In a pluralistic society such as ours, with its constitutional protections of religious liberty, it is inevitable that there will be various religions actively competing in the marketplace of ideas for adherents and their financial contributions.
The New Age movement has given birth to a host of religious views. The power of the pyramid (I am not talking about a financial scheme here, but then again maybe it is), healing crystals and the reincarnation of reincarnation. Eastern mysticism has taken hold of the imagination of others who I think should wake up and smell the tea.
There is a palmist on every corner and seances with “spiritual masters” who are “thousands of years old.” Channeling, as it is called, does not come cheap. Several celebrities because of very large cash contributions have spiritually advanced or been promoted to positions of prominence in their respective religions.
The religion of Scientology founded by Ron Hubbard is a case in point. Several celebrities have advanced in the religion of Scientology who are major contributors, while others have sued this religious organization for the abuses they suffered.
But by all accounts, America has some of the best religions money can buy.
Several years ago, U.S. News & World Report carried an article entitled “Mystics on Main Street.” It contained a story that highlighted the folly of New Age religions and the seriousness with which their followers believe what they are taught.
A young woman who had fallen in love with a married man went to a medium for advice. The medium told this young lady that she and the married man of her affections would not be married in this life, but they would be joined together in romantic bliss in the next life.
Believing the medium, this woman purchased a handgun. She then found the man of her infatuation, shot and killed him. She then turned the gun on herself. Evidently, she believed this life would be unbearable without him. So, the quicker this life is over, the quicker they could be joined together in the next.
The tragedy of this story is clear to see. The tragedy not so clearly seen is those who are damnably duped into an eternity without God.
The English writer G. K. Chesterton said, “It has often been supposed that when people stop believing in God, they believe in nothing. Alas, it is worse than that. When they stop believing in God, they will believe in anything.”
In the Scriptures, Chesterton’s warning is divinely echoed by Paul in his letter to Timothy. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears form the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4: 3-4.
Claims of ancient wisdom are dimmed by the light of revelation from Father God, the Author of the Bible, the true Ancient of Days.
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