Die esoteriese aard van die New Age
L. F. Schulze
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi June 25, 1992 DOI: 10.4102/ids.v26i2.1411 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that esotericism has been integral to the New Age movement since theosophy and that New Age esoteric knowledge, framed as experiential rather than revelational, stands in opposition to Christianity. Contends that New Age pantheism involves an irrational dialectic, making a Christian compromise with the New Age impossible. |
Abstract
Christian literature about the New Age seldom accentuates its esoteric character. Yet, esotericism has been part and parcel of the new world view since its inception in theosophy. In dispensing occult knowledge, New Age adepts confront Christianity with an alternative religious knowledge: experiential knowledge versus revelational knowledge. This esoteric knowledge claims to unveil the hidden background of present world developments. Its cultivation needs different, anti-ecclesiastical forms of worship and Scriptural interpretation. The inherent pantheism of New Age, however, doctrine implies an irrational dialectic, rendering it questionable. A Christian compromise with the New Age, a virtual mirror image of Christianity, is not possible.