Vol. 8, No. 2, 1991

Articles on the New Age

Rick Branch

For 1991 publication year, Watchman Fellowship has committed to a series of articles warning of ways in which the New Age has infiltrated society.

Last month, because of the timely nature of the topic, WFI printed a report about Hypnotism in the public school system.

While the New Age does greatly affect the children of America, it has also gained access to several other areas - areas in which Christians live, work and sometimes worship.

In fact, in some of these the New Age has become so pervasive that many people have begun to accept it as normal.

However, it is diametrically opposed to Christianity and therefore should not be viewed as normal but rather as the threat that it is.

Because the New Age philosophy can be found in so many forms and locations, the question, "Is there a concerted effort behind the New Age?" has been asked by several people at various venues.

Perhaps the best answer to this question is No and Yes!

Undoubtedly some of the influx of New Age doctrine into the various aspects of society is due simply to individual New Agers teaching their theology to friends, family members, etc. who then in turn do the same.

There is at least one international organization, however, which believes that they have "...laid the groundwork for a New World Strategy...," (Challenge, Summer 1990, p. 8).

In 1989 a group of 120 New Age leaders from around the world held a meeting in Sedona, Arizona. The groundwork was laid at this meeting of the Campaign.

Then on Earth Day 1990, Sasha White, Visionary spokesperson for the Campaign, spoke at the United Nations and offered a "toast to the Earth," during the reception honoring the U.S. and U.S.S.R. astronauts and cosmonauts (Ibid).

This was followed by an international meeting in October 1990 in Gothenburg, Sweden, at which "The Emergence of a New World Strategy" was announced.

What is this strategy? It consists of 13 areas which are in need of transformation or the help of New Age philosophy. These are:

1) Environment

2) Education

3) Economics, Business and Trade

4) Government and Politics

5) Personal Growth

6) Social Issues and Human Rights

7) Campaign Communications and Networking

8) Media, Arts and Entertainment

9) Health and Wellness

10) Science and Technology

11) Family and Community

12) Cross Culture Relations

13) Spirituality and Religion

During the October meeting, each "Global Delegate" selected his or her chosen area of interest or expertise.

Once the selection had been made they then proceeded to "...formulate their strategies for transformation," (Ibid).

The New Age has already penetrated into each of these fields to varying degrees.

For example, education has seen the influx of New Age in its textbooks which teach students to visualize, cast magical spells, and practice yoga.

Government experienced New Age influence with the attempted passing of the Senate Joint Resolution 135 which would have established a Center for the Study of Human Potential, by means of Transcendental Meditation and other Eastern techniques.

The media and the arts are rampant with New Age philosophy. From children's cartoons, such as He-Man and Teen Age Ninja Turtles, to movies like Star Wars and Ghost.

With the effort of this group and others with which they hope to network (see #7 above), Christians can expect to see more New Age theology in these areas.

That is, unless Christians begin to take a stand!