How can anyone know if these NEW AGE writers are sincere?

Question

How can a person tell if what they write about NEW AGE stuff is true? These people that claim to "know" the real deal about GOD and what life is really about seem to be profiting a lot by selling their books. Those who became famous also have series of books. Also, the ones that chose to speak and teach the public about what they claim to be the "real truth" charge so much money. One organization is charging over $1000 for a full retreat. What they teach sounds inspiring and motivating at first, then when you learn about the number of products that they start selling and how much $ they try to charge, it becomes disappointing. I sometimes think that maybe they don't really know the "real deal" about GOD. Maybe they're just another business people. What do you think? (PLEASE SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY)

I purchased "The Secret" dvd, I believe in the concept and it's one of the most interesting movie I ever watched. But at the end of this documentary movie, a narrator said "Make sure you purchased the next few series that will be available online".

Answer 1

You are quite correct in your assertions. It is very difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.
Example: The organisation founded by Dr L. Ron Hubbard known as Scientology has been profitting big time from the products and services it provides to its members, to the degree that the organisation has been labeled by many as a manipulative con artist. This is no surprise to me, however, because the same techniques have been employed by every religion that has ever existed to date without exception! each one uses its followers in different ways, to achieve different goals, but the tactics are universal.

Individuals are beginning to cotton onto the scam and start their own now, with many writers adding spiritual subtexts to their stories to woo readers. A few of my personal favourites are James Redfield, Steven R. Covey, Eckhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsch. It's becoming commonplace, as everyone takes advantage of the worlds new found liberal attitude toward belief systems. A few fundamentalist organisations take the idea of purity a little too seriously, like Al Qaeda, but on the whole we are all a little more tolerant of each other than 50 years ago. This is good and right!

Due to this new atmosphere, there is an abundance of differing points of view, each equally valid from the writers' point of view. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to filter through all this material and find a few that resonate a lot with you, a lot that resonate a little with you, and some that only resonate in some parts with you, then start building your own belief system exactly the way you like it. Make educated decisions about what sounds correct and accurate, and be prepared to dump it if something comes along that sounds better. Sometimes you will find something that resonates perfectly with you, but the material was written by someone you hardly agree with at all. This is normal, so don't discard it because of your prejudices toward the writer. This is about you and only you. The best place to start is your local library, because you don't have to pay for anything, that way the writer doesn't profit from your research until you want them to, until you say "this guy is good. I want to fund his continued efforts in this area." Remember, the consumer has all the power!

Answer 2

I am a Celtic Pagan, I am probably considered New Age by most.
my biggest problem with organised religions is the ammount of money hat is involved. i feel that religion should be free, and that if the gods call you to tell others about them, then you should be telling them for free.

i can understand authors that write books, because a book without a publisher is worthless. and a publisher will not make your book unless it is going to make money for them.

i am ok with the money that people make from selling books, most new age books are fairly inexpensive. it is the folks that want to charge you to join a coven, or charge you to teach you what they know that you need to watch out for.

the so called "white man" or the european americans, have a culture where you Pay for everything, so they feel that it is ok to charge for everything. it is hard to tell whom is sincere and who is after the money. many start in a way that is very spiritual and then become blinded by the ammount of money that their book made for them etc.

the greatest thing about the New Age religions is that you can question these things, and find your own path. my path has let me to a group of people that have taught me much, and with the exception of some fees for camping on a church owned site and basic membership fees, that are not extravegant by any means,
i have not put any money into the church that i chose to join.
i pay a 50 dollar a year membership fee, and that gets me discounts on the 5 gathering weekend camping trips that we go on. so i end up paying 10 bucks for 3 days of camping at a site that has hot showers and running water. and i have use of the land whenever i want it for rituals or gatherings of my own as long as it does not conflict with any other "official" business.

in 3 years i have spent 200 bucks on membership and camping fees and that covers my whole family. and as a member i get a bank statement that shows me where every dollar goes. and every penny went right back into improving our campsite and the property taxes on the church owned land. Our Shamen make NO money for anything, they all have full time jobs with the exception of one, and he is retired. to some people this would not be a good deal, to me it is where i want to be right now.

you have to follow your heart to know what is right.

Answer 3

I think you are 99.999% correct in your observation. Well, the new age stuff is 100% junk. It is all about the money. The only thing we need to know is already written and it's free- The Holy Bible. Any questions you have about God, what life is about, inspiration, etc., should be and is free of charge. We are all here to help each other grow in faith. I tend to stay away from all of that garbage and stick with what the Bible says. It has never let me down.

There are many decent books to read for added inspiration, but they should never take precedent over the words of God.

Answer 4

I think you raise some interesting questions, but I think you are missing the larger point.

It doesn't matter if they are sincere or not. What matters is if you are able to find anything in their 'teachings' that is beneficial to you in your real life. You don't have to buy the products or attend any seminars. It is when you realize that you already possess the truth that you are able to take a nugget here or a nugget there and add it to your innate knowledge of yourself and your soul.

Do not worry about their sincerity. Concern yourself only with your own sincerity.

Answer 5

As opposed to any other writers? How do you know anyone, anywhere is sincere?

I think anytime anyone's making a lot of money, you should approach it with some healthy skepticism. Consider what you're paying for and what you're getting back.

Answer 6

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

God is able to save his people. Don't be as those who won't endure sound doctrine, heaping to themselves teachers having itching ears. Turn away from those who have the form of godliness but deny the power thereof.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Answer 7

They are business people. And they are false prophets.

Answer 8

they are sincerely going to hell, with those who sincerely believe in them.