A Christian reflection on the New Age
Encyclopedia
A Christian reflection on the New Age refers to a six year study by the Roman Catholic Church
on the New Age
movement. The study, published in 2003, is highly critical of the New Age movement and follows the 1989 document Aspects of Christian meditation
in which the Vatican
warned Catholics against mixing Christian meditation
with Eastern methods.
The document's heading is Jesus Christ, the bearer of the Water of Life. The document refers to the Christian concept of Water of Life
and discusses the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well
which it characterizes as "a paradigm for our engagement with truth".
The document considers the New Age based on "weak thought" and emphasizes the differences between Catholic thought and the New Age. According to the review of the document in The Tablet
"there is never any doubt in the document that New Age is incompatible with and hostile to the core beliefs of Christianity."
Expressing general agreement with the views expressed by the document, Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
said that there would be widespread agreement among Baptists that New Age ideas are contrary to Christian tradition and doctrine.
, meditation
, feng shui
and healing by crystals and was published in 2003 as a 90 page booklet titled A Christian reflection on the New Age.
The document was presented at a February 2003 Vatican conference on A Christian Reflection on the New Age. Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald
stated at the conference that the "Church avoids any concept that is close to those of the New Age". Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture
, said that the "New Age is a misleading answer to the oldest hopes of man." Poupard, the Vatican's minister of culture, also warned that the New Age was based on "weak thinking".
The document presents a highly critical view of the New Age movement and considers it as incompatible with and hostile to the core beliefs of Christianity. The document states that that upon close examination it becomes clear that there is little in the New Age that is new, and that for Christians, the "New Age began 2000 years ago, with Christ". The document also criticizes the New Age movement, stating it is attempting to blur the distinction between good and evil.
By posing the question: Christ or Aquarius? the document states that the New Age often suggests an alternative vision of reality or an alternative way of improving one's current situation by magic. The document criticizes the view that the Age of Aquarius will replace the Christian Age. Referring to the Gospel of Luke
(16:13) that "No servant can be the slave of two masters", it states that Christians have only to think of the difference between the wise men from the East
and King Herod
to recognize the powerful effects of choice for or against Christ.
America Magazine commented that the Vatican directive was relevant to Catholic women in religious orders because there are clear differences between Catholic teachings and the New Age that can become blurred within spiritual practices.
The document was also discussed at June 2004 Vatican conference attended by representatives of the episcopal conference
s of 22 countries, as well as members of the Roman Curia
. Following the conference, Alessandro Pennesi, a professor at the Pontifical Lateran University
reiterated the Vatican warnings and stated that he agreed with the sentiment that the New Age is based on "ethical relativism" and that it is not possible to "isolate some elements of New Age religiosity as acceptable to Christians, while rejecting others."
in Scotland and Monte Verità
in Switzerland. It also mentions the Open Center and the Omega Institute in New York.
The document states that the yearbooks at Monte Verità make it clear that there is an intention to create an "integrated world religion", and that it is fascinating to see the list of people who have gathered over the years at Monte Verità.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
on the New Age
New Age
The New Age movement is a Western spiritual movement that developed in the second half of the 20th century. Its central precepts have been described as "drawing on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and then infusing them with influences from self-help and motivational...
movement. The study, published in 2003, is highly critical of the New Age movement and follows the 1989 document Aspects of Christian meditation
Aspects of Christian meditation
Aspects of Christian meditation was the topic of an October 15, 1989 document of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document is titled "Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on some aspects of Christian meditation" and is formally known by its incipit Orationis formas.The...
in which the Vatican
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
warned Catholics against mixing Christian meditation
Christian meditation
Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The word meditation comes from the Latin word meditārī, which has a range of meanings including to reflect on, to study and to practice...
with Eastern methods.
The document's heading is Jesus Christ, the bearer of the Water of Life. The document refers to the Christian concept of Water of Life
Water of Life (Christianity)
In Christianity the term Water of Life is used in the context of living water, specific references appearing in the Book of Revelation , as well as the Gospel of John. In these references, the term Water of Life refers the Holy Spirit....
and discusses the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well
Samaritan Woman at the Well
The Samaritan woman at the well is an episode in the life of Jesus that appears only in the Gospel of John, in . In Eastern Orthodox Church tradition, she is known as Photina.According to the John 4:...
which it characterizes as "a paradigm for our engagement with truth".
The document considers the New Age based on "weak thought" and emphasizes the differences between Catholic thought and the New Age. According to the review of the document in The Tablet
The Tablet
The Tablet is a Catholic international weekly review published in London. Contributors to its pages have included Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Paul VI ....
"there is never any doubt in the document that New Age is incompatible with and hostile to the core beliefs of Christianity."
Expressing general agreement with the views expressed by the document, Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
said that there would be widespread agreement among Baptists that New Age ideas are contrary to Christian tradition and doctrine.
Background and overview
The document was prepared in response to the need expressed by Catholic bishops to have a clear directive about where New Age practices stand with respect to Roman Catholic doctrine. In response to the requests, the document addresses and provides Christian guidance on New Age phenomena such as yogaYoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
, meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
, feng shui
Feng shui
Feng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
and healing by crystals and was published in 2003 as a 90 page booklet titled A Christian reflection on the New Age.
The document was presented at a February 2003 Vatican conference on A Christian Reflection on the New Age. Monsignor Michael Fitzgerald
Michael Fitzgerald
Michael Louis Fitzgerald is a Roman Catholic archbishop. He is the papal nuncio to Egypt and delegate to the Arab League. He was previously the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.-Early life and ordination:...
stated at the conference that the "Church avoids any concept that is close to those of the New Age". Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture
Pontifical Council for Culture
The Pontifical Council for Culture is a department of the Roman Curia charged with fostering the relationship of the Catholic Church with different cultures. Pope John Paul II founded it on 20 May 1982...
, said that the "New Age is a misleading answer to the oldest hopes of man." Poupard, the Vatican's minister of culture, also warned that the New Age was based on "weak thinking".
The document presents a highly critical view of the New Age movement and considers it as incompatible with and hostile to the core beliefs of Christianity. The document states that that upon close examination it becomes clear that there is little in the New Age that is new, and that for Christians, the "New Age began 2000 years ago, with Christ". The document also criticizes the New Age movement, stating it is attempting to blur the distinction between good and evil.
By posing the question: Christ or Aquarius? the document states that the New Age often suggests an alternative vision of reality or an alternative way of improving one's current situation by magic. The document criticizes the view that the Age of Aquarius will replace the Christian Age. Referring to the Gospel of Luke
Gospel of Luke
The Gospel According to Luke , commonly shortened to the Gospel of Luke or simply Luke, is the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels. This synoptic gospel is an account of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It details his story from the events of his birth to his Ascension.The...
(16:13) that "No servant can be the slave of two masters", it states that Christians have only to think of the difference between the wise men from the East
Biblical Magi
The Magi Greek: μάγοι, magoi), also referred to as the Wise Men, Kings, Astrologers, or Kings from the East, were a group of distinguished foreigners who were said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh...
and King Herod
Herod the Great
Herod , also known as Herod the Great , was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his...
to recognize the powerful effects of choice for or against Christ.
America Magazine commented that the Vatican directive was relevant to Catholic women in religious orders because there are clear differences between Catholic teachings and the New Age that can become blurred within spiritual practices.
The document was also discussed at June 2004 Vatican conference attended by representatives of the episcopal conference
Episcopal Conference
In the Roman Catholic Church, an Episcopal Conference, Conference of Bishops, or National Conference of Bishops is an official assembly of all the bishops of a given territory...
s of 22 countries, as well as members of the Roman Curia
Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church, together with the Pope...
. Following the conference, Alessandro Pennesi, a professor at the Pontifical Lateran University
Pontifical Lateran University
The Pontifical Lateran University is a university by pontifical right based in Rome, Italy. The university also hosts the central session of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family...
reiterated the Vatican warnings and stated that he agreed with the sentiment that the New Age is based on "ethical relativism" and that it is not possible to "isolate some elements of New Age religiosity as acceptable to Christians, while rejecting others."
Structure and content
The document has 6 main sections, as well as an appendix, and glossary of New Age terms. The main sections are:- 1. What sort of reflection. This section discusses the context and timing of the document. It states that the Third Millennium, two thousand years after the birth of Christ, is a time when astrologerAstrologerAn astrologer practices one or more forms of astrology. Typically an astrologer draws a horoscope for the time of an event, such as a person's birth, and interprets celestial points and their placements at the time of the event to better understand someone, determine the auspiciousness of an...
s believe that the Age of Pisces is drawing to a close. Hence a time when the public is bombarded with the New Age message may be the right moment to offer an assessment of why it is not consistent with the Christian message.
- 2. New Age spirituality: an overview. This section provides an overview of the New Age Movement and its history. Referring to Harmony and Good Vibrations, it criticizes the approach of being in tune with nature or the cosmos, claiming that it blurs the distinction between good and evil and creates the mindset that "we cannot condemn anyone, and nobody needs forgiveness".
-
- Golden living: The document claims that New Age practices can be associated with other practices, listing acupuncture, biofeedback, kinesiology, homeopathy, iridology and various kinds of bodywork, polarity massage, meditation and visualisation, psychic healing, healing by crystals, metals, music or colors, and twelve-step programs.
-
- Wholeness and dualism: The document states that the New Age encourages that we should overcome dualisms, such as Creator and creation, the distinction between man and nature, or spirit and matter.
-
- Central themes of the New Age. The document claims that the New Age is not a religion, but is interested in what is called “divine”. Some common points in the New Age movement are:
-
- The cosmos is seen as an organic whole, animated by an energy, soul or spirit
- Credence is given to the mediation of various spiritual entities
- Humans are assumed capable of ascending to invisible higher spheres
- A "perennial knowledge" pre-dates and is superior to all religions and cultures
- People are encouraged to follow enlightened masters.
-
- Central themes of the New Age. The document claims that the New Age is not a religion, but is interested in what is called “divine”. Some common points in the New Age movement are:
- 3. New Age and Christian faith. The document states that for Christians, the spiritual life is a relationship with God. It criticizes Eastern meditationMeditationMeditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
and states that all meditation techniques need to be purged of presumption and pretentiousness. It states that Christian prayer is not an exercise in self-contemplation, stillness and self-emptying, but a dialogue of love, one which "implies an attitude of conversion, a flight from 'self' to the 'you' of God".
- 4. New Age and Christian faith in contrast. This section criticizes several elements of the New Age practices. For instance, it claims that New Age practices are not really prayer.
- 5. Jesus Christ offers us the water of life. The document re-iterates that the Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, who is at the heart of every Christian action, and every Christian message. It refers to the Gospel of JohnGospel of JohnThe Gospel According to John , commonly referred to as the Gospel of John or simply John, and often referred to in New Testament scholarship as the Fourth Gospel, is an account of the public ministry of Jesus...
's account of the Samaritan Woman at the WellSamaritan Woman at the WellThe Samaritan woman at the well is an episode in the life of Jesus that appears only in the Gospel of John, in . In Eastern Orthodox Church tradition, she is known as Photina.According to the John 4:...
as "a paradigm for our engagement with truth".
- 6. Points to note. This section mentions several items, also stressing the need for pastoral guidance against the new age movement.
New Age places
The document names three key New Age places that it finds objectionable, Esalen in California, FindhornFindhorn
Findhorn is a village in Moray, Scotland. It is located on the eastern shore of Findhorn Bay and immediately south of the Moray Firth. Findhorn is 3 miles northwest of Kinloss, and about 5 miles by road from Forres....
in Scotland and Monte Verità
Monte Verita
Monte Verità is a hill in Ascona , which has served as the site of many different Utopian and cultural events and communities since the beginning of the twentieth century.-History:...
in Switzerland. It also mentions the Open Center and the Omega Institute in New York.
The document states that the yearbooks at Monte Verità make it clear that there is an intention to create an "integrated world religion", and that it is fascinating to see the list of people who have gathered over the years at Monte Verità.
See also
- Aspects of Christian meditationAspects of Christian meditationAspects of Christian meditation was the topic of an October 15, 1989 document of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document is titled "Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on some aspects of Christian meditation" and is formally known by its incipit Orationis formas.The...
- Rosary devotions and spiritualityRosary devotions and spiritualityDevotion to the rosary is one of the most notable features of popular Catholic spirituality. Pope John Paul II placed rosary devotions at the very center of Christian spirituality and called them "among the finest and most praiseworthy traditions of Christian contemplation."From a historical...
- Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship