What is New Age?

According to author John Naisbitt, "In turbulent times, in times of great change, people head for the two extremes: fundamentalism and personal, spiritual experience...With no membership lists or even a coherent philosophy or dogma, it is difficult to define or measure the unorganized New Age movement. But, in every major U.S. and European city, thousands who seek insight and personal growth cluster around a metaphysical bookstore, a spiritual teacher, or an education center."

New Age teachings became popular during the 1970's as a reaction against what some perceived as the failure of Christianity and Secular Humanism to provide spiritual and ethical guidance for the future. Its roots are traceable to many sources: astrology, channeling, Hinduism, Gnostic traditions, neo-Paganism, Spiritualism, Theosophy, Wicca, etc.

The New Age is definitely a heterogeneous movement of individuals. The influence is greater than reflected by those who consider "New Age" their religion, as many people who identify with Christianity and other religions still incorporate many New Age concepts into their faith. Surveys conducted with U.S. adults a few years ago indicate that many Americans hold at least some New Age beliefs:

• About 25% believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God which is often associated with New Age thinking.
• 11% believe that God is "a state of higher consciousness that a person may reach."
• 9% believe that tarot cards are a reliable base for life decisions.
• 8% believe in astrology as a method of foretelling the future. (You can find more information on astrology at Astrology-Charts-Books.com.)
• 8% define God as "the total realization of personal, human potential."
• 7% believe that crystals are a source of healing or energizing power.
• 3% believe that each person is God.

Source: Solstice Web Site