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(Redirected from New age)
'New Age' is the term commonly used to designate the broad movement of late 20th century and contemporary Western culture, characterised by an eclectic and individual approach to spiritual exploration. 'Self-spirituality', 'New spirituality', and 'Mind-body-spirit' are other names sometimes used for the movement. [1][2][3] New Age is a term which includes diverse individuals, including some who graft additional beliefs onto a traditional religious affiliation. [4] Individuals who hold any of its beliefs may not identify with the name, and the name may be applied as a label by outsiders to anyone they consider inclined towards its world view.
The New Age movement may include elements of older spiritual and religious traditions from both East and West, many of which have been melded with ideas from modern science, particularly psychology and ecology. New Age ideas could be described as drawing inspiration from all the major world religions with influences from Spiritualism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shamanism, Sufism, Taoism, New Thought and Neo-Paganism being especially strong. From this collection of influences have come a wide-ranging literature on spirituality, new musical styles and crafts — most visible in speciality shops and New Age fairs and festivals[5][6]
There are no formal or definitive definition of the New Age movement. One academic study suggests that those who sample many diverse teachings and practices from both 'mainstream' and 'fringe' traditions and formulate their own beliefs and practices based on their experiences can be considered as New Age.[1]
Rather than following the lead of an organised religion, "New Agers" typically construct their own spiritual journey based on material taken as needed from the mystical traditions of the world's religions, also including shamanism, neopaganism and occultism.[2]
New Age practices and beliefs may be characterized as a form of ''alternative spirituality'' or ''alternative religion''. Even apparent exceptions, such as alternative medicine or traditional medicine practices, often have some spiritual dimension — such as a conceptual integration of mind, body, and spirit.
The term ''New Age'' is used in a Western or modern context where the Judeo-Christian tradition and/or Positivism are dominant, so the use of "alternative" in New Age thought generally implies a contrast with these dominant religious and/or scientific beliefs. Hence, many New Age ideas and practices in the West contain either explicit or implied critiques of organised mainstream Christianity — emphasis on meditation suggests that simple prayer and faith is insufficient, and beliefs such as reincarnation (which not all New Age followers accept) — challenge familiar Christian doctrines, like those regarding the Afterlife.
The contemporary usage of the term ''New Age'' was popularised by the American mass media during the late 1980s, to describe the alternative spiritual subculture, including activities all the way from meditation, channelling, reincarnation, crystals, psychic experience, to holistic health or environmentalism, or belief in anomalous phenomena, or for others “unsolved mysteries” such as UFOs, Earth mysteries and crop circles.
Diverse activities of this subculture, or subcultures, might include: participation in study or meditation groups, attendance at lectures and fairs; the purchase of books, music, or different products such as crystals or incense; or patronage of fortune-tellers, healers and spiritual counselors.
A New Age like subculture already existed in the 1970s, and clearly continued themes from the 1960s counterculture.[9] Earlier generations would also recognize some, although not all, of the New Age's constituent elements under the practices of Spiritualism, Theosophy, or some forms of New Thought / the Metaphysical movement, all of which date as far back as the nineteenth century, as does alternative health.[1][2] These movements in turn have roots in Transcendentalism, Mesmerism, Swedenborgianism, and various earlier Western esoteric or occult traditions, such as the Hermetic arts of astrology, magic, alchemy, and cabbala. Some of the popularisation behind these ideas has roots in the work of early twentieth-century writers such as D H Lawrence and W B Yeats.
In the English-speaking world, we should make special mention of study groups devoted to American trance-diagnostician Edgar Cayce, who inspired many of today's "channelers". The British neo-Theosophist Alice Bailey's writings may have supplied the term ''New Age'' (or New Era) in reference to the transition from the astrological age of Pisces to that of Aquarius. Another claimant for the term is the American artist mystic and philosopher Walter Russell spoke in an essay of "…this New Age philosophy of the spiritual re-awakening of man…" published in 1944. The Findhorn Foundation, an early New Age intentional community in northern Scotland founded in 1962 played a significant role. The movement in Russia has been heavily influenced by the legacy of Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich, who taught in the Theosophical tradition. Another former Theosophist, Rudolf Steiner and his anthroposophical movement, is a major influence, especially upon German-speaking New Agers. In Brazil, followers of Spiritist writer Allan Kardec[12] blend with the Africanized folk traditions of Candomblé and Umbanda.
Key moments in raising public awareness of this subculture include the publication of Linda Goodman's best selling astrology books ''Sun Signs'' (1968) and ''Love Signs'' (1978), the October 1967 musical Hair, and its opening song "Age of Aquarius", the Harmonic Convergence organized by Jose Arguelles in Sedona, Arizona in 1987; and the wave of interest in the broadcast of Shirley MacLaine's television mini-series ''Out on a Limb'' (also 1987). This was an autobiographical account of her mid-life spiritual exploration. Also influential are the claims of channelers such as Jane Roberts (Seth) and J.Z. Knight (Ramtha), as well as revealed writings such as A Course In Miracles (Helen Schucman),[13] , The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield),[14] Mutant Message Down Under (Marlo Morgan), Conversations with God (Neale Donald Walsch), and by Glenda Green.
The question of which contemporary cultural elements can be included under the name of "New Age" , or what it means, is much contested. 'New Age' channelers, for instance, have many points of similarity with Spiritualist mediums. Many spiritual movements, such as neo-paganism and transpersonal psychology partially overlap with it. Many groups prefer to distance themselves from the possible negative connotations of the "New Age" name such as the media hoopla and commercialism, while others prefer not to use it at all. For example, key individuals in the New Thought Movement, such as Ernest Holmes, have focused on a more scientific approach and do not share beliefs in reincarnation , magic , or channeling. Major attempts to present the New Age as a values-based sociopolitical movement included Mark Satin's New Age Politics (orig. 1976),[15] Theodore Roszak's Person/Planet (1978), Marilyn Ferguson's Aquarian Conspiracy (1980), and Gordon Davidson and Corinne McLaughlin's Spiritual Politics (1994). The New Age is a wide menu of ideas and activities, from which participants in the subculture select their own preferred streams to patronise or identify with.
Since around 2000 the New Age movement is sometimes referred to as the 'New Edge movement' when it is closely allied to ecological and environmental concerns.[16]
Recent surveys of U.S. adults indicate that around 20% of Americans hold at least some New Age beliefs.[17]
Those who categorize themselves as New Age followers have a diverse set of beliefs that differ widely across individuals, groups and locations; [18][19] an individual identified with New Age thinking may subscribe to one, some or all of these:
★ Belief in synchronicity
★ Everything is universally connected through God, participating in the same energy[20]
★ There is a cosmic goal and a belief that all entities are (willingly or unwillingly) cooperating towards this goal
★ All individuals have a purpose in life and a lesson to learn
★ Interpersonal relationships are opportunities to learn about one's self and relationships are destined to be repeated until they are healthy
★ This is a time of great transformation for the Earth and human consciousness. Certain dates have a special significance in these changes. The Harmonic Convergence was one, and there are others to come in 2011 or 2012.[21][22][23]
★ Intuition is a more appropriate guide than rationalism, scientific skepticism or the scientific method.
★ Spiritual beings (e.g. angels, ascended masters, elementals, ghosts, and/or space aliens) exist and will guide us, if we open ourselves to their guidance.[24]
★ There exists a common core within all religions which renders dogma and religious identity irrelevant.[25]
★ Feminine forms of spirituality, including feminine images of the divine, such as the female Aeon Sophia in Gnosticism, are deprecated by patriarchal religions.
★ An appeal to the language of nature and mathematics, as evidenced by numerology, Kabbala and gnosticism to discern the nature of god.[26]
★ Ancient civilizations such as Atlantis existed and left behind relics and monuments such as the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge, whose true nature has not been discovered by mainstream historians.
★ Certain geographic locations emanate psychic energy, and such places were considered sacred in religions throughout the world.[27]
★ Western science neglects parapsychology, meditation, and holistic health to its detriment.
★ Science and spirituality are ultimately harmonious. New discoveries in science, e.g. evolution and quantum mechanics, when rightly understood, point to spiritual principles.[28]
★ The human mind has much greater potential than that ascribed to it, and is capable of overriding physical reality;[29] the ultimate level of human potential has only been realised by a few spiritual masters
★ Children are being born today with a more highly developed spiritual power than earlier generations[30][31]
★ A positive attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything. [32]
★ A certain critical mass of people with a highly spiritual consciousness will bring about a sudden change in the whole population (known as the Hundredth Monkey Effect, since disproven[33])
★ Humans have a responsibility to take part in positive creative activity and to work to heal ourselves, each other and the planet
★ Meditation, yoga, t'ai chi ch'üan, reiki, and other Eastern practices can assist in realizing one’s potential
★ Humans have potential healing powers (such as therapeutic touch) which can be developed to heal others through touch or at a distance
★ The food eaten influences the mind as well as the body. It is generally preferable to eat fresh organic vegetarian food which is locally grown and in season[34][35]
★ Fasting can help achieve higher levels of consciousness
★ Consciousness persists after death as life in different forms; the afterlife exists for further learning through reincarnation and/or near-death experiences.[36]
★ Rocks and crystals have psychic energies that can aid meditation and healing.
★ Dreams and psychic experiences are spiritually meaningful.
Criticisms of New Age beliefs generally take one of two forms: that they lack proper scientific basis and testing, or that they violate or misappropriate the sanctity of various traditional religions, philosophies, or cultures.
Many in established religions dismiss New Age thinking as heretical, immoral and shifting without the clear guidance given by a sacred book or tradition of teaching.[37][38] [39]
Some, including neo-pagans and particularly reconstructionist groups, who are frequently labeled as New Age, often find the term inappropriate since it appears to link them with beliefs and practices they do not espouse. Others think that the classification of beliefs and movements under New Age has little added value due to the vagueness of the term. Instead, they prefer to refer directly to the individual beliefs and movements. Indeed, use by religious conservatives, scientists and others has caused the term "New Age" to sometimes have a derogatory connotation.[40][41][42]
Many adherents of traditional disciplines from cultures such as India, China, and elsewhere; a number of orthodox schools of Yoga, Tantra, Qigong, Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and martial arts (the traditional Taijiquan families, for example), groups with histories reaching back many centuries in some cases, eschew the Western label ''New Age'', seeing the movement it represents as either not fully understanding or deliberately trivializing their disciplines or outright distortions.[43]
Much of the strongest criticism of New Age eclecticism has come from American Indian writers and communities. The ''Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality''[44] is one of the strongest statements of disapprobrium from traditional tribal religious leaders. Other Natives who have issued statements against "white shamanism" include Wendy Rose, Leslie Marmon Silko and Geary Hobson. A dominant Native American argument is that New Age shamans profit from ''tribal'' beliefs in a way that is fundamentally inconsistent with indigenous peoples' worldviews, while ignoring the communal aspects of indigenous peoples sacred beliefs and practices, such as among the Urarina of the Peruvian Amazon. In the US, part of the criticism leveled at the ''New Age'' movement has also been the perpetuation of Native ''racial'' stereotyping ("The Hollywood Indian"), cultural fetishism and the distortions of historic and anthropological insights into Native Americans' multiple and diverse ways of life and spirituality. This is abundantly clear when one contrasts the customary practice of ayahuasca shamanism among the Urarina, with ''New Age shamanism''. (see also Noble savage)
Some writers have identified racist bias in the movement's early Theosophical sources, especially the writings of Alice Bailey on the Jews
[45]
[46]
and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner on black people.
[47]
Those elements of the early writings have not remained part of the ongoing evolution of New Age philosophies and have either not been taken up or have been repudiated by modern members of the movement.
[48]
[49]
Adherents of scientific skepticism criticize New Age beliefs based on their philosophy that one should in general question the veracity of all claims, and especially paranormal or extraordinary claims, unless such claims can be empirically tested. As science has been unable to find strong evidence of any paranormal activity, or to find ground for new-age beliefs, some scientists take issue with the use of scientific terminology, or so-called ''"pseudo-science"'', to promote what may be unprovable religious beliefs.[50][51]
Some authors, such as Deepak Chopra, Fritjof Capra, Fred Alan Wolf and Gary Zukav, have linked quantum mechanics to New Age thinking, to form a genre which is sometimes known as quantum mysticism, often in connection with the Law of Attraction.
They have interpreted the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, quantum entanglement, wave function collapse or the many worlds interpretation, to a mean that all objects in the universe are one (monism), that possibility and existence are endless, and that the physical world is only what one believes it to be.
Most scientists are sceptical of this broad application of quantum ideas. They have criticized the vague descriptions of the phenomena in quantum mechanics on which they are based. Notable scientists such as Margaret Wertheim, Heinz Pagels, Murray Gell-Mann and Victor Stenger have explicitly stated they do not agree that any evidence from quantum mechanics supports these views .[52]
Judging by its name, the New Age movement ought to involve millenarian claims, perhaps of a glorious future age which is about to begin.[53][54]
As such it could theoretically be traced back to the time of Zoroaster, or to biblical apocalypticism. While such expectations are encountered often enough—e.g., the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, pole shifts and paradigm shifts, the imminent end of the Mayan calendar—the predominant themes of the New Age are mystical rather than apocalyptic. Hence the widespread interest within this subculture in the mystical traditions within the world’s various religions, especially Vedanta, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Sufism, Taoism, Shamanism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, and Esoteric Christianity.
Much of New Age thought is syncretic in nature and has roots as a counter-cultural phenomenon. Thus New Age adherents tend to emphasize a relativist approach to truth, often referring to the Vedic statement of "one truth, but many paths," the mainstay of Hinduism, which idea is also found in the later Zen Buddhist spiritual dictum of "many paths, one mountain". This belief is not only an assertion of personal ''choice'' in spiritual matters, but also an assertion that truth itself is ''defined'' by the individual and his or her experience of it.[55]
Globalization was and still is an important social phenomenon of the 20th and early 21st centuries, with religious syncretism inevitably being one consequence. New Age religious developments are eclectic, hence multifarious. Some synthesize Christian ideas with beliefs involving many gods or goddesses, pantheism, include aliens, reincarnation, or the use of drugs, together with other spiritual beliefs from different parts of the world. Likewise, the movement may incorporate differing beliefs about, or attempts to practice, magic.
Though many New Age terms are associated with Eastern religions, they should not be considered as being identical with the concepts and practices of those religions. Ancient traditions such as Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism can hardly be referred to as New Age religions. It just so happens that the New Age movement has 'adopted' many of the ideas of eastern religions, incorporated them into their own beliefs and practices. The gnostic approach of experiential insight and revelation of truth may be closest to the New Age methodology of prayers and spirituality.
In keeping with a relativist stance, New Agers believe they do not contradict traditional belief systems, but rather some of them say that they are concerned with the ultimate truths contained within those systems, separating these truths from false tradition and dogma. On the other hand, adherents of other religions often claim that the New Age movement has a vague or superficial understanding of these religious concepts, leaving out that which may seem "negative" or contradict contemporary Western values and that New Age attempts at religious syncretism are vague and self-contradictory.[56]
This relativism is not merely a spiritual relativism, but also extends to physical theories. Reality is considered largely from an experiential and subjective mode. Many New Age phenomena are not expected to be repeatable in the scientific sense, since they are presumed to be apparent only to the receptive mind; for example, telepathy may not be achievable by a skeptical mind, since a skeptical mind is not pre-conditioned to expect the phenomenon to exist.[57]
The New Age worldview typically involves a mysticism-based (rather than experiment-and-theory-based) view of describing and controlling the external world; for example, one might believe that tarot card reading works ''because'' of the "interconnectedness principle", rather than regarding the success (or failure) of tarot card reading as ''evidence'' of the interconnectedness principle. The various New Age vitalist theories of health and disease provide further examples.
Some New Age practices and beliefs could make use of what British anthropologist Sir James George Frazer termed magical thinking, in ''The Golden Bough'' (1890). Common examples are the principle that objects once in contact maintain a practical link, or that objects that have similar properties exert an effect on each other.[58] Another example of magical thinking is the belief that because two events coincide, they must be connected, such as thinking of a friend followed by said friend calling.
In contrast to the scientific method, any failure to achieve expected results is not considered as a failure of the underlying theory, but as a lack of knowledge about (hidden) extenuating circumstances. This stance has led some skeptics to pronounce the New Age movement to be primarily anti-intellectual in nature.[59][2]
The emphasis on subjective knowledge and experience is a connection between New Age beliefs and postmodernism. The shift to a feeling of control over one's expression of spirituality reflects a trend towards personal responsibility, as well as personal empowerment. Its populist origins help characterize the New Age approach. This emphasizes an individual's choice in spiritual matters; the role of personal intuition and experience over societally sanctioned expert opinion and an experiential definition of reality.[61] This does not mean, however, that its members necessarily become free individuals. There may be as much peer-group conformity on the fringe as there is in mainstream society.
A belief in a coherent, interconnected cosmos. Everything in the cosmos is actually or potentially interconnected, as if by invisible threads, not only in space but also across time. Further, it is held that every thing and every event that has happened, is happening, or will happen leaves a detectable record of itself in the cosmic "medium" such as the Akashic Records, or the "morphogenetic field" (not to be confused with the developmental biology use of the same term).
Many adherents of belief systems characterised as New Age rely heavily on the use of metaphors to describe experiences deemed to be beyond the empirical. Consciously or unconsciously, New Agers tend to redefine vocabulary borrowed from various belief systems, which can cause some confusion as well as increase opposition from skeptics and the traditional religions. In particular, the adoption of terms from the language of science such as "energy", "energy fields", and various terms borrowed from quantum physics and psychology but not then applied to any of their subject matter, have served to confuse the dialog between science and spirituality, leading to derisive labels such as pseudoscience, quantum flapdoodle and psychobabble.[62][63]
This phenomenon is additionally compounded by the propensity of some New Agers to pretend to esoteric meanings for familiar terms; the New Age meaning of the esoteric term is typically quite different from the common use, and is often described as ''intentionally'' inaccessible to those not sufficiently trained in the area of their use. See the following list:-
★ 'Forces'. It is commonly held that there exist certain forces, independent of spiritual beings or agencies, and also distinct from forces as defined by science (e.g., gravitation, electro-magnetism, etc.). These forces are elemental in nature; and are held to operate in an automatic fashion as part of the natural order (for example, the force which causes seeds to sprout, grow, and bloom).
★ 'Power'. The "forces", and everything else, are energized by a mystical power that exists in varying degrees in all things. Power is transferable, through physical contact, sensory perception, or mere proximity. Power may be accumulated or depleted in a person or object through a variety of mechanisms, including fate and esoteric practices. This power is held to be physically observable as "auras" and "psi energy"; and when encountered in great concentration, may even be dangerous.
★ 'Energy'. In some belief systems, "forces" and "power" may seem to merge; e.g., in the concept of "vital force" that exists in so many traditional belief systems, and finds its expression in New Age concepts such as the alleged "energies" in Therapeutic Touch or Reiki and ideas of flowing streams of power in Earth, like "leylines" in Britain and Europe and earth energies addressed in the Chinese geomantic system of feng shui. The New Age use of the word "energy" should obviously not be confused with the scientific one.
★ 'Spirit'. All beings (particularly sentient beings) are accompanied by a specific, intentional "energy" which corresponds to their consciousness, but is in some way independent of their corporeal existence. This energy typically is more primary than the physical entity, in the sense that it remains in some form after the physical death of that being.
Main articles: Alternative medicine
New Agers may use exclusively or in part on alternative medicine rather than relying on traditional medicine.[64] Possible techniques seen as compatible with the New Age perspective include:[65][66]
★ Ayurveda
★ Homeopathy
★ Rebirthing
★ Reparenting
★ Past life regression
★ Primal therapy
★ Neurolinguistic programming
★ The Feldenkrais method
★ Iridology
★ Aura manipulation
★ Crystal healing
Louise Hay has published New Age books regarding the belief that illnesses have a metaphysical origin and can be treated by an evaluation of emotional and spiritual attitudes (a similar belief is held by members of the Church of Christ, Scientist). Hay's books feature lists of diseases and the associated negative belief, accompanied by the correcting positive belief which can be sought by repeating the correcting positive affirmation. This approach is criticised as victim blaming for causing the condition though the intent is to empower the individual to change their thinking and therefore change the condition.
One benefit of New Age medicine's popularity, and in particular its criticism of what some describe as the limitations of conventional medicine, has been to encourage medical practitioners to pay closer attention to the entire patient's needs rather than just a specific disease. Such approaches, termed "holistic medicine", have been tentatively embraced by some elements of mainstream medical establishment. Conventional medicine has recognised that a patient's state of mind can be crucial in determining the outcome of many diseases, and this perception has helped recast the roles of doctor and patient as more egalitarian.
Most scientists are convinced that complementary medicine is placebo medicine. In recent tests, the placebo effect has been shown to be effective in certain placebo-responsive conditions. To the extent that there is a psychological element in illness, placebos, in the form of homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, etc., may help where the patient is convinced it will, although much depends on the level of conviction in the therapist.
Some scientific professionals question the efficacy of the methods of "alternative or complementary medicine," and some writers have referred to these methods as quackery (Norcross et al 2006;Singer and Lalich 1996)). There are increasing numbers of double blind tests of alternative medicine methods but such testing has rarely resulted in corroborating results. However, it is difficult to apply double-blind testing methods to some alternative medicine techniques because in many of these techniques, the relationship with the practitioner is part of the process, and that relationship cannot be practically "blinded" in a testing protocol. See the main article on Alternative medicine for a deeper discussion of these points.
Skeptics of the New Age approach to medicine point out it is possible that direct harm can result from a treatment such as acupuncture (bruising, dizziness, infection) , from poorly prescribed herbal medicine or from an untrained person self-administering herbal medicines. Indirect harm may result when a patient declines proven scientific treatment in favor of unproven alternative treatments and thereby misses the benefit that may have accrued from the mainstream treatment [1].
Critics of New Age medicine state that without scientific testing, it is not possible to determine which techniques, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle changes may contribute to increased health and which treatments have no effect or may be dangerous. In 2005, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland began a program of research to determine which alternative medicine practices may be useful in support of conventional medical practice.
''For in-depth information see the article on New Age music.''
Although more rock than new age in genre, the 1967 successful musical Hair with its opening song "Aquarius" and the memorable line ''"This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius"'' brought the New Age concept to the attention of a huge worldwide audience.
A large percentage of music described as of New Age genre is instrumental, and electronic. This music has its roots in the 1970s with the works of such free-form jazz groups recording on the ECM label such as Oregon, the Paul Winter Group, and other pre-ambient bands; as well as ambient performers such as Brian Eno. The Greek artist Yanni, one of the "superstars" of the New Age genre, relies heavily on synthesizers and instrumental "world music" sounds.
Vocal arrangements are also common. Enya, although claiming her music is not of this genre, has won a New Age Grammy for her music which utilizes vocals in a variety of languages, including Latin.
Music labeled New Age often has a vision of a better future, expresses an appreciation of goodness and beauty, even an anticipation, relevant to some event. Rarely does New Age music dwell on a problem with this world or its inhabitants; instead it offers a peaceful vision of a better world. Often the music is celestial, when the title names stars or deep space explorations. Additionally, instrumental albums often come with "liner notes" encouraging the music's use in meditation, and many albums have been recorded with specific design for this purpose.
While other genres like ambient, psy-trance, goa trance are not associated with New Age in their philosophies, they can take a similar perspective. Psy-trance, especially, suggests a fusion of transcendental feeling and the individual's connectedness with the cosmos. This experience and the dance culture surrounding it may express views about technology, parapsychology, artificial intelligence, as well as a view that thoughts may in fact determine reality.
People who embrace "New Age" lifestyle and/or beliefs are included in the LOHAS (''"Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability"'') demographic market segment, currently in a growth phase related to so-called "green" ecological initiatives and generally focused on marketing to a relatively upscale and well-educated population segment (see main LOHAS article for additional references).[67]
See List of New Age topics for a summary of related articles, or click on the New Age category at the foot of this page.
★ New religious movement
★ New Age communities
1. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
2. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
3. New Age Spirituality
a.k.a. Self-spirituality, New spirituality, Mind-body-spirit by Author: B.A. Robinson of Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Last update: 2006-OCT-01. Accessed March 2007.
4.
5. The Mind, Body Spirit Festival has run event in the UK since 1977. Accessed Dec 2006.
6. International Listing of New Age Shows, Expos & Exhibitions at www.equinoxastrology.com. Accessed Dec 2006.
7. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
8. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
9. New Age Files includes a comprehensive timeline, and information from 1800 to the present day.
Accessed July 2006
10. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
11. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
12. Alan Kardec - Spirit Writings Accessed July 2006.
13. A Course in Miracles Claims to be a complete self-study spiritual thought system. - Accessed July 2006
14. The Celestine Prophect webpage Believes is that there is a growing worldwide interest in spirituality that is creating a new spiritual awareness and culture that will flourish in the new millennium. Accessed July 2006
15. Radical Middle Newsletter New World Alliance New Age political movement - Accessed July 2006
16. From New Age to New Edge Across Borders Media Video. "Can we really change the world without changing ourselves? From New Age to New Edge explores this question, as it travels to the remote rainforests of western Canada, where a revolution is in the making. Here, the face of environmental activism is going through radical changes, as it dovetails with the personal growth movement. " Accessed December 2006.
17. The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators, , George, Barnia, Word Publishing, 1996,
18. New Age Transformed
19. What Is “New Age?, , Michael D, Langone, , 1993
20. Only God Exists
21. Network 2012
22. Children of Light
23. Nvisible
24. Ascended Masters Research Center
25. The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ
26. Kabbalah - Judiasm's Way Into The New Age
27. Sacred Places
28. Quantum Interconnectedness
29. Reality Shifters news
30. CNN News interview with Sandy Bershad, an Indigo Child
31. Indigo Children - Crystalline Children
32. Supercharged Affirmations The Salem New Age Center, Salem Massachusetts USA . Accessed August 2007.
33. The Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon
34. New age Vegetarian Cookbook, , Max, Heindel, Rosicrucian Fellowship, 1968,
35. The Peter Max new age organic vegetarian cookbook, , Peter, Max, Pyramid Communications, 1971,
36. Reincarnation and NDE Research
37. In Plain SiteRelativism
Is it "absolutely" true that there is no "absolute" truth? In Plain Site, Christian view of Relativism. Accessed December 2006.
38. Jews for Morality ''The New Age Movement: Reversion to Paganism. How the New Age Movement undermines the very foundations of a moral society.'' By Mayer Adani. 31 Aug. 2001 Accessed December 2006
39.
★ A Christian reflection on the New Age
40. Watchman Fellowship, a ministry of Christian Discernment. Accessed July 2006
41. New Age: False Religion - Islamic criticism Accessed July 2006
42.
★ A Catholic Christian Reflection on the New Age Accessed July 2006
43. New Age vs. Vedic tradition Accessed July 2006
44. Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality - Accessed July 2006
45. The Rainbow Swastika , A Report To The Jewish People, About New Age Antisemitism.
46. Antisemitic Stereotypes in Alice Bailey's Writings
47. The racial Teachings of Rudolf Steiner
48. Alice Bailey: a balanced look
49. Position Statement on Diversity
50. A New Ager's path to becoming a skeptic Accessed July 2006
51. Dutch skeptic website with articles and links to criticism of a range of New Age topics Accessed July 2006
52. ''Qunatum Quackery'' by Victor Stenger Article in ''Skeptical Inquirer magazine'' , January/February 1997 . Accessed March 2007
53. The Sleeper Awakens onlygodexists.org 2006 Accessed June 2006
54. The Aquarian Age - Rosicrucian Fellowship Accessed July 2006
55. Religious Tolerance.org by Author: B.A. Robinson of Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Last update: 2006-OCT-01. Accessed March 2007.
:"Since all is God, then only one reality exists, and all religions are simply different paths to that ultimate reality. The universal religion can be visualized as a mountain, with many sadhanas (spiritual paths) to the summit."
56. The New Age Movement Probe Ministries,
Kerby Anderson. "A final major tenet is moral relativism. New Agers think in terms of gray, rather than black or white. Denying the law of non- contradiction, New Agers will often believe that two conflicting statements can both be true." Accessed February 2007.
57.
58. Magical thinking, Sleeping with Extra-Terrestrials: The Rise of Irrationalism and Perils of Piety by Wendy Kaminer. New York: Pantheon, 1999. Review in ''Issues in Science and Technology'' , accessed December 2006
59. Critiques of Post Modernism (And of Irrationalism in General) Ernest Partridge, Ph.D, June 1, 2006. Accessed December 2006.
60. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
61. Postmodernism and new age unreason Skeptical Inquirer, May-June, 1995 by George Englebretsen. Accessed December 2006.
62. A New Age Glossary (pdf) Michael A. Cox North American Mission Board & the Southern Baptist Convention. Accessed June 2006
63. Glossary for the new Millennium and Aquarian Age Dr Joshua David Stone "I AM University" 2004 - Accessed June 2006
64. National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
65. Criticism of New Age techniques in mental health practise, , Scott O., Lilienfeld, The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 2002
66. Alternative medicine and the psychology of belief, , James, Alcock, The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 1999
67. Who Buys New Age Materials? Exploring Sociodemographic, Religious, Network, and Contextual Correlates Of New Age Consumption Daniel P. Mears, Christopher G. Ellison - Accessed June 2006
★ Albanese, Catherine L. (1990) ''Nature Religion in America; From the Algonkian Indians to the New Age''], University of Chicago Press, Chicago & London. ISBN 0226011461
★ Albanese, Catherine. ''A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion''. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2007 ISBN 0300110898
★ Barna, George , (1996) ''The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators'', Word Publishing, Dallas TX. ISBN 0-8499-3603-9
★ Bloch, Jon P., (1998) ''New Spirituality, Self, and Belonging: How New Agers and Neo-Pagans Talk About Themselves'', Praeger, Westport, Connceticut & London. ISBN 0275959570
★ Drane, John, (1999) ''What is the New Age Still Saying to the Church?'' Marshall Pickering, London. ISBN 0551031948
★ Ferguson, Marilyn (1982) ''The Aquarian Conspiracy'', Paladin, London. ISBN 0312904185
★ Godwin, Joscelyn, (1994) ''The Theosophical Enlightenment'', State University of New York Press, New York. ISBN 0-684-82630-5
★ Hanegraaff, Wouter J., (1998) ''New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought'', State University of New York Press, Albany, New York. ISBN 0791438546
★ Heelas, Paul, (1996) ''The New Age Movement, The Celebration of the Self and the Sacralization of Modernity'', Blackwell, Oxford. ISBN 0-631-21074-1
★ Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead (2004) ''The Spiritual Revolution: Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality'', Blackwell, Oxford. ISBN 1405119594
★ Hanegraaff, Wouter J. "New Age Religion and Secularization." Numen 47, no. 3 (2000): 288-312.
★ Wouter Hanegraaff ''New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought''. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1998. ISBN 90 04 10695 2
★ Iwersen, Julie. ''Phenomenology, Sociology, and History of the New Age'' Numen 46, no. 2 (1999): 211-18.
★ Kemp, Daren, (2004) ''New Age: A Guide. Alternative Spiritualities from Aquarian Conspiracy to Next Age'', Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh. ISBN 0748615326
★ Kohn, Rachael, (2003) ''The New Believers: Re-Imagining God''HarperCollins, Sydney. ISBN 073 2275318 review in ''The Age''
★ What Is “New Age?”, , Michael D, Langone, Cult Observer, 1993 Retrieved 26 August 2005
★ Lewis, James R. and J. Gordon Melton (eds). (1992) ''Perspectives on the New Age'', State University of New York Press, Albany, New York. ISBN 0791412148
★ Melton, J.Gordon, (1995) ''Whither the New Age?'' Chapter 35 of T. Miller's , ''America's Alternative Religions'', SUNY Press, Albany, NY . ISBN 0791423980
★ Michael, June, (2000) ''Path to Truth: A Spiritual Guide to Higher Consciousness'', Writers Club Press, New York. ISBN 1893652580
★ Naisbitt J. & Aburdene P., (1990) ''Megatrends 2000'', William Morrow & Company, New York, NY. ISBN 0688119085
★ Pike, Sarah M., (2004) ''New Age and Neopagan Religions in America'', Columbia University Press, New York. ISBN 0231124023
★ Roof, Wade Clark (1999) ''Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion'', Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 0691089965
★ Rothstein, Mikael (ed). (2001) ''New Age Religion and Globalization'', Aarhus University Press, Aarhus, Denmark. ISBN 8772887923 4
★ Saliba, John A., (1999) ''Christian Responses to the New Age Movement: A Critical Assessment'' Geoffrey Chapman, London. ISBN 0225668521 Review here,
★ Sutcliffe, Steven & Marion Bowman (eds). (2000) ''Beyond New Age: Exploring Alternative Spirituality'', Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh. ISBN 0-7486-0998-9
★ Sutcliffe, Steven J., (2003) ''Children of the New Age: A History of Spiritual Practices'', Routledge, London and New York. ISBN 0-415-24299-1
★ York, Michael, (1995) ''The Emerging Network: A Sociology of the New Age and Neo-Pagan Movements'', Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland. ISBN 0847680010
★ Norcross, JC, Garofalo.A, Koocher.G. (2006) Discredited Psychological Treatments and Tests; A Delphi Poll. Professional Psychology; Research and Practice. vol37. No 5. 515-522
★ Singer.M. and J. Lalich, 1996 Crazy Therapies: What Are They? Do They Work? Ph.D., published by Jossey-Bass in 1996.
★ Opendirectory New Age links Large collection of New Age links at the Open Directory
★ Yahoo Directory New Age links Another large collection of New Age links at the Yahoo! Directory
★ The New Age Files - A comprehensive timeline, biogs and information from 1800 to the present day and news stories
★ Religious Tolerance.org, has a list of academic references and survey sources
★ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
★ A Brief Essential Bibliography for the Academic Study of the New Age Movement
★ Magical Thinking in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
★ Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life- A Christian reflection on the “New Age”
'New Age' is the term commonly used to designate the broad movement of late 20th century and contemporary Western culture, characterised by an eclectic and individual approach to spiritual exploration. 'Self-spirituality', 'New spirituality', and 'Mind-body-spirit' are other names sometimes used for the movement. [1][2][3] New Age is a term which includes diverse individuals, including some who graft additional beliefs onto a traditional religious affiliation. [4] Individuals who hold any of its beliefs may not identify with the name, and the name may be applied as a label by outsiders to anyone they consider inclined towards its world view.
The New Age movement may include elements of older spiritual and religious traditions from both East and West, many of which have been melded with ideas from modern science, particularly psychology and ecology. New Age ideas could be described as drawing inspiration from all the major world religions with influences from Spiritualism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shamanism, Sufism, Taoism, New Thought and Neo-Paganism being especially strong. From this collection of influences have come a wide-ranging literature on spirituality, new musical styles and crafts — most visible in speciality shops and New Age fairs and festivals[5][6]
Definitions
There are no formal or definitive definition of the New Age movement. One academic study suggests that those who sample many diverse teachings and practices from both 'mainstream' and 'fringe' traditions and formulate their own beliefs and practices based on their experiences can be considered as New Age.[1]
Rather than following the lead of an organised religion, "New Agers" typically construct their own spiritual journey based on material taken as needed from the mystical traditions of the world's religions, also including shamanism, neopaganism and occultism.[2]
New Age practices and beliefs may be characterized as a form of ''alternative spirituality'' or ''alternative religion''. Even apparent exceptions, such as alternative medicine or traditional medicine practices, often have some spiritual dimension — such as a conceptual integration of mind, body, and spirit.
The term ''New Age'' is used in a Western or modern context where the Judeo-Christian tradition and/or Positivism are dominant, so the use of "alternative" in New Age thought generally implies a contrast with these dominant religious and/or scientific beliefs. Hence, many New Age ideas and practices in the West contain either explicit or implied critiques of organised mainstream Christianity — emphasis on meditation suggests that simple prayer and faith is insufficient, and beliefs such as reincarnation (which not all New Age followers accept) — challenge familiar Christian doctrines, like those regarding the Afterlife.
History
The contemporary usage of the term ''New Age'' was popularised by the American mass media during the late 1980s, to describe the alternative spiritual subculture, including activities all the way from meditation, channelling, reincarnation, crystals, psychic experience, to holistic health or environmentalism, or belief in anomalous phenomena, or for others “unsolved mysteries” such as UFOs, Earth mysteries and crop circles.
Diverse activities of this subculture, or subcultures, might include: participation in study or meditation groups, attendance at lectures and fairs; the purchase of books, music, or different products such as crystals or incense; or patronage of fortune-tellers, healers and spiritual counselors.
Quartz crystals are believed to have mystical properties by some New Age followers; see Crystal power
A New Age like subculture already existed in the 1970s, and clearly continued themes from the 1960s counterculture.[9] Earlier generations would also recognize some, although not all, of the New Age's constituent elements under the practices of Spiritualism, Theosophy, or some forms of New Thought / the Metaphysical movement, all of which date as far back as the nineteenth century, as does alternative health.[1][2] These movements in turn have roots in Transcendentalism, Mesmerism, Swedenborgianism, and various earlier Western esoteric or occult traditions, such as the Hermetic arts of astrology, magic, alchemy, and cabbala. Some of the popularisation behind these ideas has roots in the work of early twentieth-century writers such as D H Lawrence and W B Yeats.
In the English-speaking world, we should make special mention of study groups devoted to American trance-diagnostician Edgar Cayce, who inspired many of today's "channelers". The British neo-Theosophist Alice Bailey's writings may have supplied the term ''New Age'' (or New Era) in reference to the transition from the astrological age of Pisces to that of Aquarius. Another claimant for the term is the American artist mystic and philosopher Walter Russell spoke in an essay of "…this New Age philosophy of the spiritual re-awakening of man…" published in 1944. The Findhorn Foundation, an early New Age intentional community in northern Scotland founded in 1962 played a significant role. The movement in Russia has been heavily influenced by the legacy of Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich, who taught in the Theosophical tradition. Another former Theosophist, Rudolf Steiner and his anthroposophical movement, is a major influence, especially upon German-speaking New Agers. In Brazil, followers of Spiritist writer Allan Kardec[12] blend with the Africanized folk traditions of Candomblé and Umbanda.
Crop circles are seen as evidence of spirit beings or aliens by some with New Age belief
Key moments in raising public awareness of this subculture include the publication of Linda Goodman's best selling astrology books ''Sun Signs'' (1968) and ''Love Signs'' (1978), the October 1967 musical Hair, and its opening song "Age of Aquarius", the Harmonic Convergence organized by Jose Arguelles in Sedona, Arizona in 1987; and the wave of interest in the broadcast of Shirley MacLaine's television mini-series ''Out on a Limb'' (also 1987). This was an autobiographical account of her mid-life spiritual exploration. Also influential are the claims of channelers such as Jane Roberts (Seth) and J.Z. Knight (Ramtha), as well as revealed writings such as A Course In Miracles (Helen Schucman),[13] , The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield),[14] Mutant Message Down Under (Marlo Morgan), Conversations with God (Neale Donald Walsch), and by Glenda Green.
The question of which contemporary cultural elements can be included under the name of "New Age" , or what it means, is much contested. 'New Age' channelers, for instance, have many points of similarity with Spiritualist mediums. Many spiritual movements, such as neo-paganism and transpersonal psychology partially overlap with it. Many groups prefer to distance themselves from the possible negative connotations of the "New Age" name such as the media hoopla and commercialism, while others prefer not to use it at all. For example, key individuals in the New Thought Movement, such as Ernest Holmes, have focused on a more scientific approach and do not share beliefs in reincarnation , magic , or channeling. Major attempts to present the New Age as a values-based sociopolitical movement included Mark Satin's New Age Politics (orig. 1976),[15] Theodore Roszak's Person/Planet (1978), Marilyn Ferguson's Aquarian Conspiracy (1980), and Gordon Davidson and Corinne McLaughlin's Spiritual Politics (1994). The New Age is a wide menu of ideas and activities, from which participants in the subculture select their own preferred streams to patronise or identify with.
Since around 2000 the New Age movement is sometimes referred to as the 'New Edge movement' when it is closely allied to ecological and environmental concerns.[16]
Beliefs
Recent surveys of U.S. adults indicate that around 20% of Americans hold at least some New Age beliefs.[17]
Those who categorize themselves as New Age followers have a diverse set of beliefs that differ widely across individuals, groups and locations; [18][19] an individual identified with New Age thinking may subscribe to one, some or all of these:
Teleology
★ Belief in synchronicity
★ Everything is universally connected through God, participating in the same energy[20]
★ There is a cosmic goal and a belief that all entities are (willingly or unwillingly) cooperating towards this goal
★ All individuals have a purpose in life and a lesson to learn
★ Interpersonal relationships are opportunities to learn about one's self and relationships are destined to be repeated until they are healthy
★ This is a time of great transformation for the Earth and human consciousness. Certain dates have a special significance in these changes. The Harmonic Convergence was one, and there are others to come in 2011 or 2012.[21][22][23]
Spiritual versus scientific knowledge
★ Intuition is a more appropriate guide than rationalism, scientific skepticism or the scientific method.
★ Spiritual beings (e.g. angels, ascended masters, elementals, ghosts, and/or space aliens) exist and will guide us, if we open ourselves to their guidance.[24]
★ There exists a common core within all religions which renders dogma and religious identity irrelevant.[25]
★ Feminine forms of spirituality, including feminine images of the divine, such as the female Aeon Sophia in Gnosticism, are deprecated by patriarchal religions.
★ An appeal to the language of nature and mathematics, as evidenced by numerology, Kabbala and gnosticism to discern the nature of god.[26]
★ Ancient civilizations such as Atlantis existed and left behind relics and monuments such as the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge, whose true nature has not been discovered by mainstream historians.
★ Certain geographic locations emanate psychic energy, and such places were considered sacred in religions throughout the world.[27]
★ Western science neglects parapsychology, meditation, and holistic health to its detriment.
★ Science and spirituality are ultimately harmonious. New discoveries in science, e.g. evolution and quantum mechanics, when rightly understood, point to spiritual principles.[28]
Human potential
★ The human mind has much greater potential than that ascribed to it, and is capable of overriding physical reality;[29] the ultimate level of human potential has only been realised by a few spiritual masters
★ Children are being born today with a more highly developed spiritual power than earlier generations[30][31]
★ A positive attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything. [32]
★ A certain critical mass of people with a highly spiritual consciousness will bring about a sudden change in the whole population (known as the Hundredth Monkey Effect, since disproven[33])
★ Humans have a responsibility to take part in positive creative activity and to work to heal ourselves, each other and the planet
★ Meditation, yoga, t'ai chi ch'üan, reiki, and other Eastern practices can assist in realizing one’s potential
★ Humans have potential healing powers (such as therapeutic touch) which can be developed to heal others through touch or at a distance
★ The food eaten influences the mind as well as the body. It is generally preferable to eat fresh organic vegetarian food which is locally grown and in season[34][35]
★ Fasting can help achieve higher levels of consciousness
Miscellaneous
★ Consciousness persists after death as life in different forms; the afterlife exists for further learning through reincarnation and/or near-death experiences.[36]
★ Rocks and crystals have psychic energies that can aid meditation and healing.
★ Dreams and psychic experiences are spiritually meaningful.
Criticism and skepticism
Criticisms of New Age beliefs generally take one of two forms: that they lack proper scientific basis and testing, or that they violate or misappropriate the sanctity of various traditional religions, philosophies, or cultures.
Religious and spiritual criticism
Many in established religions dismiss New Age thinking as heretical, immoral and shifting without the clear guidance given by a sacred book or tradition of teaching.[37][38] [39]
Some, including neo-pagans and particularly reconstructionist groups, who are frequently labeled as New Age, often find the term inappropriate since it appears to link them with beliefs and practices they do not espouse. Others think that the classification of beliefs and movements under New Age has little added value due to the vagueness of the term. Instead, they prefer to refer directly to the individual beliefs and movements. Indeed, use by religious conservatives, scientists and others has caused the term "New Age" to sometimes have a derogatory connotation.[40][41][42]
Many adherents of traditional disciplines from cultures such as India, China, and elsewhere; a number of orthodox schools of Yoga, Tantra, Qigong, Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and martial arts (the traditional Taijiquan families, for example), groups with histories reaching back many centuries in some cases, eschew the Western label ''New Age'', seeing the movement it represents as either not fully understanding or deliberately trivializing their disciplines or outright distortions.[43]
Urarina shaman, 1988
Much of the strongest criticism of New Age eclecticism has come from American Indian writers and communities. The ''Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality''[44] is one of the strongest statements of disapprobrium from traditional tribal religious leaders. Other Natives who have issued statements against "white shamanism" include Wendy Rose, Leslie Marmon Silko and Geary Hobson. A dominant Native American argument is that New Age shamans profit from ''tribal'' beliefs in a way that is fundamentally inconsistent with indigenous peoples' worldviews, while ignoring the communal aspects of indigenous peoples sacred beliefs and practices, such as among the Urarina of the Peruvian Amazon. In the US, part of the criticism leveled at the ''New Age'' movement has also been the perpetuation of Native ''racial'' stereotyping ("The Hollywood Indian"), cultural fetishism and the distortions of historic and anthropological insights into Native Americans' multiple and diverse ways of life and spirituality. This is abundantly clear when one contrasts the customary practice of ayahuasca shamanism among the Urarina, with ''New Age shamanism''. (see also Noble savage)
Some writers have identified racist bias in the movement's early Theosophical sources, especially the writings of Alice Bailey on the Jews
[45]
[46]
and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner on black people.
[47]
Those elements of the early writings have not remained part of the ongoing evolution of New Age philosophies and have either not been taken up or have been repudiated by modern members of the movement.
[48]
[49]
Rationalist and academic criticism
Adherents of scientific skepticism criticize New Age beliefs based on their philosophy that one should in general question the veracity of all claims, and especially paranormal or extraordinary claims, unless such claims can be empirically tested. As science has been unable to find strong evidence of any paranormal activity, or to find ground for new-age beliefs, some scientists take issue with the use of scientific terminology, or so-called ''"pseudo-science"'', to promote what may be unprovable religious beliefs.[50][51]
Some authors, such as Deepak Chopra, Fritjof Capra, Fred Alan Wolf and Gary Zukav, have linked quantum mechanics to New Age thinking, to form a genre which is sometimes known as quantum mysticism, often in connection with the Law of Attraction.
They have interpreted the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, quantum entanglement, wave function collapse or the many worlds interpretation, to a mean that all objects in the universe are one (monism), that possibility and existence are endless, and that the physical world is only what one believes it to be.
Most scientists are sceptical of this broad application of quantum ideas. They have criticized the vague descriptions of the phenomena in quantum mechanics on which they are based. Notable scientists such as Margaret Wertheim, Heinz Pagels, Murray Gell-Mann and Victor Stenger have explicitly stated they do not agree that any evidence from quantum mechanics supports these views .[52]
Underlying assumptions
Millenarianism
Judging by its name, the New Age movement ought to involve millenarian claims, perhaps of a glorious future age which is about to begin.[53][54]
As such it could theoretically be traced back to the time of Zoroaster, or to biblical apocalypticism. While such expectations are encountered often enough—e.g., the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, pole shifts and paradigm shifts, the imminent end of the Mayan calendar—the predominant themes of the New Age are mystical rather than apocalyptic. Hence the widespread interest within this subculture in the mystical traditions within the world’s various religions, especially Vedanta, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Sufism, Taoism, Shamanism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, and Esoteric Christianity.
Syncretism
Much of New Age thought is syncretic in nature and has roots as a counter-cultural phenomenon. Thus New Age adherents tend to emphasize a relativist approach to truth, often referring to the Vedic statement of "one truth, but many paths," the mainstay of Hinduism, which idea is also found in the later Zen Buddhist spiritual dictum of "many paths, one mountain". This belief is not only an assertion of personal ''choice'' in spiritual matters, but also an assertion that truth itself is ''defined'' by the individual and his or her experience of it.[55]
Globalization was and still is an important social phenomenon of the 20th and early 21st centuries, with religious syncretism inevitably being one consequence. New Age religious developments are eclectic, hence multifarious. Some synthesize Christian ideas with beliefs involving many gods or goddesses, pantheism, include aliens, reincarnation, or the use of drugs, together with other spiritual beliefs from different parts of the world. Likewise, the movement may incorporate differing beliefs about, or attempts to practice, magic.
Though many New Age terms are associated with Eastern religions, they should not be considered as being identical with the concepts and practices of those religions. Ancient traditions such as Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism can hardly be referred to as New Age religions. It just so happens that the New Age movement has 'adopted' many of the ideas of eastern religions, incorporated them into their own beliefs and practices. The gnostic approach of experiential insight and revelation of truth may be closest to the New Age methodology of prayers and spirituality.
Relativism
In keeping with a relativist stance, New Agers believe they do not contradict traditional belief systems, but rather some of them say that they are concerned with the ultimate truths contained within those systems, separating these truths from false tradition and dogma. On the other hand, adherents of other religions often claim that the New Age movement has a vague or superficial understanding of these religious concepts, leaving out that which may seem "negative" or contradict contemporary Western values and that New Age attempts at religious syncretism are vague and self-contradictory.[56]
This relativism is not merely a spiritual relativism, but also extends to physical theories. Reality is considered largely from an experiential and subjective mode. Many New Age phenomena are not expected to be repeatable in the scientific sense, since they are presumed to be apparent only to the receptive mind; for example, telepathy may not be achievable by a skeptical mind, since a skeptical mind is not pre-conditioned to expect the phenomenon to exist.[57]
Mysticism
The New Age worldview typically involves a mysticism-based (rather than experiment-and-theory-based) view of describing and controlling the external world; for example, one might believe that tarot card reading works ''because'' of the "interconnectedness principle", rather than regarding the success (or failure) of tarot card reading as ''evidence'' of the interconnectedness principle. The various New Age vitalist theories of health and disease provide further examples.
Magical thinking
Some New Age practices and beliefs could make use of what British anthropologist Sir James George Frazer termed magical thinking, in ''The Golden Bough'' (1890). Common examples are the principle that objects once in contact maintain a practical link, or that objects that have similar properties exert an effect on each other.[58] Another example of magical thinking is the belief that because two events coincide, they must be connected, such as thinking of a friend followed by said friend calling.
Anti-intellectualism
In contrast to the scientific method, any failure to achieve expected results is not considered as a failure of the underlying theory, but as a lack of knowledge about (hidden) extenuating circumstances. This stance has led some skeptics to pronounce the New Age movement to be primarily anti-intellectual in nature.[59][2]
Postmodernism
The emphasis on subjective knowledge and experience is a connection between New Age beliefs and postmodernism. The shift to a feeling of control over one's expression of spirituality reflects a trend towards personal responsibility, as well as personal empowerment. Its populist origins help characterize the New Age approach. This emphasizes an individual's choice in spiritual matters; the role of personal intuition and experience over societally sanctioned expert opinion and an experiential definition of reality.[61] This does not mean, however, that its members necessarily become free individuals. There may be as much peer-group conformity on the fringe as there is in mainstream society.
Holism
A belief in a coherent, interconnected cosmos. Everything in the cosmos is actually or potentially interconnected, as if by invisible threads, not only in space but also across time. Further, it is held that every thing and every event that has happened, is happening, or will happen leaves a detectable record of itself in the cosmic "medium" such as the Akashic Records, or the "morphogenetic field" (not to be confused with the developmental biology use of the same term).
Language
Many adherents of belief systems characterised as New Age rely heavily on the use of metaphors to describe experiences deemed to be beyond the empirical. Consciously or unconsciously, New Agers tend to redefine vocabulary borrowed from various belief systems, which can cause some confusion as well as increase opposition from skeptics and the traditional religions. In particular, the adoption of terms from the language of science such as "energy", "energy fields", and various terms borrowed from quantum physics and psychology but not then applied to any of their subject matter, have served to confuse the dialog between science and spirituality, leading to derisive labels such as pseudoscience, quantum flapdoodle and psychobabble.[62][63]
This phenomenon is additionally compounded by the propensity of some New Agers to pretend to esoteric meanings for familiar terms; the New Age meaning of the esoteric term is typically quite different from the common use, and is often described as ''intentionally'' inaccessible to those not sufficiently trained in the area of their use. See the following list:-
Many New Agers revere ancient sites, such as Stonehenge, above, as having a special "energy".
★ 'Forces'. It is commonly held that there exist certain forces, independent of spiritual beings or agencies, and also distinct from forces as defined by science (e.g., gravitation, electro-magnetism, etc.). These forces are elemental in nature; and are held to operate in an automatic fashion as part of the natural order (for example, the force which causes seeds to sprout, grow, and bloom).
★ 'Power'. The "forces", and everything else, are energized by a mystical power that exists in varying degrees in all things. Power is transferable, through physical contact, sensory perception, or mere proximity. Power may be accumulated or depleted in a person or object through a variety of mechanisms, including fate and esoteric practices. This power is held to be physically observable as "auras" and "psi energy"; and when encountered in great concentration, may even be dangerous.
★ 'Energy'. In some belief systems, "forces" and "power" may seem to merge; e.g., in the concept of "vital force" that exists in so many traditional belief systems, and finds its expression in New Age concepts such as the alleged "energies" in Therapeutic Touch or Reiki and ideas of flowing streams of power in Earth, like "leylines" in Britain and Europe and earth energies addressed in the Chinese geomantic system of feng shui. The New Age use of the word "energy" should obviously not be confused with the scientific one.
★ 'Spirit'. All beings (particularly sentient beings) are accompanied by a specific, intentional "energy" which corresponds to their consciousness, but is in some way independent of their corporeal existence. This energy typically is more primary than the physical entity, in the sense that it remains in some form after the physical death of that being.
New Age approaches to medicine
Main articles: Alternative medicine
New Agers may use exclusively or in part on alternative medicine rather than relying on traditional medicine.[64] Possible techniques seen as compatible with the New Age perspective include:[65][66]
★ Ayurveda
★ Homeopathy
★ Rebirthing
★ Reparenting
★ Past life regression
★ Primal therapy
★ Neurolinguistic programming
★ The Feldenkrais method
★ Iridology
★ Aura manipulation
★ Crystal healing
Louise Hay has published New Age books regarding the belief that illnesses have a metaphysical origin and can be treated by an evaluation of emotional and spiritual attitudes (a similar belief is held by members of the Church of Christ, Scientist). Hay's books feature lists of diseases and the associated negative belief, accompanied by the correcting positive belief which can be sought by repeating the correcting positive affirmation. This approach is criticised as victim blaming for causing the condition though the intent is to empower the individual to change their thinking and therefore change the condition.
One benefit of New Age medicine's popularity, and in particular its criticism of what some describe as the limitations of conventional medicine, has been to encourage medical practitioners to pay closer attention to the entire patient's needs rather than just a specific disease. Such approaches, termed "holistic medicine", have been tentatively embraced by some elements of mainstream medical establishment. Conventional medicine has recognised that a patient's state of mind can be crucial in determining the outcome of many diseases, and this perception has helped recast the roles of doctor and patient as more egalitarian.
Most scientists are convinced that complementary medicine is placebo medicine. In recent tests, the placebo effect has been shown to be effective in certain placebo-responsive conditions. To the extent that there is a psychological element in illness, placebos, in the form of homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, etc., may help where the patient is convinced it will, although much depends on the level of conviction in the therapist.
Controversy regarding alternative medicine
Some scientific professionals question the efficacy of the methods of "alternative or complementary medicine," and some writers have referred to these methods as quackery (Norcross et al 2006;Singer and Lalich 1996)). There are increasing numbers of double blind tests of alternative medicine methods but such testing has rarely resulted in corroborating results. However, it is difficult to apply double-blind testing methods to some alternative medicine techniques because in many of these techniques, the relationship with the practitioner is part of the process, and that relationship cannot be practically "blinded" in a testing protocol. See the main article on Alternative medicine for a deeper discussion of these points.
Skeptics of the New Age approach to medicine point out it is possible that direct harm can result from a treatment such as acupuncture (bruising, dizziness, infection) , from poorly prescribed herbal medicine or from an untrained person self-administering herbal medicines. Indirect harm may result when a patient declines proven scientific treatment in favor of unproven alternative treatments and thereby misses the benefit that may have accrued from the mainstream treatment [1].
Critics of New Age medicine state that without scientific testing, it is not possible to determine which techniques, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle changes may contribute to increased health and which treatments have no effect or may be dangerous. In 2005, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland began a program of research to determine which alternative medicine practices may be useful in support of conventional medical practice.
New Age Music
''For in-depth information see the article on New Age music.''
Although more rock than new age in genre, the 1967 successful musical Hair with its opening song "Aquarius" and the memorable line ''"This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius"'' brought the New Age concept to the attention of a huge worldwide audience.
A large percentage of music described as of New Age genre is instrumental, and electronic. This music has its roots in the 1970s with the works of such free-form jazz groups recording on the ECM label such as Oregon, the Paul Winter Group, and other pre-ambient bands; as well as ambient performers such as Brian Eno. The Greek artist Yanni, one of the "superstars" of the New Age genre, relies heavily on synthesizers and instrumental "world music" sounds.
Vocal arrangements are also common. Enya, although claiming her music is not of this genre, has won a New Age Grammy for her music which utilizes vocals in a variety of languages, including Latin.
Music labeled New Age often has a vision of a better future, expresses an appreciation of goodness and beauty, even an anticipation, relevant to some event. Rarely does New Age music dwell on a problem with this world or its inhabitants; instead it offers a peaceful vision of a better world. Often the music is celestial, when the title names stars or deep space explorations. Additionally, instrumental albums often come with "liner notes" encouraging the music's use in meditation, and many albums have been recorded with specific design for this purpose.
While other genres like ambient, psy-trance, goa trance are not associated with New Age in their philosophies, they can take a similar perspective. Psy-trance, especially, suggests a fusion of transcendental feeling and the individual's connectedness with the cosmos. This experience and the dance culture surrounding it may express views about technology, parapsychology, artificial intelligence, as well as a view that thoughts may in fact determine reality.
LOHAS (''"Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability"'') Demographic
People who embrace "New Age" lifestyle and/or beliefs are included in the LOHAS (''"Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability"'') demographic market segment, currently in a growth phase related to so-called "green" ecological initiatives and generally focused on marketing to a relatively upscale and well-educated population segment (see main LOHAS article for additional references).[67]
See also
See List of New Age topics for a summary of related articles, or click on the New Age category at the foot of this page.
★ New religious movement
★ New Age communities
References
1. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
2. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
3. New Age Spirituality
a.k.a. Self-spirituality, New spirituality, Mind-body-spirit by Author: B.A. Robinson of Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Last update: 2006-OCT-01. Accessed March 2007.
4.
5. The Mind, Body Spirit Festival has run event in the UK since 1977. Accessed Dec 2006.
6. International Listing of New Age Shows, Expos & Exhibitions at www.equinoxastrology.com. Accessed Dec 2006.
7. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
8. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
9. New Age Files includes a comprehensive timeline, and information from 1800 to the present day.
Accessed July 2006
10. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
11. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
12. Alan Kardec - Spirit Writings Accessed July 2006.
13. A Course in Miracles Claims to be a complete self-study spiritual thought system. - Accessed July 2006
14. The Celestine Prophect webpage Believes is that there is a growing worldwide interest in spirituality that is creating a new spiritual awareness and culture that will flourish in the new millennium. Accessed July 2006
15. Radical Middle Newsletter New World Alliance New Age political movement - Accessed July 2006
16. From New Age to New Edge Across Borders Media Video. "Can we really change the world without changing ourselves? From New Age to New Edge explores this question, as it travels to the remote rainforests of western Canada, where a revolution is in the making. Here, the face of environmental activism is going through radical changes, as it dovetails with the personal growth movement. " Accessed December 2006.
17. The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators, , George, Barnia, Word Publishing, 1996,
18. New Age Transformed
19. What Is “New Age?, , Michael D, Langone, , 1993
20. Only God Exists
21. Network 2012
22. Children of Light
23. Nvisible
24. Ascended Masters Research Center
25. The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ
26. Kabbalah - Judiasm's Way Into The New Age
27. Sacred Places
28. Quantum Interconnectedness
29. Reality Shifters news
30. CNN News interview with Sandy Bershad, an Indigo Child
31. Indigo Children - Crystalline Children
32. Supercharged Affirmations The Salem New Age Center, Salem Massachusetts USA . Accessed August 2007.
33. The Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon
34. New age Vegetarian Cookbook, , Max, Heindel, Rosicrucian Fellowship, 1968,
35. The Peter Max new age organic vegetarian cookbook, , Peter, Max, Pyramid Communications, 1971,
36. Reincarnation and NDE Research
37. In Plain SiteRelativism
Is it "absolutely" true that there is no "absolute" truth? In Plain Site, Christian view of Relativism. Accessed December 2006.
38. Jews for Morality ''The New Age Movement: Reversion to Paganism. How the New Age Movement undermines the very foundations of a moral society.'' By Mayer Adani. 31 Aug. 2001 Accessed December 2006
39.
★ A Christian reflection on the New Age
40. Watchman Fellowship, a ministry of Christian Discernment. Accessed July 2006
41. New Age: False Religion - Islamic criticism Accessed July 2006
42.
★ A Catholic Christian Reflection on the New Age Accessed July 2006
43. New Age vs. Vedic tradition Accessed July 2006
44. Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality - Accessed July 2006
45. The Rainbow Swastika , A Report To The Jewish People, About New Age Antisemitism.
46. Antisemitic Stereotypes in Alice Bailey's Writings
47. The racial Teachings of Rudolf Steiner
48. Alice Bailey: a balanced look
49. Position Statement on Diversity
50. A New Ager's path to becoming a skeptic Accessed July 2006
51. Dutch skeptic website with articles and links to criticism of a range of New Age topics Accessed July 2006
52. ''Qunatum Quackery'' by Victor Stenger Article in ''Skeptical Inquirer magazine'' , January/February 1997 . Accessed March 2007
53. The Sleeper Awakens onlygodexists.org 2006 Accessed June 2006
54. The Aquarian Age - Rosicrucian Fellowship Accessed July 2006
55. Religious Tolerance.org by Author: B.A. Robinson of Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Last update: 2006-OCT-01. Accessed March 2007.
:"Since all is God, then only one reality exists, and all religions are simply different paths to that ultimate reality. The universal religion can be visualized as a mountain, with many sadhanas (spiritual paths) to the summit."
56. The New Age Movement Probe Ministries,
Kerby Anderson. "A final major tenet is moral relativism. New Agers think in terms of gray, rather than black or white. Denying the law of non- contradiction, New Agers will often believe that two conflicting statements can both be true." Accessed February 2007.
57.
58. Magical thinking, Sleeping with Extra-Terrestrials: The Rise of Irrationalism and Perils of Piety by Wendy Kaminer. New York: Pantheon, 1999. Review in ''Issues in Science and Technology'' , accessed December 2006
59. Critiques of Post Modernism (And of Irrationalism in General) Ernest Partridge, Ph.D, June 1, 2006. Accessed December 2006.
60. What Is “New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
61. Postmodernism and new age unreason Skeptical Inquirer, May-June, 1995 by George Englebretsen. Accessed December 2006.
62. A New Age Glossary (pdf) Michael A. Cox North American Mission Board & the Southern Baptist Convention. Accessed June 2006
63. Glossary for the new Millennium and Aquarian Age Dr Joshua David Stone "I AM University" 2004 - Accessed June 2006
64. National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
65. Criticism of New Age techniques in mental health practise, , Scott O., Lilienfeld, The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 2002
66. Alternative medicine and the psychology of belief, , James, Alcock, The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 1999
67. Who Buys New Age Materials? Exploring Sociodemographic, Religious, Network, and Contextual Correlates Of New Age Consumption Daniel P. Mears, Christopher G. Ellison - Accessed June 2006
Academic study of the New Age
★ Albanese, Catherine L. (1990) ''Nature Religion in America; From the Algonkian Indians to the New Age''], University of Chicago Press, Chicago & London. ISBN 0226011461
★ Albanese, Catherine. ''A Republic of Mind and Spirit: A Cultural History of American Metaphysical Religion''. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2007 ISBN 0300110898
★ Barna, George , (1996) ''The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators'', Word Publishing, Dallas TX. ISBN 0-8499-3603-9
★ Bloch, Jon P., (1998) ''New Spirituality, Self, and Belonging: How New Agers and Neo-Pagans Talk About Themselves'', Praeger, Westport, Connceticut & London. ISBN 0275959570
★ Drane, John, (1999) ''What is the New Age Still Saying to the Church?'' Marshall Pickering, London. ISBN 0551031948
★ Ferguson, Marilyn (1982) ''The Aquarian Conspiracy'', Paladin, London. ISBN 0312904185
★ Godwin, Joscelyn, (1994) ''The Theosophical Enlightenment'', State University of New York Press, New York. ISBN 0-684-82630-5
★ Hanegraaff, Wouter J., (1998) ''New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought'', State University of New York Press, Albany, New York. ISBN 0791438546
★ Heelas, Paul, (1996) ''The New Age Movement, The Celebration of the Self and the Sacralization of Modernity'', Blackwell, Oxford. ISBN 0-631-21074-1
★ Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead (2004) ''The Spiritual Revolution: Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality'', Blackwell, Oxford. ISBN 1405119594
★ Hanegraaff, Wouter J. "New Age Religion and Secularization." Numen 47, no. 3 (2000): 288-312.
★ Wouter Hanegraaff ''New Age Religion and Western Culture: Esotericism in the Mirror of Secular Thought''. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1998. ISBN 90 04 10695 2
★ Iwersen, Julie. ''Phenomenology, Sociology, and History of the New Age'' Numen 46, no. 2 (1999): 211-18.
★ Kemp, Daren, (2004) ''New Age: A Guide. Alternative Spiritualities from Aquarian Conspiracy to Next Age'', Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh. ISBN 0748615326
★ Kohn, Rachael, (2003) ''The New Believers: Re-Imagining God''HarperCollins, Sydney. ISBN 073 2275318 review in ''The Age''
★ What Is “New Age?”, , Michael D, Langone, Cult Observer, 1993 Retrieved 26 August 2005
★ Lewis, James R. and J. Gordon Melton (eds). (1992) ''Perspectives on the New Age'', State University of New York Press, Albany, New York. ISBN 0791412148
★ Melton, J.Gordon, (1995) ''Whither the New Age?'' Chapter 35 of T. Miller's , ''America's Alternative Religions'', SUNY Press, Albany, NY . ISBN 0791423980
★ Michael, June, (2000) ''Path to Truth: A Spiritual Guide to Higher Consciousness'', Writers Club Press, New York. ISBN 1893652580
★ Naisbitt J. & Aburdene P., (1990) ''Megatrends 2000'', William Morrow & Company, New York, NY. ISBN 0688119085
★ Pike, Sarah M., (2004) ''New Age and Neopagan Religions in America'', Columbia University Press, New York. ISBN 0231124023
★ Roof, Wade Clark (1999) ''Spiritual Marketplace: Baby Boomers and the Remaking of American Religion'', Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 0691089965
★ Rothstein, Mikael (ed). (2001) ''New Age Religion and Globalization'', Aarhus University Press, Aarhus, Denmark. ISBN 8772887923 4
★ Saliba, John A., (1999) ''Christian Responses to the New Age Movement: A Critical Assessment'' Geoffrey Chapman, London. ISBN 0225668521 Review here,
★ Sutcliffe, Steven & Marion Bowman (eds). (2000) ''Beyond New Age: Exploring Alternative Spirituality'', Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh. ISBN 0-7486-0998-9
★ Sutcliffe, Steven J., (2003) ''Children of the New Age: A History of Spiritual Practices'', Routledge, London and New York. ISBN 0-415-24299-1
★ York, Michael, (1995) ''The Emerging Network: A Sociology of the New Age and Neo-Pagan Movements'', Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland. ISBN 0847680010
★ Norcross, JC, Garofalo.A, Koocher.G. (2006) Discredited Psychological Treatments and Tests; A Delphi Poll. Professional Psychology; Research and Practice. vol37. No 5. 515-522
★ Singer.M. and J. Lalich, 1996 Crazy Therapies: What Are They? Do They Work? Ph.D., published by Jossey-Bass in 1996.
External links
General
★ Opendirectory New Age links Large collection of New Age links at the Open Directory
★ Yahoo Directory New Age links Another large collection of New Age links at the Yahoo! Directory
★ The New Age Files - A comprehensive timeline, biogs and information from 1800 to the present day and news stories
★ Religious Tolerance.org, has a list of academic references and survey sources
★ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
★ A Brief Essential Bibliography for the Academic Study of the New Age Movement
New Age critics
★ Magical Thinking in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
★ Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life- A Christian reflection on the “New Age”
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