New Age In the Nutshell

Written By Thomas Perez. February 8, 2011 at 6:48PM. Copyright 2011.

The New Age Movement Borrows From and Synthesizes Many Views

Humanism – Man is inherently good.
Relativism – There is no absolute reality or moral standard.
Subjectivism – There is no absolute, objective external truth. Truth is based on personal experience and perception.
Pluralism – All spiritual beliefs are equally valid.

Adaptations of Eastern Religions

Hinduism– All is one; one is all (monism). God is an impersonal force, part of the universe, and/or beyond knowing. Material reality is an illusion and is inferior to spiritual reality. Reincarnation: the soul returns to another body after death. Spiritual growth is the constant process of evolving.

Buddhism – Suffering is caused by desire. Detachment from desire is practiced to end suffering. The self/identity does not exist. Spiritual insight is gained through meditation techniques such as centering and mindfulness.

Taoism – One reality, the Tao, is split in opposite forces. These opposite forces are yin and yang. There is a life force, chi (or qi, ki). Health and spiritual growth come from balancing the chi (basis for most alternative healing).

Postmodernism – Man is good; there is no objective truth; there are no absolutes and no authority.

On What Many Will Call Occultism and Paganism – The earth/nature is exalted as the source and sustainer of life. There is one divine force or life force linking people, nature and the universe. Access to and manipulation of this force is possible. Divination techniques such as astrology, numerology, spell casting, tarot cards, and psychic techniques are usually practiced. Rituals are performed according to seasons and moon phases in the belief that this harmonizes one with nature.