Vol. 7, No. 10, 1990

Articles on the New Age

Rick Branch

While the subtitle to the book states, A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, the book The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck is simply another Christian-sounding New Age book promoting the idea of "the God within," (p. 273).

After numerous fascinating case studies, where little of Peck's theology is given, the reader is finally allowed to peer into the depths of Peck's "Jungian-based" psychology concerning the unconcious.

What is seen at this point, from a Christian perspective, is found to be both repulsive and heretical.

In his chapter on Grace, Peck insists, "All of us who postulate a loving God and really think about it eventually come to a single terrifying idea: God wants us to become Himself (Herself or Itself). We are growing toward godhood," (p. 269).

Notice that "God" from Peck's perspective is not necessarily a personal God, but may be an impersonal "It."

Also, from the Christian vantage point, to say that man is growing toward godhood is heresy in the highest degree.

Was this not similar to Satan's idea when he said, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...," (Isaiah 14:13)?

Peck continues with his twisted reasoning by declaring, "If you want to know the closest place to look for grace, it is within yourself.

"If you desire wisdom greater than your own, you can find it inside you. What this suggests is that the interface between God and man is at least in part the interface between our unconscious and our conscious.

"To put it plainly, our unconscious is God. God within us. We were part of God all the time," (p. 281).

It is this teaching that has built the New Age into a worldwide force. It is this teaching that has saturated nearly every social structure in America.

Now, this same teaching is slowly oozing into mainstream Christianity.

Despite sound biblical teaching from the pulpit, from the education department and from other church staff, this subtle doctrine is being carried by the shopping bag full into the church along with genuine Bible study materials.

Unaware of the totality of Peck's teachings, pastors and other leaders in Christian churches across the United States, are purchasing Peck's materials. This material is then distributed throughout the church.

While a portion of the first few chapters may be considered just interesting case studies, it is Peck's theology that is of concern.

This theology would include statements such as:

"Since the unconscious is God all along, we may further define the goal of spiritual growth to be the attainment of godhood by the conscious self.

"It is for the individual to become totally, wholly God.

"The point is to become God while preserving consciousness. ...then God will have assumed a new life form. This is the meaning of our individual existence.

"We are born that we might become, as a conscious individual, a new life form of God," (p. 283).

Peck's assertion that Man's goal is to become consciously aware that he is a new life form of God is synonymous with other New Age teachings which state that Man must realize that he is God... NOW!

To give further citations from Peck's work would simply belabor the point. There can be little argument that The Road Less Traveled promotes New Age theology.

In fact, it does so in such a magnificent manner, that it is promoted in the New Age catalog, Choices & Connections: The First Catalog of the Global Family.

In addition, the nationally recognized New Age periodical Body, Mind and Spirit has produced its own catalog. Not only is Peck's book The Road Less Traveled listed, but also his book The Different Drum, published in 1987.

What can Christians do concerning this parasite on the Christian body?

First, if Peck's material is being taught in a local church, bring these facts to the attention of proper church authorities.

They are no doubt unaware of Peck's deeper teachings revealed in the latter sections of his book.

Second, if Peck's material is being promoted in a local Christian bookstore, again, let the bookstore manager know. They are, most likely, unacquainted with the content of Peck's material.

Finally, stay informed.

Jesus told his disciples, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves," (Matthew 7:15).

It is hard to Beware unless one is first Aware. Stay informed about the false prophets in the world.