An examination of “new age” Christianity and how to be equipped and alert to combat heresy 

By Summer Lane

What does it really mean to be a Christian? That term is used widely by a lot of people, but the question remains: what does it mean? In Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus warns, ^“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Being a Christian is actually very simple. In Romans 10:9, the Bible puts it this way: Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. In that relationship, we are also called to take up our crosses and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). We are called to a life of self-sacrifice, not self-gratification (Gal. 5:13-14). We are called to preach the Gospel and speak the truth into a dying world (Mark 16:15). We are to be set apart (1 Peter 2:9). We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the constant renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Today, Christianity is often bought and sold by millions of Americans who are seeking peace and prosperity amidst the chaos of rising product prices, rumblings of global warfare and unrest in our streets. People often equate Christianity with single-sentence concepts, like “Love your neighbor,” or “Judge not.” These are all wonderful concepts, but Christianity is so much more than that, and each of these verses must also be viewed within the context of the passage to properly discern its meaning exegetically.

Christianity, in many respects, has been hijacked by social media and TikTok theologians who preach things like “Speaking truth to power,” or promising unlimited wealth, happiness, and health if you just tap into the power God has given you to live your best life. Christianity is often blended with eastern religious practices and belief systems. Many will say that they believe in Jesus Christ, yet they will also be swift to add that because God is loving, all roads probably lead to heaven (wrong!). Purporting Christians may also say things like, “God made us perfectly, and so gender and queer-affirming theology can’t possibly be wrong!” This type of belief system often comes on the heels of believing a new age-type of Christian theology that is rooted in three main concepts:

1. I am enough
2. I am worthy
3. God is in everything and everyone

Let’s debunk these three beliefs, because they really serve as the foundational roots of new age-ism. Many Christian speakers (particularly Christian women) write books and give inspirational talks about being “enough.” The truth is, we are most certainly not enough to gain the love and the mercy of God. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are fallen, decrepit creatures apart from God. Secondly, we are not worthy to be saved or loved, either. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). We are not enough and we are not worthy. God loves us and has mercy on us because He is enough, and He is worthy. He alone. When we realize this, it takes the focus off of ourselves and places it on the Creator, rather than the creation.

The last belief to debunk here is the idea of God’s presence within everything, which is a mystical belief that is touted in culture today. This is also called panentheism. It is a false teaching, because there is an important distinction between the Creator and the creation. God is not in all things, and He is not in all people. Apart from Christ, there is no life and there is only darkness.

Christians cannot tap into God’s power by channeling energy from their chi, or their magic crystals, or their meditation classes. They cannot elevate their consciences by taking drugs or assuage their hurting souls by numbing their minds through medication. We are to meditate only on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8). We also cannot expect those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to carry an innate sense of goodness inside them. People are not born good. Babies are born with the disease of sin, Adam and Eve’s sin, running through their veins (Mark 7:21).

Ephesians 5:8 says that before Christ comes into our lives, we are “formerly darkness, but now you are the Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”

To combat the deception of new age teachings, be on the alert for people who blend messages of self-gratification and self-help with the Bible. There is nothing wrong with self-help as long as it always points the reader or the listener back to Christ – and not back at themselves. We cannot be the solution to our own problems.

Stay away from esoteric ideas of Christianity that blend new age practices like karmic energy, meditation, and healing crystals. Flee from psychedelics and any type of witchcraft (because witch craft is pretty popular these days). 1 Peter 5:8 warns Christians to be “sober minded” and to be watchful, because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Often, the most dangerous ideas are when someone takes the truth of the Gospel and blends it expertly with heretical teachings. One-part lie does not equal truth. Be vigilant, Christian. Be alert. Reject the teachings of the new age and stick close to God’s Word. Equip yourself with the knowledge of what Scripture teaches, because then you will be able to swiftly recognize the deceptions of the devil when you see them in culture.

The opinions in this editorial are specific to its author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Counter Culture Mom team.

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Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and columnist who reports on news within the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, she analyzes politics and policies in weekly op/Eds on The Write Revolution.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing about women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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