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Gnosticism and New Age

C

ChristineES

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As I progress through my study of the Gnostic gospels, I have seen a disturbing trend. It seems that New Age isn't really new. The Gnostic beliefs have a strikingly similarity to New Agism. Their core beliefs are very much alike. I guess that is the appeal of the Gnostic gospels to some.
The purpose of this post is let Christians know to be on your guard!
 
What was called New Agism from Spurgeon's time is actually todays pragmatism, which is nothing more than theological liberalism i.e. secular humanism. You can clearly see this in ministries from Rick Warren and Joel Olsteen etc.. It is also prevelant, but may a little less detectible in all of the New Age churches today.

A good book that confronts pragmatism is called "Ashamed of the Gospel" 'When the world becomes like the church', by John Macarthur

http://www.charlotteavechurchofchrist.o ... shamed.htm
 
People should read and study books and material that bring them closer to God. If we have to study books to prove others are wrong then that tells me that the theology they practise they don't believe in because they would go deeper in that philosophy and come closer to God rather than try to tear other beliefs down. It tells me they don't believe and don't want others to believe anything either otherwise they would be expressing a positive, warm loving message. It is a political tactic to tear down the opponent if you have nothing important to report.
 
Does that mean we cannot read the news anymore? :roll: It is always good to know what is going on in this world so that we are not sucked up into it.
 
remember that we live in this world and are pilgrims in it. no reason we cant know whats going on, but keep your eye on the prize.
 
Yes, we should read and be informed, but to read just to put others down to get amunition to degrade another spiritual group is sick and not Christian.
 
None of these studies were to put anyone down by any means, but to inform us what is happening to our religion. We need to know these things and we need to tell people of our faith of our findings so they will know, too. If people still choose to follow these things then that is their decision. That is Christian and not at all unusual and it certainly is not sick. :o
 
Church is the community founded by Christ for the purpose of disseminating His message, of bringing people to Him, of presenting Him bodily in the sacraments. A positive message of love, compassion and helping others.

You seem to think Christian Morality is negative.
Describing what God is not, what other religions are lacking. Can you not say what Christianity is, do you know?

Learning to forgive is better than throwing a stone.
 
Now I know why you are upset, you are a New Ager yourself. I don't apologize for what I said. I meant it then and I mean it now.
 
Hello
I did a google search on gnostics and so many sites came up. Finally
I found this one and started to read many of the links and comments.
I have come to the realization that there are many Gnostics on the forum.
many cults, many new agers..

http://www.pro4machineworks.com/Gnostic.html
 
Pick up a stone and throw it at the cult, but your heart is imprisoned in a cult and needs to be set free. Stones won't set you free, only love. Jesus loved all of us, may that be an example for you.
 
I'll have to agree with soma. The better way to release someone from a cult is to give them the will to do so and battering rams won't do it.
But there is a process to doing so. The first thing is to know what the cult is, how or by what power the cult holds over the people and most importantly knowing the "language". This is where the research and study of the target cult comes into play. Many christian terms don't mean the same thing to one in a cult. Salvation, grace, sin, exaltation etc may very well hold different meanings. You may say one thing, heads nod in agreement, but in actuality the message isn't the same at all on the recieving end.
From experience it's not a bad thing to "mix it up" with those in a cult for doing so will teach you a lot about it's inner workings. But don't expect results from this. As one "matures" in the battle there must be a shift of one's angle... not that of attack but of presentation.
Getting aquainted with the language within a cult you learn what to avoid and what to emphasis. Most of all you need to show the cultist what you have in Christ that he/she doesn't. This can only be achieved by witness of the love of Christ, what He did, why He did it, who He is and what He has done in your life. Stick with Christ. Always stay centered on Him. The cultist may attempt to shift the conversation but stay solidly focused on Him and don't be swayed. And if reference must be made to the cult never say "you" or "your belief" or "your religion". It's better to keep references general like "The such-and-such belief" or "the such-and-such church" etc. But avoid any direct confrontation or pointing out "flaws" if you can. Again, it's Christ. Keep your eyes on the cross. It's not "I - mine -me" or "you - your - you're" but "He - Him - His". Always.
 
No one is throwing stones on this thread. I started it to let people know my finding of a study I have been doing. I have been studying what the Gnostic gospels say. All I was doing was warning Christians that the gnostic gospels were very similar to New Age, and it is true. Soma is making it more than it is. We (myself and others who are giving links and such) are giving information to those who want it. Others were giving their imput. There has been no judging at all. We have a right to exchange information, there is nothing wrong with that. Telling us we can't do it because someone doesn't think we shouldn't is censorship. We can't always please everyone with the information we share.
I would agree with Soma if someone said that all new agers were going to hell or something but nothing like that has been said.
:)
 
Stones won't set you free, only love
Click to expand...
Not Scriptual.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

That's Scriptual.
 
ChristineES, Don't be so defensive.

Religion or rigorous practice can't be applied with pressure and intimidation because that only brings force and violence, not wisdom so it must be fulfilled with reason, debate and intuition. When religion is left to the conviction and conscience of every person, then one can achieve a balance in this world between positive and negative, good and evil, and also between pleasure and pain. If religion brings fear, hatred, separation or anything that will frighten a child, it is probably not a true practice, maybe it is a cult.. Religion should bring reverence and respect for everyone and everything.

Many are brainwashed by their religious leaders and are in cults some are Christian. One must be in prayer the whole time one is talking to them, because the spirits that have control over them must be quieted in order for them to hear what one is saying. The cult member has been told the same lies so many times that he believes they are true. He's been told that his group is the only one that has the truth. He has been told that anyone not in his/her group will go to a negative place such as Hell.

Jesus said, "Unless you become as a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." He didn't mean for us to become childish but pure, innocent and unrehearsed. The infant emerges threatened by the negative perspectives of the world in the mind, to the higher layers of the mind where the function is to comfort and give refuge to others. Jesus is also pictured as this divine child ready to redeem mankind from its ignorance and misery.
Love and Peace
 
We are on 2 different planets on this conversation. I am not sure if it I who is not getting what you mean, or you not getting what I mean, or both.
In order to help a cultist, you must recognize one. Sometimes Christians may be led into a cult. Sometimes things aren't what they seem.
 
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