Beware: New Age Philosophy in the Church – Recognize It and Stand Firm in Truth

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In recent years, I have seen New Age philosophy quietly making its way into the church, sometimes disguised as self-help, 'spirituality without religion', or even "Christian" spiritual growth techniques. 

This philosophy often promotes concepts like "finding your inner god," "manifesting your desires," and "spiritual energy alignment." 

It is also linked in some circles to the 'prosper gospel' false teaching— an unbiblical self-centered teaching about decreeing or 'tapping into' health and wealth.

But these beliefs stand in stark contrast to the truth in the Bible.

Are you aware of New Age's subtle 'wolf in sheep's clothing' teaching—and how to stand against it with the Word?

Let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the biblical foundation we must stand on.

The Core Differences: New Age vs. Christianity

• Self vs. God: New Age teachings emphasize that divine power resides within each person, claiming we can achieve "god-like" states through self-awareness.

  
  

  However, the Bible teaches us that only God is sovereign and holy; we are His creation, wholly dependent on Him.

  • "I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me." —Isaiah 45:5.

• Personal Belief vs. Truth: New Age philosophy promotes relative truth—that everyone can create their own reality.

  
  

  But Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."—John 14:6.

  
  

  There is one truth, and it is found in Jesus Christ alone.

• Mystical Practices vs. Prayer and Scripture: New Age encourages practices like astrology, crystals, and channeling energies, while God warns us to avoid such things.

  
  

  Our spiritual power lies in prayer, reading Scripture, and being led by the Holy Spirit.

  
  

  • "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." —Romans 12:2

    
    

  • "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." —Psalm 1:1-2

    
    

  • "When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations." —Deuteronomy 18:9

  
  

  • "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." —Proverbs 3:5-8

  
  

  • "And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed." —Acts 19:18-20

How to Guard Against New Age Influence

1. Know the Word: The best way to spot false teachings is to be rooted in God’s Word.

   • "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." —Psalm 119:105

     
     

2. Test Every Spirit: Pray for discernment and test all spiritual practices against Scripture. Ask yourself, "Does this align with the Bible and Jesus' teachings?"

   • Scripture: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." —1 John 4:1

   
   

3. Stay in Community: Surround yourself with mature believers who can guide and pray with you. Being part of a solid, Bible-based community offers accountability and encouragement.

   
   

Let us stay vigilant and focused on Jesus, who alone is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

May we be lights in a world that needs His truth now more than ever.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.