Spiritual Dangers of New Age Therapies
by Bill Rudge
I recently spent several months researching new age medicine and healing techniques. I attended numerous lectures at a large health convention and read through a multitude of literature on every imaginable health and healing product and method. Most had two basic underlying principles: 1) manipulating energy flow in one's body by tapping into universal or latent powers, and 2) entering an altered state of consciousness to obtain "inner wisdom" or have alleged contacts with spirit guides, angels, etc. who assist with the healing process or provide information to help attain it.
Although some of the alternative healing methods appeared innocent on the surface, the underlying worldview was almost always eastern or occultic. Following the belief system and therapies to their ultimate conclusion would lead one away from the Jesus of the Scriptures.
Many of the founders of the various healing methods were sincere people who spent their lives searching for hidden (occult) techniques and therapies to bring physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual benefits. Having ignored the warning God gave in Scripture concerning sorcery, they attempted to discover and tap into that which He condemns as occultic means to gain hidden wisdom, powers, healing, or spiritual contacts. Although most new age therapies mix in some truth, the foundational principles are often in diametric opposition to Biblical teaching.
Many of the new age therapies do promote a diet based on wholesome (often organic) fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. This in itself is an important contribution to optimum health and vitality. I believe that most of the success these new age therapies have stems from incorporating the Biblical principles of health and nutrition (Genesis 1:29 ...). However, they then usually include eastern and occultic techniques and beliefs by recommending "new" methods or products which they say enhances or provides ultimate health.
New-agers freely admit they do not serve the God of the Bible. They redefine the Creator to whatever they want Him to be –– a great spirit, nature, impersonal energy force, and so on. Nevertheless, because they are more inclined to adhere to God's natural health laws, they experience health and vitality and have the energy to proclaim a "false gospel." On the other hand, many Christians who know the true God who created the heavens and the earth, often violate His principles of health, becoming ill and lacking the vitality to be an effective witness for Him. To make matters worse, when the Lord doesn't heal some Christians, they feel justified in turning to new age healing therapies or using alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs to deal with the pain from past abuse of their bodies. If only they would obey God's health principles conveyed throughout Scripture!
While some alternative health treatments are innocent and beneficial, most are laced with spiritual land mines. Christians should be careful to whom they submit their bodies and minds, what techniques are being used, and what is the purpose and meaning behind them.
God created us and provided natural remedies, but I do not want to participate in practices and techniques which compromise my commitment to Him or open me up to spiritual oppression. While we all want to walk in optimum health and glorify God with every aspect of our lives––physically, mentally, and spiritually––we must be careful of the means we use, lest we find ourselves consulting the "witch of Endor" or "tolerating that woman Jezebel," and suffer the adverse consequences.
It is between you and the Lord to determine which healing methods are safe and which ones you should avoid. Pray for wisdom and discernment and examine all things carefully. Be diligent to study His Word, wherein lies ultimate truth and wisdom for physical, mental, and spiritual health–– as well as eternal life.
From studying the topics of health and fitness for many years, I am convinced that Scripture contains far superior principles for obtaining maximum physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. The Bible reveals the ultimate way to gain health in this life––and the next.
In a future newsletter I will share the Biblical principles for optimum health in an article entitled, Why Are We Sick?
