Spiritual And The New Age, But Not Religious A large number of Americans identify themselves as spiritual but not religious. It is likely that perhaps one in every five persons (roughly half of all the unchurched) could describe themselves in this way. This phrase probably means different things to different people. The confusion stems from the fact that the words spiritual and religious are really synonyms. Both connote belief in a Higher Power of some kind. Both also imply a desire to connect, or enter into a more intense relationship, with this Higher Power. And, finally, both connote interest in rituals, practices, and daily moral behaviors that foster such a connection or relationship. Many began to associate genuine faith with the private realm of personal experience rather than with the public realm of institutions, creeds, and rituals. The word spiritual: gradually came to be associated with a private realm of thought and experience; while the word religious came to be connected with the public realm of membership in religious institutions, participation in formal rituals, and adherence to official denominational doctrines. Those who see themselves as spiritual, but not religious reject traditional organized religion as the sole-or even the most valuable-means of furthering their spiritual growth. Many have had negative experiences with churches or church leaders. For example, they may have perceived church leaders as more concerned with building an organization than promoting spirituality, as hypocritical, or as narrow-minded. On the hand there some who call themselves, The New Agers and they do not believe in evil. Therefore, they do not accept mans problem as separation by sin from God. Instead, they believe that each of us has forgotten his or her own divinity. Therefore, the New Age solution is to seek higher consciousness through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, diet, crystals, channeling. spirit guides While these practices may seem too far out to pose much of a threat to those abiding in the truth, Christians need to be on guard. In the years pasted, New Age influence has been steadily creeping into our culture in schools, corporations, and doctors’ offices; dominated by New Age spirituality. Reincarnation, karma, the cosmic consciousness – all these once obscure ideas have become commonplace. A true understanding of New Age practices makes one thing clear: Eastern practices cannot be blended into Christianity to produce something better. New Agers are Universalists, believing that all paths lead to God. They fault Christians for being intolerant and narrow-minded. But Gods word anticipates this: Enter the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13, NIV) The good news is that, in a way, the New Agers broad acceptance holds the key to getting him back on the straight and narrow. Most New Agers hold Jesus in high regard, believing Him to be a great spiritual teacher, or guru. Many study the words He spoke, although they put a different spin on them. How can we reach those under such subtle deception? The answer is Jesus Himself. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He Himself can be the common ground on which the New Ager, Spiritual and the Christian can meet, though two stands in darkness and one in light. The Lord said in, Luke 12:5-10 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Pastor Rubin Wilson
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:46:03 +0000
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