is the line between "New Age" beliefs and practices and acceptable evangelical beliefs and practices?
The answer is quite simple. Everything which is derived from outside the Bible is New Age teaching, which blends all the so-called spirituality, contemplative prayer, and mysticism of all other religions into a hodge-podge of false beliefs.

As to Rick Warren, it is not what he claims to be, but what he actually teaches and promotes that matters.

"...In my book, I have tried to lay out a concise and well-documented explanation of contemplative prayer—its history, its make-up, and its technique. I have also illustrated with one example after another just how widespread and pervasive contemplative spirituality really is. If indeed Rick Warren is promoting contemplative prayer, as I believe he is, this guarantees that contemplative prayer will be promoted on an enormous scale. Through Rick Warren, Richard Foster’s vision could enter fully into mainstream evangelicalism both in North America and around the world; and with the unprecedented following and support Warren has gained, we could be heading towards a crisis in the church that might possibly lead to the falling away that the Apostle Paul warns about....

Through Rick Warren’s pastors.com website, he is able to communicate to over 150,000 pastors and church leaders around the world. In taking a close look at this website, as well as the weekly e-newsletter that goes out via email to these pastors, it doesn’t take much effort to find that Warren is promoting Richard Foster, Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen, and Thomas Merton. These and other contemplatives are favorably endorsed and promoted repeatedly...

http://www.lighthousetrails.com/atodch8.pdf
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=10312
 

Giuliano

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Over the years, I have heard some of the most spiritually effective ministers being dismissed by Evangelicals as New Agers (e. g. Rick Warren and Richard Foster). Yet Rick Warren is a self-professed Southern Baptist and Foster is a devout Evangelical Quaker. What makes this slander particularly odious is the failure to define precisely what "a New Ager" is. True, channeling, western reincarnationism, astrology, and certain occult arts are rightly labelled "New Age." But practitioners of Yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and radical environmentalism have often also been characterized as New Agers. So what do you understand The expression to mean?

The question is important because 1 in 3 Americans self-identify as "spiritual" but not "religious" and would constitute the largest religion in America, if "spiritual" could be identified as a religion. Many of these wannabe "spiritual" types seem to fit nicely within the "New Age" label. The important issue for me is this: where is the line between "New Age" beliefs and practices and acceptable evangelical beliefs and practices?
What is the Gospel? How do you define that? It was preached before the Crucifixion. It is also said to be preached by an angel from Heaven.
 

Berserk

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Enoch: "The answer is quite simple. Everything which is derived from outside the Bible is New Age teaching, which blends all the so-called spirituality, contemplative prayer, and mysticism of all other religions into a hodge-podge of false beliefs."

So you oppose listening to CD sermons the Bible on CD simply because this "derived from outside the Bible?" Duh!

Enoch: "Through Rick Warren, Richard Foster’s vision could enter fully into mainstream evangelicalism both in North America and around the world; and with the unprecedented following and support Warren has gained, we could be heading towards a crisis in the church that might possibly lead to the falling away that the Apostle Paul warns about...."

For many decades, "Christianity Today" has been the voice of Evangelicalism. "Christianity Today" rates Richard Foster's book "The Celebration of Discipline" one of the top 50 books on the Christian faith in the 20th century. I loaned this book to a Fundamentalist friend in my weekly prayer and he was blown away by its practical godly spirituality. He had to read and reread each page slowly to digest the pearls of helpful spiritual wisdom. Foster's book "Prayer" on the 22 types of Christian prayer is the best book on prayer available in print. Most Evangelicals have shallow prayer lives because they ignore the whole counsel of God in Scripture by reducing prayer to 3 types--petitions, praise, and thanksgiving. You are pontificating from ignorance about a godly saint whose books you haven't read. I'm certain that if you read both books, your perspective on prayer would broaden and you would be richly blessed like my Fundamentalist friend.

Enoch: "it doesn’t take much effort to find that Warren is promoting Richard Foster, Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen."


Philip Yancey is one of the most prolific and respected Evangelical authors of the late 20th century. He once confessed to Father Brennan Manning that although he had a strong vibrant faith, he had never actually experienced God's presence in a powerful self-authenticating way. Brennan issued this challenge, "Attend one of my contemplative retreats and I guarantee that you will experience God's presence!" Yancey accepted the challenge and rejoiced that Brennan delivered on his promise. Brennan Manning's book "The Ragamuffin Gospel" is considered by many Evangelicals the best modern book on the experience of the grace of God.
 

Enoch111

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Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
Taking Scripture out of context to defend false Christianity gives you no credibility. Address the actual issues.

Rick Warren and his cohorts are leading evangelical Christians down a slippery slope and away from biblical Christianity. Genuine Christians (not unsaved Pharisees) have come to that conclusion, and all Christians should be warned about these wolves in sheep's clothing.
 

Giuliano

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Taking Scripture out of context to defend false Christianity gives you no credibility. Address the actual issues.

Rick Warren and his cohorts are leading evangelical Christians down a slippery slope and away from biblical Christianity. Genuine Christians (not unsaved Pharisees) have come to that conclusion, and all Christians should be warned about these wolves in sheep's clothing.
I know very little about Rick Warren. I'll let it up to God to judge.

Luke 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Some gather, some scatter -- and you strike me as one who attacks and scatters. Do you ever have a kind word to say for anyone?

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
 

Enoch111

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What Jesus came preaching was "modern apostacy" to the religious throng of His day.
That is total nonsense, and you will not be able to prove it from Scripture. So let's see you try that.
 

Enoch111

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Some gather, some scatter -- and you strike me as one who attacks and scatters. Do you ever have a kind word to say for anyone?
Now you are trying to turn the discussion into personalities instead of issues. If you know nothing about Rick Warren, then say nothing. Or do some serious research before accusing others.

BTW Christ and the apostles had some VERY HARSH THINGS to say about false teachers and wolves in sheep's clothing. Check it out for yourself before you respond.

There is a huge movement today to promote false teachings and false practices among evangelical Christians. Therefore this must be pointed out as an act of love toward the sheep who are being victimized by the wolves. Mysticism is not Bible Christianity, and Paul warned against it.

ACTS 20
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
 

Giuliano

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Now you are trying to turn the discussion into personalities instead of issues. If you know nothing about Rick Warren, then say nothing. Or do some serious research before accusing others.

BTW Christ and the apostles had some VERY HARSH THINGS to say about false teachers and wolves in sheep's clothing. Check it out for yourself before you respond.

There is a huge movement today to promote false teachings and false practices among evangelical Christians. Therefore this must be pointed out as an act of love toward the sheep who are being victimized by the wolves. Mysticism is not Bible Christianity, and Paul warned against it.

ACTS 20
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
You could be a wolf for all I can see. You seem to want to cut others down a lot, probably to make yourself look bigger. That's what I see.
 
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Butterfly

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Enoch: "The answer is quite simple. Everything which is derived from outside the Bible is New Age teaching, which blends all the so-called spirituality, contemplative prayer, and mysticism of all other religions into a hodge-podge of false beliefs."

So you oppose listening to CD sermons the Bible on CD simply because this "derived from outside the Bible?" Duh!

Enoch: "Through Rick Warren, Richard Foster’s vision could enter fully into mainstream evangelicalism both in North America and around the world; and with the unprecedented following and support Warren has gained, we could be heading towards a crisis in the church that might possibly lead to the falling away that the Apostle Paul warns about...."

For many decades, "Christianity Today" has been the voice of Evangelicalism. "Christianity Today" rates Richard Foster's book "The Celebration of Discipline" one of the top 50 books on the Christian faith in the 20th century. I loaned this book to a Fundamentalist friend in my weekly prayer and he was blown away by its practical godly spirituality. He had to read and reread each page slowly to digest the pearls of helpful spiritual wisdom. Foster's book "Prayer" on the 22 types of Christian prayer is the best book on prayer available in print. Most Evangelicals have shallow prayer lives because they ignore the whole counsel of God in Scripture by reducing prayer to 3 types--petitions, praise, and thanksgiving. You are pontificating from ignorance about a godly saint whose books you haven't read. I'm certain that if you read both books, your perspective on prayer would broaden and you would be richly blessed like my Fundamentalist friend.

Enoch: "it doesn’t take much effort to find that Warren is promoting Richard Foster, Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen."


Philip Yancey is one of the most prolific and respected Evangelical authors of the late 20th century. He once confessed to Father Brennan Manning that although he had a strong vibrant faith, he had never actually experienced God's presence in a powerful self-authenticating way. Brennan issued this challenge, "Attend one of my contemplative retreats and I guarantee that you will experience God's presence!" Yancey accepted the challenge and rejoiced that Brennan delivered on his promise. Brennan Manning's book "The Ragamuffin Gospel" is considered by many Evangelicals the best modern book on the experience of the grace of God.
I remember having the Rick Warren study myself - but When I read anything I tend to weigh it up - I also have a number of Phillip Yancy books, reading ' what's so amazing about Grace ' again at the moment. Henri Nouwen - I have a number of his books as well, his testimony is very inspiring.
I have read Richard Fosters book ' Celebration of discipline ' - but that was a long time ago.
I wouldn't say they are ' new age ' , as I have always defined that as meaning ' crystals, herbal remedies, ect ( at least a that is what started to come in when I first started to hear that term ' the things associated with it were always absence of God and very much into power from a natural source ect. )
I do have concerns with the book industry though, and how Christian writing has become a big business. I use to go away to ' Spring Harvest ' in the UK, first year I went I thought it was great, then I started to see that all the ' inspired ' sermons ect were all revolving around the books that they had to offer- one speaking came across as being led by the Holy Spirit in the moment , his talk was inspiring and I have no doubts that originally it had been led , but I had heard his ' inspired message ' before - his motive was to get people to want to buy his book. That was a real eye opener that year, I have never gone again. Sorry that's a digression X
Rita
 

Episkopos

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Mainstream Christianity has always sought to avoid the cross of Christ. To find a more religious way that doesn't offend the flesh. It famously offers a salvation status to it's carnal devotees in a total abandonment of the narrow way. But in so doing these have also cut themselves off from the tree of life.

So, since actual eternal life has been eliminated from the equation, all that remains then is to claim all the good for oneself from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In that scheme whatever is of Christendom is good...and whatever isn't is evil. Of course the bible is invoked to back up that argument (although fully ignoring the actual content). The Pharisees did exactly the same thing in their day. Fighting over the carnal scraps.

So the New Age movement is a carnal way for worldly people of trying to get back some of the "good" that was stolen away by the once popular religious institutionalism of days gone by. Science tries to do the same thing in it's search for a more "reasonable" explanation to things.

It's like 2 dogs fighting over the same bone. There's the worldly dog and the religious dog. But neither realize that the only way that is in truth is the narrow way. A way that is denied by ALL flesh...whether religiously affiliated or not. The way of self-emptying crucifixion....into a new life in Christ.

But both sides are vehemently against this option. On this they both agree. But there is still the tree of knowledge to fight over....so the squabbling continues. Both sides claim the good for themselves and relegate the evil to their opponents.(not realizing they are both dead)

Never interfere when 2 dogs are fighting...they may both turn on you.
 
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brakelite

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I remember having the Rick Warren study myself - but When I read anything I tend to weigh it up - I also have a number of Phillip Yancy books, reading ' what's so amazing about Grace ' again at the moment. Henri Nouwen - I have a number of his books as well, his testimony is very inspiring.
I have read Richard Fosters book ' Celebration of discipline ' - but that was a long time ago.
I wouldn't say they are ' new age ' , as I have always defined that as meaning ' crystals, herbal remedies, ect ( at least a that is what started to come in when I first started to hear that term ' the things associated with it were always absence of God and very much into power from a natural source ect. )
I do have concerns with the book industry though, and how Christian writing has become a big business. I use to go away to ' Spring Harvest ' in the UK, first year I went I thought it was great, then I started to see that all the ' inspired ' sermons ect were all revolving around the books that they had to offer- one speaking came across as being led by the Holy Spirit in the moment , his talk was inspiring and I have no doubts that originally it had been led , but I had heard his ' inspired message ' before - his motive was to get people to want to buy his book. That was a real eye opener that year, I have never gone again. Sorry that's a digression X
Rita
I would suggest that New Age as we once knew it has morphed into something far more broad and all encompassing than the crystals and incense shops in quaint villages of rural England. Taking advantage of legitimate concepts, such as the herbal remedies etc that you mentioned. (and vegetarianism ), the devil has brought new age ideas of pantheism and the occult into mainstream Christianity, and by doing so has undermined the truth and introduced mysticism, oblique criticisms of scripture, and pagan religious forms and traditions. What was once the hobby of hippies, has been taken over by and incorporated into witchcraft and the dark arts. New Age is now firmly ensconced within modern politics, as the thread (sorry to sound like this is self-promoting) I wonder where this might lead... reveals, as well as education at all levels. You can also find it throughout the entertainment industry, and has developed and grown into full blown Satan worship in some circles, Luciferianism in others, is the background philosophy of secret societies such as the Freemasons, Skull and Bones, et al and has been the indirect cause of many lives been made shipwreck through placing their faith in things other than the true Christ.
 
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Butterfly

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I would suggest that New Age as we once knew it has morphed into something far more broad and all encompassing than the crystals and incense shops in quaint villages of rural England. Taking advantage of legitimate concepts, such as the herbal remedies etc that you mentioned. (and vegetarianism ), the devil has brought new age ideas of pantheism and the occult into mainstream Christianity, and by doing so has undermined the truth and introduced mysticism, oblique criticisms of scripture, and pagan religious forms and traditions. What was once the hobby of hippies, has been taken over by and incorporated into witchcraft and the dark arts. New Age is now firmly ensconced within modern politics, as the thread (sorry to sound like this is self-promoting) I wonder where this might lead... reveals, as well as education at all levels. You can also find it throughout the entertainment industry, and has developed and grown into full blown Satan worship in some circles, Luciferianism in others, is the background philosophy of secret societies such as the Freemasons, Skull and Bones, et al and has been the indirect cause of many lives been made shipwreck through placing their faith in things other than the true Christ.
I use to live in one of those quaint villages !! Lol
Yes, your right - but surely many of the things you mentioned, like Freemasons started way before the new age stuff started to come into play. ( long before the 60's ) - can't say i heard the word ' new age ' until the 80's ( in church circles ) Although there has always been alternatives to Christianity- you see that in the New Testament, thinking about that, they existed before Christ. I think media, and modern platforms ( entertainment ) has played a major role in increasing the problem.
Rita
 
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