Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 01:2 (Fall 1990)
Article: Christian Books on the New Age A Review Article
Author: James E. Rosscup

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MSJ 1:2 (Fall 90) p. 177

Christian Books on the New Age
A Review Article

James E. Rosscup

Professor of Bible Exposition
The Master’s Seminary

The many Christian books on the New Age may be divided into the categories of general surveys, those treating special areas of thought, novels against the movement, evangelistic works, writings by former New Age advocates, treatments of the New Age appeal to women, and those directed to children. Within each category these writings differ in value and purpose. It behooves the evangelical Christian to be selective in his choice of which of these books to use.

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At least fifty Christian books have responded to the New Age Movement since 1985. Readers wonder which are of most value as they choose which ones to purchase. This essay looks at thirty-two of these works, comments briefly upon each, and compares their strengths and weaknesses with others. Volumes making the greater contributions receive a more detailed evaluation.

Introduction

Evangelical books criticizing the New Age Movement (referred to henceforth as NA) number only a fraction of those works written in favor of the movement. These latter fill several shelves at Dalton, Waldenbooks, Crown, and other outlets, some of them viewing the NA in general and others claiming to contain the words of Jesus. They may deal with yoga, eastern meditation techniques, crystal power, tarot cards, out-of-body experiences, mind power to walk across burning coals or bend spoons or levitate or engage in super sex, or how to open one’s life to direction from “spirit guides” (another name for demons).

The present discussion deals with Christian books. NA materials are too numerous to undertake an exhaustive study of them. Even a consideration of Christian writings must be limited to books, excluding seminars, journal articles, materials published by The Spiritual Counterfeits Project and radio programs, tapes, and the like. Yet books cover practically all the aspects of NA.

MSJ 1:2 (Fall 90) p. 178

It is helpful for the reader in gleaning information on the NA to divide the works under discussion into several categories. Some are general surveys, either of a scholarly or popular nature. Others analyze special areas of NA thought. Further, there are novels, evangelistic works, testimonies by former New Agers, books to women, and those for children. Sometimes a book may fit into more than one group.

General Surveys

General surveys are of two types, the scholarly and the popular.

Scholarly Surveys

Works found to be most helpful in regard to careful research, helpful critique, and inf...

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