Though the West is considered a predominantly Judeo-Christian society, in recent years we have seen an overwhelming rise of 'Eastern' spirituality. Typically non-Western religions are now growing in popularity with Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism all in the top five most prevalent religions in America. Other spiritual practices taken from Eastern spirituality are also hugely popular, even trendy. From yoga (Hinduism), to vegetarianism (associated with Jainism) what began with the New Age movement in the '70's has now saturated Western society. So, what is the "New Age Movement"? Well, it's "a collection of Eastern-influenced metaphysical thought systems, a conglomeration of theologies, hopes, and expectations held together with an eclectic teaching of salvation, of "correct thinking," and "correct knowledge." It is a theology of "feel-goodism," "universal tolerance," and "moral relativism." " Has this been good for America? Dr. Carl Raschke says no. He describes the New Age Movement as "the marketing end of the political packaging of occultism...a breeding ground for a new American form of fascism." I think it's easy to find fault with Raschke's argument: how does religious choice (for New Age-ers are encouraged to 'shop around' for the religious practices most comfortable for them) equate with fascism? Perhaps Dr. Raschke should look at the other end of the spectrum (namely, the Christian conservatives who condemn this religious movement as satanic) whose "political packaging" was virtually declaring war on an entire religion. A religion which happens to include almost a billion people by some estimations.
Ultimately, who wants to say no to "feel-goodism"?
New American Fascism?
Labels:
Carl Raschke,
New Age,
relativism,
religion,
religious movements,
spirituality
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How convenient for Christian opponents of "New Age" religions that the word "fascism" exists.
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