NEW AGE MUSIC- Introduction
New Age music — what exactly is it? Is it just another trend? Or is it something dangerous, something that presents a threat to Christians at large?

NEW AGE MUSIC- The Roots of the Music
As its name indicates, New Age music has its roots in the New Age movement. It is the product of jazz and folk artists who, in the 1970s, sought to produce music that would be well-suited to the growing New Age spirituality — music that would not only be relaxing and calming, but one that would also facilitate such metaphysical exercises as visualization and eastern meditation.

NEW AGE MUSIC-  Two Categories
New Age music can be roughly divided into two categories: one that’s essentially an eclectic blend of rock, folk, and, of course, jazz music; and another (dubbed by some as “Inner Harmony New Age Music”) that has an overtly spiritual purpose and is used as background music for meditation and healing sessions. Both forms of New Age music are said to have soothing and pacifying effects on listeners.

NEW AGE MUSIC- Is it ALL BAD?
Given the original intent behind New Age music, can we really consider it to be anything other than dangerous? As a matter of fact, I believe we can. First of all, we should realize that lyrics (or words in songs) are the primary means used to communicate messages through music. Now, because most New Age music contain no lyrics any attempt to convey “spiritually-loaded” messages is severely restricted. Additionally, if the melody or rhythm of a song is meant to induce a mystical state of consciousness, one would invariably have to be aware of such intentions and be willing to submit to it before reaching such a condition. Finally, perhaps a majority of “New Age” musicians are not trying to inject New Age spirituality into their music; some are even Christians! Therefore, while we affirm that certain songs of the “inner harmony” variety should indeed be avoided by Christians, on the whole we find no cause for extreme alarm with regard to New Age music.On New Age music, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.