New Age Spirituality

Part 11 of 12 in the series Spiritual History

The phrase “New Age” refers to the “Aquarian Age” which, according to New Age supporters, is now beginning. This Age is expected to bring in peace and enlightenment, as well as reunite humans with the universe, Great Spirit/God. New Age is a compilation of metaphysical thought systems. This movement comprises countless views that incorporate religious tolerance and moral diversity.

New Age thought systems attempt to unite spirituality, nature/wisdom, and philosophy, often claiming to be spiritual not religious. Within diminishing religious attendances some leaders are threatened by such trends.

View the New Age glossary term for a further description of the new age styles, beliefs and practices.

In the context of human spiritual history, this last century of change has opened up a new level of consciousness as introduced in the prior post on Philosophy of Mysticism.

One of the most notable aspects of new age belief is the quite consistent and prevalent presence of mysticism, the belief that the universal soul, Source, God, Great Spirit, Tao etc, is not only accessible to individuals but is the uniting energy of all humanity. This of course is the essence of mysticism, and it is understandable that new age awareness embeds deep ancient wisdom, it order for it to be consistent with the concept of eternal universal divine love.

In the same recent time period the integration of scientific thought and metaphysical experience has been ratified by new knowledge that indicates both can be congruent, part of a whole, which is what mystics have always believed. This is sort of a full circle, but with increasing new levels of consciousness and knowledge.

New Age values also typically support ‘organic evolution’, but extend the concept to the evolution of the spirit. “Evolutionary Spirit-Awareness,” where the next step in evolution won’t be physical, but spiritual, is the evolution of mankind in consciousness, where man and the metaphysical realities connect in unified enlightenment. New Age teaches that we are basically good and inherently divine, and ultimately, we can create our own reality.

What do you think?

See also: New Age Glossary term

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