A Sobering Thing Happened in the New Age Section
Here I was, standing in the New Age section of a large chain bookstore, feeling extremely uncomfortable and facing a wall of books. It would not surprise you to know there were books concerning astrology, tarot card reading, numerology, necromancy, and supernatural phenomena of various curiosities lining the shelves. I never knew I could huff so much and be so thankful to make my way back to the Bible section. Is that not fitting? After observing what I came to discover, it is ever more clear of the call to return to the Bible for proper instruction.
Why in the world was I in the New Age section? It all began with a dream dictionary. Now when I say dream dictionary, I am talking about a book that was published for Christians to purchase so that they can try and interpret their dreams and visions. I used to have one of these books (shown below), and I used it a number of times. I remember fixating on specific dreams for weeks at a time, seeking out other’s input while using this book to try and decipher what it meant and the significance of it. Looking back, I can see how much I focused on personal experiences such as these, enthralled with what God might be saying to me and diligently recording these dreams in a journal. And while I spent days and weeks meditating on these dreams and such, I neglected reading and studying the Word of God. I was more devoted to plumbing the “truth” of a dream than plumbing the truth of God’s Word and growing in spiritual maturity. I was convinced that spiritual experiences were the marks of spiritual maturity. Can I tell you that even false prophets have dreams? (Jeremiah 23:16,17,25-28,32)
As I thought about this dream dictionary I once had, a thought occurred to me which peaked my interest. Does the New Age section have books such as these? Are their contents similar? I began thinking about other topics that were so prevalent in what I was once accustomed, topics dealing with generational curses, Biblical numerology, angels visitations, dreams, visions, and prophetic signs. The trip to the local bookstore would answer my question, and it would stir an urgency in me ever more to return to the Word of God for truth and instruction.
Familiar Phrases in the Most Unlikely of Places
Where was I? Oh, yes. I was huffing in the New Age aisle and getting a headache from either breathing too frequently or letting my frustration get the better of me. It was no shock to find dream dictionaries from several authors, including Sigmund Freud. As I thumbed through the pages of some of these dictionaries, I noticed that no two dictionaries were the same in meanings of words. They were also vague and appeared more as suggestions. Some meanings were similar to what I had seen in my old prophetic dream dictionary, which I found interesting and also puzzling. Where are all these authors on both sides getting their information? As I perused the shelves of this section, another alarming thing was in plain sight. A number of these books discussed familiar topics, so familiar that should those particular books find their way into the Christian Living section, they would blend.
I understand that making such a statement is upsetting. It gives me no pleasure in making such a statement. Actually, it alarms me because I recognized topics being highlighted that are heavily discussed and taught in some movements. In addition to the dream dictionaries, there were books written from the perspective of conversations with God. There was a book about healing your ancestral bloodline to heal yourself. Another was titled How to Be Spiritual Without Being Religious, and it was at this point where I checked to see if I was indeed in the New Age section because of the saying in some Christian circles, “I want a relationship and not religion with Jesus”. Can we please note that Christianity is in fact a religion centered around being in right relationship with God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ? He is our Lord and Savior, not our boyfriend. Sometimes catch phrases sound deep, but they are in error and rather shallow. But I digress.
There were books talking about Jesus and the power of numbers in a person’s life, particularly repetitive numbers. At this point, you may think I am overreacting, or you may believe that we should be using these practices for the Kingdom of God and redeeming them from darkness. Maybe you agree and understand the sobriety of this observation with concern for others being led astray. Maybe you have found in Scripture that God redeems people and not practices, such as omen reading. Maybe you have freedom in understanding that Christ’s atonement once for all redeems us from the curse of the law, which includes generational curses.
Maybe you have had dreams and you believe God speaks through dreams. I had the opportunity to write about prophetic dreams for Christianity.com, and after doing some Biblical study on this subject, here was the conclusion: “Although Scripture does not explicitly state the occurrence or cessation of prophetic dreams today, we can rest assured that the Word of God is sufficient for receiving instruction and equipping followers of Jesus Christ for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of God is a surer prophetic word, and it is not dependent upon human experiences or man’s interpretation and understanding for its validity and sufficiency (1 Peter 1:19,20). Furthermore, any experience that we have is to be tested by Scripture and is not to be automatically assumed as extra Biblical communication from God.“
It is not lost on me that this has been a mouthful. The trip to the New Age section was enlightening (pun intended) in more ways than one. Dear Christian, if you are reading this, I pray you test all things against Scripture. This includes your experiences. Do not be deceived into thinking that a book found in the Christian section of a bookstore is sound. If you crave supernatural encounters, ask yourself why. Ask yourself what defines your relationship with Jesus Christ. And realize this: God does indeed do supernatural and miraculous things. The greatest is the one thing you and I take for granted: our salvation. He gave us faith to believe in Him, and He raised dead sinners to life. If you ever need a page turner reminding you of this, look no further than the Bible.
11 thoughts on “A Sobering Thing Happened in the New Age Section”
Dawn, thank you for your boldness the truth. I am heartbroken that so many who profess to be Christian and/or are Christian leaders of well known denominations are following new age philosophy such as crystals/rocks, Enneagram, etc. instead of looking at God’s Word.Including some in my family. Learning much about the deception from Marcia Montenegro, Christian Answers for the New Age. Praying for revival and a true awakening among Christians.
I’ve been burdened over the past few months to teach often on a similar subject to our congregation. That Christ alone and Gods Word is where we need to fix our gaze. Deception will run wild in the last days and already does, and any experience outside the parameters of Gods Word is to be rejected no matter how spiritual it may appear. Thank you for being a light in a dark world, for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you much needed wisdom and correction to the body of Christ.
Everything we need is in the Bible. Good teaching lovesick scribe…
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.3.16-17.NLT
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
It is hard for me to read the Bible because the translations don’t always line up and different people and pastors have different takes on what scripture means. In the end it all gets reduced to “trust God” because no one is ever able to give the definite right answer. Meanwhile Christians are running around spouting what they believe the Word is saying or repeating what they heard from a pastor or author or something their Dad taught them, etc, which adds to the already big mix. It’s really frustrating and confusing and it doesn’t lend well to wanting to read the Bible. Kind of like veggies. Don’t want to eat them but you do because it’s good for you but there’s a lot of pushing them around on the plate for awhile before consuming.
Staci, I have some simple recommendations for you to help you understand and enjoy meeting God through the Bible.
Ask God to speak to you through the word.
Be willing to turn away from the things in your life that you know are sin.
Pick a translation (or two) that leans more literal instead of highly paraphrased. (‘ve listed some good ones below.
Begin reading with some of the easier parts, such as Genesis and Exodus, the Psalms and Proverbs, and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
Here are a few good translations:
New King James Version (NKJV)
English Standard Version (ESV)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Modern English Version (MEV)
I do NOT hold to Roman Catholic theology, but if you happen to believe it’s necessary to compare a Roman Catholic version, try the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE).
ALL of these translations are available free online at biblegateway.com. Most of them are also available at biblehub.com, biblia.com, and other sites. Personally, I usually use biblehub.com. Its ads aren’t very intrusive, and there are some good commentaries available on the site.
Medical people see curses in the family lines including born again Christians.
Do you not see diabetes (self bitterness…unforgiveness)…high blood pressure (fear of tomorrow…anger) varicose veins..some strokes (can have a spiritual roots of anger…bitterness..unforgiveness)
Breast cancer there is up to an 80% chance that left breast is conflict or unforgiveness of a blood relative female
Right breast could be conflict or unforgiveness of a non blood related female…or a male that did a violation of love or
Trauma.
https://free2meebooks.wordpress.com/portfolio/healing-begins-with-sanctification-of-the-heart-4th-edition/
Thank you for your comment, Gail. As a Christian, my understanding is that we live in a fallen world because of sin. We are not promised divine health in this world. That is based in the prosperity gospel, not the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, God does still heal, and when He does, it is by His will and not by our authority. There are families that see certain diseases in their bloodline. We cannot deduce, however, that this is because of a generational curse that must be renounced and broken by a family member. Can you point me to Scripture where it says that if we have sickness in our body then we have a spiritual root to something that must be broken? Forgive me, but I used to hold to such beliefs, and this is more akin to New Age and witchcraft than Christianity.
Galatians 3:13 seals it for us, and if the true Christ spoken of in Scripture finished what He came to do, then we can rest in that, even when we face illness in our lives. And we all face illness at some time, whether mild or severe. He redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. This goes back to Exodus 20, which in context has to do with those who hate God by serving others gods. Christ did not die guaranteeing us perfect health in this life. He died to promise us eternal life with Him and in that eternal life with Him, there is no sickness, disease, death, or tears. There is no suffering. If we say that we can go through this life without any sickness ever, without ever suffering, then we are not proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know because that type of gospel cannot be ministered globally with the same results.
I did take a look at the link you sent and wanted to provide you with this link regarding this teaching. Again, I appreciate you sharing. I encourage you to please test what you are reading against Scripture in context. This seems to go against the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that concerns me for those who believe this. Blessings to you.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339966014_A_biblical_evaluation_of_Healing_begins_with_sanctification_of_the_heart_by_MK_Strydom_2013
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I would slip “Jesus Calling” into your list of New Age books. The author claims that she records what God “tells” her and that they are direct sayings from Jesus to those who read the book. I think anyone who claims to receive direct revelation, when we already have a complete canon in the Bible, is dabbling in dangerous teaching.
Thank you, Linn. Yes, that book is definitely one to avoid.
Thank You for this article. Jesus is truly NOT our boyfriend! Sigh.
Recommending this book, ‘The Untouched Part’, to every professing 21st Century Christian.
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