New Age is a range of spiritual or religious practices and beliefs that rapidly grew in Western society during the early 1970s. It is not an organized religion, but rather an umbrella term that describes a contemporary religious movement. The New Age movement is highly eclectic and unsystematic, making it difficult to define precisely. However, there are some core beliefs that are commonly associated with New Age spirituality, including:
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Personal spiritual transformation: New Agers endeavor to usher into the world a new era of harmony and enlightenment through personal spiritual transformation.
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Approaching era of love and light: The term “New Age” refers to an approaching era of love and light, which New Agers believe will come through transformation and healing on an individual level.
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Belief in reincarnation: Many New Agers believe in reincarnation, which is the idea that after death, the soul is reborn in a new body.
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Belief in astrology: New Agers often believe in astrology, which is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs and natural world.
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Belief in psychics: New Agers may believe in psychics, who claim to have extrasensory perception and the ability to communicate with the dead.
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Belief in Jesus Christ: New Agers believe that Jesus Christ is a man who reached “Christ consciousness” which every person is meant to reach and attain in their spiritual journey.
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Belief in the power of positive thinking: New Agers often believe in the power of positive thinking and visualization to manifest their desires.
While New Age beliefs are not necessarily replacing belief in traditional forms of religious beliefs or practices, many U.S. Christians, as well as the religiously unaffiliated, hold New Age beliefs. However, New Age beliefs have generated criticism from Christians as well as modern Pagan and Indigenous communities.
