Hidden New Age Trends Within Christian Circles

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the influence of New Age practices within the evangelical church. Listen to Episode 053 of Out of the Darkness to hear what Athena Dean Holtz and I have to say about practices such as Reiki, the Law of Attraction, yoga, and the Enneagram, which have made their way into evangelical communities.

By exploring the origins, beliefs, and potential implications of these practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the church today.

Reiki

Reiki, a form of energy healing, has gained popularity among some evangelicals. However, it contradicts evangelical beliefs by promoting the idea of channeling universal life energy rather than relying on God's healing power, as described in the Bible. This practice introduces a non-biblical spiritual element into the church.

The Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction, which suggests that individuals can attract positive outcomes by focusing their thoughts and intentions, conflicts with biblical teachings. It places the power of manifestation in the hands of the individual rather than recognizing God's sovereignty and plan for our lives. This worldview undermines the concept of surrendering to God's will and trusting in His guidance.

Yoga: Spirituality or Exercise?

While yoga is often presented as a physical exercise routine, it has deep spiritual roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. The practice of yoga seeks to unite the individual with universal consciousness, which contradicts the Christian belief in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Engaging in yoga without discernment can lead to the adoption of non-biblical spiritual practices.

The Enneagram: A Tool for Self-Discovery or New Age Influence?

The Enneagram, a personality typing system, has gained popularity in evangelical circles as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. However, it has origins in esoteric teachings and lacks a solid biblical foundation. The Enneagram's focus on self rather than God can lead to self-centeredness and a distorted understanding of the Christian faith.

As the evangelical church continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the infiltration of New Age practices. These practices, such as Reiki, the Law of Attraction, yoga, and the Enneagram, contradict biblical teachings and introduce non-biblical spiritual elements into the church. It is essential for believers to approach these practices with discernment, grounded in a solid biblical foundation.

Friend, be alert to false teachings and be aware of the infiltration of New Age practices.

Here are some key steps:

1. Study and know the Word of God: Regularly engage in Bible study, allowing the Scriptures to be the foundation of your faith and discernment.

2. Cultivate a prayerful life: Seek guidance and discernment through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth and protect you from deception.

3. Seek wisdom from trusted spiritual leaders: Consult with pastors, elders, and other mature believers who can provide guidance and insights based on their knowledge of Scripture and experience in the faith.

4. Develop spiritual discernment: Cultivate the ability to discern between biblical truth and false teachings by testing everything against the Word of God.

5. Stay connected to a biblical community: Engage in fellowship with like-minded believers, discussing and sharing concerns about potential false teachings or practices.

By implementing these practices, the church can uphold its core values while addressing the spiritual needs of its members and guarding against the infiltration of New Age practices.