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As well, New Age followers embrace pantheism--the belief that God is everything and everything is God. Simply put, God is an impersonal all-pervading energy and is one and the same as the universe. God is an "it" like the Force in the Star Wars films.
New Age religion not only goes against Scripture and tradition; it goes against reason.
Christianity believes that God has shown Himself in the pages of scripture. "God is separate from his creation," said the late Paul E. Little. "He is transcendent--above and beyond His creation, the heavens and the earth. He is not a slave to the natural law He authored, but is independent of it and above it. He can override it at will--though normally He does not interfere with it. He is exalted and eternal, the world's Creator, Sovereign, and Judge." He is a personal, all-knowing, all-loving God.
There's no question that the Bible condemns occult practices. So, would Jesus Christ involve Himself in something He condemns? No! Jesus never speaks through spirit guides, psychics or mediums, nor does He give guidance through the Ouija board. But demons do! Demons are powerful, odious and deceitful. For centuries demons have been masquerading as spirit guides, voices from beyond the grave, even guardian angles. What is their motive? To trick, to deceive and to control lives! Make no mistake about it: Satan's aim is to take a multitude of humans to hell with him. Peter gave this stern warning to keep believers from stepping into the devil's trap: "Be self- controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8 - NIV).
Satan has introduced many counterfeit gods. Berit Kjos explains what the world's counterfeit gods are like. "They must be strong but permissive; compassionate but amoral, unifying but tolerant toward all beliefs except those that clash with the vision of solidarity. This new, more affirming image has already permeated religions around the world. His names don't really matter, for they would all represent the same universal deity -- re-imagined under the banner of love, tolerance and unity." Sound familiar?
New Age followers often sound like Christians. They'll talk about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit--even the atonement and salvation. But don't be fooled! They redefine Christian terms to fit their own religious beliefs. That's why is so important to learn what someone really believes about God. A discerning Christian will pick up on the deception. Always find out what a professing Christian believes about Jesus. Is He the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, as orthodox Christians believe? Is He the Son of God? The Savior of the world? If someone's view of God is radically different from what the Bible teaches, that person is not a Christian!
Believe it or not, many New Agers actually read the Bible; however, it's not the final authority in their lives as it is for Christians. I often hear them on the radio or observe them on TV tossing out Bible verses. The problem is, they manipulate the long-established interpretation of Scripture so that it supports their warped version of truth. (They especially enjoy torturing the words of Jesus.) How arrogant! They declare that they're "purifying the errors of Christianity." Not surprisingly, their purified version of words and concepts contradicts the Bible. Tossing out Bible quotes and utilizing Christian terms does not translate into authentic Christianity. What New Age followers espouse is a gnostic and metaphysical gospel. The truth is, most New Agers are patently anti Christian.
Sadly, what's being taught from pulpits all over America is a New Age gospel that has replaced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These preachers may talk about God, quote Scripture, and speak fluent "Christianese," but they're not from God. In fact, their eternal souls are separated from God and in need of reconciliation through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
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