Discovering New Age Christianity: What You Need To Know

New Age Christianity is a term that has gained popularity over the years, and yet it remains relatively unknown to many people. If you are interested in exploring spirituality, but you are not quite sure where to start, New Age Christianity might be just what you are looking for. In this article, we will introduce you to the core beliefs and practices of New Age Christianity and show you how it differs from traditional Christianity.

At its core, New Age Christianity is a spiritual movement that emphasizes personal growth and self-discovery. Its followers believe in a higher power, but they reject the rigid dogma of traditional Christianity. Instead, they embrace a more open and inclusive approach to spirituality, drawing on a wide range of religious and philosophical traditions to create a unique spiritual path that works for them.

In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of New Age Christianity, as well as its core beliefs and practices. We will also examine how it differs from traditional Christianity and offer tips for those who want to embrace this spiritual path. If you are looking to discover new ways of experiencing your spirituality and connecting with the divine, keep reading.

Understanding the Core Beliefs of New Age Christianity

New Age Christianity is a unique spiritual movement that combines traditional Christian beliefs with New Age spiritual practices. Its core beliefs are centered around the idea that individuals can have a direct connection with God, and that this connection can lead to personal growth and enlightenment. Unity, harmony, and balance are fundamental values in this belief system.

One of the key tenets of New Age Christianity is that everyone has a divine spark within them, and that this spark can be nurtured and developed through spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and prayer. Self-awareness and self-realization are central to this belief system, as individuals strive to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with God.

New Age Christians also believe in the power of the mind and the ability to manifest positive outcomes in their lives. This is based on the principle of positive thinking and the law of attraction, which suggests that our thoughts and emotions can influence our experiences and reality.

Another important aspect of New Age Christianity is the concept of reincarnation, which suggests that the soul lives on after physical death and is reborn in a new body. This belief is rooted in the idea of karma, which suggests that our actions and thoughts in this life will determine our future experiences and circumstances.

Overall, New Age Christianity is a dynamic and evolving belief system that embraces personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual development. By understanding the core beliefs of this movement, individuals can explore new ways to deepen their connection with God and uncover their true purpose in life.

The Power of Love and Forgiveness in New Age Christianity

1. Love: Love is the central message of New Age Christianity. The belief is that God’s love is unconditional and available to everyone, regardless of their past. Through love, we can find healing, peace, and unity with each other.

2. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is another key belief in New Age Christianity. The practice of forgiveness allows us to release negative emotions and move towards a place of healing and understanding. Forgiveness is not just for the benefit of the person being forgiven, but also for the one doing the forgiving.

3. Letting go: Letting go of our past hurts and negative emotions is a crucial part of the healing process in New Age Christianity. By letting go, we create space for new experiences and opportunities to enter our lives. This allows us to move forward on our spiritual journey with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.

4. Compassion: Compassion is the practice of showing kindness and understanding towards ourselves and others. In New Age Christianity, compassion is seen as a way to connect with our own divinity and to honor the divine within others.

5. Unity: New Age Christianity emphasizes the importance of unity among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. The belief is that we are all interconnected and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us. By embracing unity, we can create a more peaceful and loving world for all.

Love and forgiveness are powerful tools in New Age Christianity that can lead to personal growth and spiritual transformation. By embracing these beliefs and practices, we can learn to live more fully in the present moment and create a more harmonious world for ourselves and others.

Reincarnation and the Afterlife in New Age Christianity

Reincarnation is a central belief in New Age Christianity, as it holds that the soul evolves through multiple lifetimes. In this way, one’s current life is seen as a continuation of past lives and a preparation for future ones. Unlike traditional Christianity, New Age Christians believe in a continuation of the soul after death.

According to New Age Christian beliefs, the afterlife is not a singular event but rather a continuation of the soul’s journey. The soul goes through a process of review and reflection before continuing on to the next stage of spiritual development. This process is believed to repeat itself in subsequent lives, allowing the soul to continue evolving and growing.

New Age Christianity also incorporates elements of karma and reincarnation, which hold that actions in past lives can impact one’s current life and future incarnations. This belief emphasizes the importance of living a good life and treating others with kindness and compassion.

Some New Age Christians believe in the existence of spiritual realms, where souls can reside between incarnations. These realms are seen as places of rest and rejuvenation, where souls can reflect on past lives and prepare for their next incarnation.

In contrast to traditional Christian beliefs about heaven and hell, New Age Christianity places a greater emphasis on the soul’s journey and evolution. The afterlife is seen as a continuation of this journey, rather than a final destination or punishment.

The History and Evolution of New Age Christianity

New Age Christianity is a relatively new movement that emerged in the late 20th century, blending elements of traditional Christianity with alternative spiritual practices. It is the product of a cultural shift towards a more inclusive and tolerant society, where people are searching for a deeper sense of meaning and spirituality.

The roots of New Age Christianity can be traced back to the 1960s, a time when many young people were disillusioned with traditional religion and sought to explore alternative spiritual practices. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, as people began to embrace a more holistic approach to health and wellness.

New Age Christianity draws inspiration from a variety of spiritual traditions, including Eastern religions, Gnosticism, and indigenous spiritual practices. It also incorporates elements of science, psychology, and philosophy, seeking to bridge the gap between spirituality and rationality.

One of the key figures in the development of New Age Christianity was the author and speaker Deepak Chopra. His books, such as “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,” were instrumental in popularizing New Age ideas and practices.

Today, New Age Christianity continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its followers. With the rise of social media and the internet, it has become easier than ever to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new ideas and practices.

The Origins of New Age Christianity in the 20th Century

New Thought Movement: New Age Christianity has its roots in the New Thought movement that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century, which emphasized the power of positive thinking and the idea that individuals have the ability to transform their lives.

Theosophical Society: In the early 20th century, the Theosophical Society played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of New Age Christianity. Its founder, Helena Blavatsky, believed in the idea of spiritual evolution and the existence of a universal consciousness.

Unity Church: The Unity Church, founded in 1889, is one of the earliest and most influential New Age Christian churches. Its teachings emphasize the power of thought and the importance of personal responsibility in spiritual growth.

New Age Movement: In the 1960s and 1970s, the New Age movement brought renewed interest in New Age Christianity, particularly among individuals seeking alternative forms of spirituality beyond traditional religion.

Contemporary Developments: Today, New Age Christianity continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary issues and challenges, with new teachings and practices emerging to meet the needs of its followers.

Influential Figures in the Development of New Age Christianity

• Ernest Holmes: Founder of the Religious Science movement, which heavily influenced New Age Christianity. His teachings emphasized the power of the mind in creating reality.
• Helena Blavatsky: Co-founder of the Theosophical Society, which blended elements of Eastern and Western spirituality. Her writings on reincarnation and spiritual evolution were influential to many New Age Christians.
• Edgar Cayce: Known as the “sleeping prophet,” Cayce gave psychic readings on health, reincarnation, and spirituality. His beliefs in karma and past lives continue to be influential to many New Age Christians.
• Deepak Chopra: A modern spiritual teacher and author, Chopra is known for his teachings on mind-body medicine, meditation, and consciousness. His work has been influential in the New Age Christian movement.
• Marianne Williamson: An author, spiritual teacher, and activist, Williamson’s teachings on love, forgiveness, and spirituality have been influential to many New Age Christians. She also ran for president of the United States in 2020.

These influential figures, along with many others, have helped shape the beliefs and practices of New Age Christianity into what it is today. Their teachings have inspired countless individuals to seek a deeper understanding of spirituality and the nature of reality.

The Modern Growth and Diversity of New Age Christian Movements

New Age Christianity has evolved and diversified in modern times with many different movements and organizations emerging around the world. While some groups emphasize traditional Christian teachings and practices, others have developed their own unique interpretations of Christianity that blend elements of other spiritual traditions.

The New Thought movement is one example of a New Age Christian movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement emphasized the power of positive thinking and the idea that individuals can transform their lives through spiritual practices.

The Unity Church is another New Age Christian organization that emerged in the early 20th century. This church teaches that individuals can access the divine through prayer and meditation, and emphasizes the power of love and forgiveness in healing relationships and promoting spiritual growth.

The Emergent Church movement is a more recent development in New Age Christianity. This movement emphasizes the importance of community, social justice, and environmental stewardship, and seeks to re-imagine Christianity for the 21st century.

New Age Christian teachings and practices have also influenced mainstream Christianity, with many churches incorporating meditation, alternative healing practices, and other New Age concepts into their services and programs.

As New Age Christianity continues to evolve and grow, it remains a vibrant and diverse spiritual movement that is transforming the lives of individuals around the world.

How New Age Christianity Differs from Traditional Christianity

New Age Spirituality is often associated with a number of practices that are distinct from those of traditional Christianity. One of the primary differences is the emphasis placed on personal spiritual experiences and intuition over dogma and institutionalized religion. In New Age Christianity, individuals are encouraged to explore their own unique path to spiritual growth and are not bound by any specific religious doctrine.

Another key difference is the belief in a unified divine energy that exists within all living beings and the universe as a whole. This energy is often referred to as God, but the definition is more inclusive and expansive than the traditional Christian view of God as a singular entity separate from creation.

New Age Christianity also places a strong emphasis on holistic healing and alternative forms of therapy, such as energy healing, meditation, and other mind-body practices. These methods are used to promote spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness and are seen as complementary to traditional medical practices.

While there are certainly some differences between New Age Christianity and traditional Christianity, it is important to note that they share many similarities as well. Both seek to understand and connect with the divine, promote love, compassion, and forgiveness, and encourage individuals to live in a way that aligns with their spiritual values.

To fully understand the differences and similarities between these two belief systems, it is important to explore the teachings and practices of each and engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange with those who hold different perspectives.

The Role of Jesus in New Age Christianity

Reinterpreting Jesus: New Age Christians view Jesus as a teacher and a wayshower, rather than a savior or the only path to God. They reinterpret his teachings to align with New Age beliefs, emphasizing love, unity, and spiritual growth.

Jesus as a Model: In New Age Christianity, Jesus is seen as a model for how to live a spiritually fulfilling life. His teachings and example inspire followers to embrace their own spiritual journeys, rather than relying on an external authority.

Interfaith Dialogue: Many New Age Christians are open to exploring other religions and spiritual practices, and view Jesus as one of many enlightened beings throughout history. They emphasize interfaith dialogue and seek to find common ground with people of all faiths and beliefs.

Personal experience is highly valued in New Age Christianity, and individuals are encouraged to explore their own spiritual paths. This often involves practices such as meditation, visualization, and energy healing.

Spiritual exploration is seen as a lifelong journey, with individuals encouraged to seek out new experiences and knowledge in order to continue growing and evolving spiritually.

Individualism is a key aspect of New Age Christianity, with individuals encouraged to develop their own unique beliefs and practices. This can lead to a wide range of beliefs and practices within the movement, but also allows for a greater degree of personal freedom and autonomy.

The Embrace of Non-Dualistic and Holistic Beliefs in New Age Christianity

Non-dualism is a central belief in New Age Christianity, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all things, including humanity and God. This differs from traditional Christianity, which often portrays God as separate from His creation.

New Age Christianity also embraces holistic beliefs, acknowledging the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit. This includes practices like meditation, yoga, and energy healing, which aim to promote spiritual growth and physical well-being.

Some New Age Christians draw inspiration from various spiritual traditions, including Eastern religions, Indigenous spirituality, and mystic Christianity, in order to develop a more holistic and non-dualistic understanding of the divine.

Embracing Spiritual Growth and Personal Development in New Age Christianity

Spiritual growth: One of the main tenets of New Age Christianity is the belief in personal spiritual growth, which is achieved through various practices, such as meditation, prayer, and energy work. These practices are seen as means to connect with one’s higher self and the divine.

Personal development: New Age Christians also prioritize personal development, including physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This includes a focus on holistic health, self-awareness, and mindfulness.

Self-empowerment: New Age Christianity emphasizes the individual’s power to create their reality, rather than being limited by external circumstances. This is often expressed through affirmations and visualization exercises, which help individuals manifest their desires.

Inner wisdom: New Age Christians place a strong emphasis on listening to one’s inner wisdom or intuition. This involves trusting oneself and one’s guidance, rather than relying solely on external sources of authority.

Universal love: Another important aspect of New Age Christianity is the belief in universal love and the interconnectedness of all things. This includes a commitment to living in harmony with nature and promoting social justice and equality.

The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness in New Age Christianity

Meditation and mindfulness are central practices in New Age Christianity, as they are believed to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the divine. Through meditation, practitioners seek to quiet their minds, cultivate a sense of inner peace, and develop a deeper understanding of their spiritual nature. Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves being fully present in the moment, and it is often used in conjunction with meditation to help individuals focus their attention on their breathing, bodily sensations, and thoughts.

New Age Christians believe that regular meditation and mindfulness practices can help them develop greater compassion, patience, and empathy for others, as well as foster a deeper sense of connection with the world around them. They also believe that these practices can help them access higher states of consciousness and unlock their full spiritual potential.

While meditation and mindfulness are not unique to New Age Christianity, they are often used in distinctive ways within this spiritual tradition. For example, New Age Christians may use specific mantras or affirmations during meditation, or incorporate visualization techniques to help them connect with divine energies or spiritual beings.

Embracing a Conscious and Intentional Lifestyle in New Age Christianity

New Age Christianity emphasizes the importance of living a conscious and intentional lifestyle. This means being aware of one’s thoughts, actions, and choices, and making decisions that align with one’s spiritual beliefs and values. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and reflection, are often used to cultivate this awareness.

In addition, New Age Christians prioritize environmental sustainability and social justice, seeking to make a positive impact on the world around them. This may involve practices such as veganism, reducing waste, and supporting fair trade and ethical businesses.

Living consciously also involves developing deeper connections with oneself and others. New Age Christians often prioritize community and interpersonal relationships, seeking to build strong connections with like-minded individuals who share their values and beliefs.

Discovering New Age Christian Practices and Traditions

New Age Christian Practices: New Age Christianity draws from a wide range of spiritual traditions and practices, including meditation, yoga, energy healing, and shamanic practices. Some practitioners incorporate practices such as tarot reading and astrology into their spiritual exploration.

Exploring Mystical Traditions: New Age Christianity also draws upon mystical traditions from various religious and spiritual paths, such as Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and Sufism. Practitioners may engage in contemplative prayer, vision quests, and other practices to deepen their connection with the divine.

Creating Sacred Spaces: Many New Age Christians create sacred spaces in their homes or gardens, such as altars or meditation areas, to facilitate their spiritual practices. They may also participate in group ceremonies and rituals, such as drum circles or sweat lodges, to connect with others on a spiritual level.

Exploring New Age Christian Worship and Ceremonies

Spiritual gatherings: New Age Christian communities often come together for spiritual gatherings that are less formal than traditional church services. These gatherings may include meditation, prayer, and group discussions.

Rituals: New Age Christian ceremonies and rituals often incorporate elements from various spiritual traditions, including Native American, Buddhist, and Hindu practices. These ceremonies can include the use of crystals, candles, incense, and other objects to promote spiritual healing and growth.

Sacraments: New Age Christianity often incorporates sacraments, such as baptism and communion, but with a unique interpretation that emphasizes personal spiritual growth and development over traditional religious dogma.

Frequently Asked Questions