Despite the rise of the "NEW AGE MOVEMENT" (occultism, witchcraft,etc), what should be a Christian's response

Question

TO THESE THINGS? WHY DOES GOD CONSIDER THEM SO DANGEROUS FOR US?

Answer 1

Exodus 20:1-6 God spoke, and these were his words: "I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves.

"Worship no god but Me.

"Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws.

Deuteronomy 6:14-15 Do not worship other gods, any of the gods of the peoples around you. If you do worship other gods, the LORD's anger will come against you like fire and will destroy you completely, because the LORD your God, who is present with you, tolerates no rivals.

There are more - but you get the idea.

We humans have a tendancy to sink to the lowest level... staying away means lessening our temptation to fall away from God.

Peace.

Answer 2

What should the Christian response be? Really, that's an odd question, being as how occultism and witchcraft pre-date the Christian church by a few thousand years. (As does Judaism. What's the Christian response to that?)

A lot of people would argue that the New Age Movement doesn't cover occultism and witchcraft. Or that "New Age Movement" is such an ambiguous title that it can be stretched to mean just about anything, good or bad.

Christianity is not a religion. It is, or should be, about your personal relationship with Jesus. There is no response to that.

Answer 3

Who told you--or how is it that you came to know that God considered these things as being "dangerous?"

If you have already chosen to accept what some other human has decided what God considers 'dangerous,' why is it that you are not doing what you were told, and are now asking us for our opinions?

How is it that you believe that anyone here knows any more about what God considers dangerous than you could know on your own?

Are you sure there IS a 'rise' of the "New Age Movement?"

Or, is it that there's just more opportunity for open communication about such things? Meaning that the only real 'rise' may be the 'rise' in the instances of you hearing about it. Or is it that you have just become aware of it?

I say this because all the things (and much more) have been around for a LONG time.

If you were to study it out for yourself, you would discover that the fact is, is that such things as 'paganism' have been around a LOT longer than christianity, and practiced by the majority of the world. It is christianity that is the relative 'new kid' on the block.

How about Islam, Mormons, Buddists, Atheists, etc. Does God consider them to be 'dangerous' as well?

How 'dangerous' are they? Is one more or less 'dangerous' than the other?

It would seem to me that you would be equally concerned how to respond to these other 'movements' before you were concerned about the "new age movement?"

Afterall, there are at least a billion Muslims in the world, and Mormons are one of the fastest growing religions in the US.

Are you beginning to see the 'problem' you (and others like you) are faced with???

That everything and everyone outside of your belief system is, according to what others have told you God considers, and/or is considered to be dangerous.

Is this anyway to live? Or to believe?

It would appear to me that it would be easier, more sane, and more internally, psychologically and spiritiually peaceful for YOU to consider everything outside of your core foundation beliefs as being true or false versus "dangerous"!?

And for YOU to (learn to) be the one who determines the truth by yourself and for yourself versus relying upon others.

Of course, I realize that if you took personal responsiblity for determining your own beliefs, than you wouldn't have anyone to blame when they didn't work out, or there was some problem, right? ;-)

Whether you realize it or not, you are at a very important crossroads, and the decisions you make at this point may very well impact your spiritual development for a long time to come.

Best of luck, and regards,

Answer 4

I'm Catholic, and I'm not afraid of the New Age movement or occultism. There are other beliefs in the world than mine. Also, there's a lot to be learned from the New Age teachings, such as odd concepts like tolerance and world peace. True, it's not entirely my cup of tea, but I've been to plenty of New Age meetings and didn't hear anything harmful. Potentially a little heavy on the "sweetness and light", perhaps, but nothing truly dangerous.

When I hear about religious movements or beliefs and get curious about them, I check them out firsthand. That's what I did with the New Age. That's how I learned that the bulk of what I've heard other Christians saying about it was false.

Answer 5

Maybe look to why they are becoming so popular and look at your faith with fresh eyes and a clear head. Having been raised a Christian and deep in the church for 20 plus years I did that very same thing and it was like reading the bible for the first time...and all the unjustness, the lies, the hypocrisy, the fiction of it jumped off the page to me. Seeking God is not about reading a book or hearing it from the pulpit...it starts with your heart...that is what I found in spirituality apart from the christian faith with all it's dogma and politics and hypocrisy...and I have never been happier of more fulfilled.

Answer 6

i'm chuffed that you've wanting to be a Christian. initially, faith will be very undesirable. What you want to spotlight is a relationship w/Jesus Christ. i will not inform you the way major that's. Get your self a Bible in case you do not have one already. NIV is a strong version. commence with the e book of John contained in the hot testomony to understand who Christ is and what he's done for you. come across a Bible believing church. i'm keen on Baptist or non denominational. basically ensure the church would not concentration on legalism.....or regulations. locate one which makes a speciality of being like Christ. If we stick with Christ's party of love, forgiveness and actuality, we are able to not lose. initiate by utilising chatting with the administration of the church in an attempt to assist get you on the right route. they could hook you up w/friends your age that you ought to commence to have sturdy fellowship. for sure by all of this, pray that God famous His actuality, proceed to study His note and ask Him for rationalization once you've questions. sturdy success on your adventure and digital mail me once you've any questions:)

Answer 7

FYI, witchcraft is WAY older than Christianity. New Age be gone! And we are so so so not dangerous. We are people with jobs and families and we love our world. You don't need to run screaming in the night if you see ne of us recycling our newspapers or driving hybrid cars.

If only we could all respect and accept each others' differences. Sigh.....I keep hoping.

Blessed be.
)0(

Answer 8

First of all, put your fear of things that you don't understand aside. God doesn't want us to live in fear.
Second of all, Christians should Love All Others as God loves Them, as Jesus taught. God didn't say love everyone that believes the same things you do and that does the same things you do. Love ALL OTHERS, period end of report, then let God be God.

Answer 9

A Christians response should simply be prayer. Prayer that we have the strength to keep away from such evils and that we will not fall under the power of any prayer also that others will not fall by way of them.

Answer 10

allot of occultic teachings teach you to have a open mind and spirit no matter what...God knows what you can open yourself up to...and it can be good. you need to keep a strong head on your shoulders and not allow for anything to influence you in a neggative way without you knowledge of it... matthew 7:15-16"watch out for false prophets.They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.By there fruit you will recognize them..."