WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Introduction
The term “New Age” typically conjures up images of crystals, health foods, meditation and, yes, even the infamous Shirley MacLaine. But what exactly is this movement all about, and how does it affect the Christian community?

WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- A Conglomeration
Defining the New Age movement is not an easy task, simply because it is composed of people coming from a vast range of independent traditions and persuasions. The individuals, however, share common values and a common vision which allow them to cooperate, or network, with one another in order to mold society according to their views of how the world should be. They’ve already made significant inroads into such fields as education, business, and health care, and, to a lesser degree, politics and science. Eastern and occult mysticism provide the basis for New Age values, especially the belief that everything is essentially “one,” and that this “one” is God — a view known as pantheistic monism. New Agers are also committed to the vision of an upcoming period of universal peace and enlightenment which they call the “Age of Aquarius,” where the entire population will be composed essentially of New Age believers.

WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Challenges to the faith
As a growing social force and cultural trend the New Age movement presents a challenge not only to secular humanism but, more importantly, to the Christian faith as well. Indeed, the New Age movement can rightly be considered a resurgence of paganism promoting a kaleidoscope of occultic beliefs and practices, including reincarnation, channeling, and all forms of divination.

WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Conclusion
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 makes it abundantly clear, however, that God strongly detests and condemns all such practices. But in spite of these explicit warnings many New Age adherents continue to merge the message of Scripture with New Age philosophy. As members of the body of Christ, we need to become aware of the danger posed by the New Age movement. We need to equip ourselves so that we can respond to the lies of the New Age movement with the truth of God’s Word.On the New Age movement, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.