New Age Christianity
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New Age Christianity
Jocelyn Andersen’s New Age Christianity offers a direct challenge to the uncritical embrace of Eastern meditative techniques within contemporary Christian contexts. The author’s strength lies in her meticulous tracing of how practices like centering prayer, presented as ancient Christian disciplines, actually have roots in Eastern systems and lack scriptural warrant. Andersen highlights a specific passage discussing the admonitions against pagan idolatry and vain repetitions, drawing a clear line from ancient warnings to modern practices. However, the work occasionally leans into a polemical tone that might alienate readers seeking a more nuanced dialogue, rather than a direct critique. The limitation is a tendency to equate adoption of technique with a complete abandonment of Christian theology, sometimes overlooking the adaptive capacities of faith traditions. Nevertheless, it serves as a vital corrective for those concerned with theological purity and historical accuracy in spiritual formation.
📝 Description
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Jocelyn Andersen's 2023 book, New Age Christianity, questions the origins of modern Christian meditative practices.
New Age Christianity examines how Eastern meditative techniques have been integrated into contemporary Christian spirituality. The book investigates the origins and scriptural basis for practices often presented as Christian disciplines, such as contemplative prayer, breath prayers, and centering prayer. Andersen argues that these methods frequently stem from non-Christian, Eastern religious systems.
The work traces the historical adoption of these practices by some Christian denominations, particularly from the mid-20th century onward. It is written for Christians curious about the roots of modern spiritual formation, those questioning the authenticity of certain meditative teachings, or readers seeking to understand the distinction between scriptural guidance and adopted traditions. Scholars of comparative religion and theology students will also find the book valuable for its analysis of historical and theological underpinnings.
Andersen contrasts these contemporary integrations with the historical and scriptural emphasis of earlier Christian eras. The book suggests a departure from established theological frameworks as interest in Eastern religions grew in the West, leading to a cross-pollination of ideas. Central to the argument is the difference between the common understanding of "spiritual disciplines" and their scriptural definition.
This book engages with a modern spiritual discourse where lines between distinct religious traditions have blurred, particularly since the mid-20th century. It addresses the trend of syncretism, where elements from Eastern mysticism, such as meditation techniques, are incorporated into Western religious frameworks. The book's focus on the historical development and theological implications of these integrations places it within discussions on comparative spirituality and the evolution of religious practice in a globalized context.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the scriptural basis, or lack thereof, for contemplative prayer, a concept central to modern spiritual formation as discussed from its 2015 publication. • Identify the Eastern origins of practices like centering prayer, distinguishing them from authentic Christian spiritual disciplines, a key argument Andersen makes. • Evaluate the historical trajectory of spiritual practices in the West, learning how Eastern meditation entered Christian discourse, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are "spiritual disciplines" according to New Age Christianity?
The book defines "spiritual disciplines" as typically referring to the teaching and application of specific meditative techniques, most notably contemplative prayer, which the author argues are Eastern in origin and not found in Christian scriptures.
Are practices like centering prayer warned against in the Bible?
Andersen asserts that practices akin to contemplative prayer, breath prayers, and centering prayer are warned against in scripture, contending they are Eastern forms of meditation rooted in pagan systems and not endorsed by biblical texts.
When was New Age Christianity first published?
New Age Christianity by Jocelyn Andersen was first published on June 1, 2015.
What is the main argument of Jocelyn Andersen's book?
The central argument is that many contemporary "spiritual disciplines" adopted by Christians, such as contemplative prayer, are actually Eastern meditative techniques that lack scriptural basis and are contrary to biblical teachings.
What kind of meditation does the book criticize?
The book specifically criticizes forms of mantra meditation commonly called contemplative prayer, breath prayers, praying the names of God, soaking prayer, and centering prayer, identifying them as Eastern in origin.
What does the author mean by 'New Age Christianity'?
The term "New Age Christianity" in this context refers to the incorporation of Eastern spiritual practices and philosophies into what is presented as Christian faith and practice.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Contemplative Prayer's Eastern Roots
This theme investigates the assertion that practices like contemplative prayer, breath prayers, and centering prayer, popular in modern Christian spiritual formation, are not indigenous to Christianity. Andersen argues these techniques originate from Eastern religious systems, often involving mantra meditation and a focus on altered states of consciousness. The work contrasts these with historically Christian contemplative traditions, questioning the scriptural basis and theological integrity of adopting non-Christian meditative forms, particularly as they gained traction from the late 20th century.
Scriptural Validity of Meditation
A core focus is the examination of Christian scriptures for guidance on meditative practices. Andersen contends that the Bible warns against certain forms of prayer and meditation that resemble those adopted from Eastern traditions, citing concerns about "vain repetitions" and pagan influences. The theme explores how the interpretation and application of scripture are challenged by the integration of practices that lack explicit biblical endorsement, prompting a re-evaluation of what constitutes authentic Christian spiritual discipline.
Spiritual Disciplines Re-examined
The book challenges the contemporary definition and application of "spiritual disciplines." It posits that the popular emphasis on specific meditative techniques, often presented as essential for spiritual growth, overlooks their origins and potential theological conflicts. Andersen advocates for a return to spiritual practices grounded in Christian scripture and historical tradition, distinct from the syncretic approach seen in "New Age Christianity," particularly relevant to discussions of spiritual formation since 2015.
Pagan Influences in Christianity
This theme addresses the broader concern of pagan or non-Christian religious systems influencing Christian practice. Andersen identifies contemplative prayer and related techniques as examples of such influence, rooted in pagan religious systems. The work scrutinizes the theological implications of this syncretism, urging readers to discern between genuine Christian spirituality and practices that may inadvertently incorporate elements contrary to Christian doctrine and worship, a concern amplified in the post-2015 era.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Spiritual Formation is defined as, the teaching and application of 'spiritual disciplines.'”
— This initial definition sets the stage for Andersen's critique, highlighting how the very term 'spiritual disciplines' has become synonymous with specific meditative techniques that the book aims to deconstruct.
“the term almost always refers to incorporating some form of mantra meditation called contemplative prayer...”
— This highlights the author's focus on identifying contemplative prayer not as a diverse set of practices, but as a specific type of meditation, often involving mantra, which she then links to Eastern origins.
“...these are Eastern forms of meditation rooted in pagan religious systems...”
— This is a direct assertion of the book's central thesis, linking common Christian meditative practices to non-Christian, specifically pagan, roots and systems of belief.
“...and cannot be found in the scriptures, indeed are warned against in the scriptures...”
— This reinforces the author's argument that these adopted practices lack biblical foundation and, more critically, are actively discouraged by scriptural texts, presenting a significant theological challenge.
“...yet many”
— This fragment suggests an incomplete thought in the original blurb, implying a continuation that would likely detail the widespread adoption of these questionable practices despite scriptural warnings.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not strictly adhering to a single esoteric lineage, the work engages with themes relevant to Hermeticism and Gnosticism through its critique of perceived syncretism and its emphasis on discernment. It operates within a tradition of Christian apologetics that seeks to guard orthodox belief against foreign influences. The book's departure lies in its direct challenge to established modern spiritual formation movements, rather than focusing on ancient texts or traditional Western esoteric orders.
Symbolism
The primary 'symbol' or concept under examination is "contemplative prayer" itself, which the book reinterprets not as a traditional Christian path to God, but as a veiled form of Eastern meditative practice. The 'warning' symbol from scripture is also central, representing the textual basis for rejecting practices deemed unbiblical. The implicit symbolism of "purity" versus "corruption" in Christian practice underpins the entire argument, framing the debate as a struggle for the integrity of faith.
Modern Relevance
In contemporary discussions surrounding spiritual formation, mindfulness, and interfaith dialogue, Andersen's work remains relevant for those seeking to maintain clear theological boundaries within Christianity. Thinkers and organizations focused on biblical inerrancy and historical Christian orthodoxy continue to draw on arguments similar to those presented here to critique the adoption of Eastern meditative techniques in churches and seminaries.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Concerned Christians seeking to verify the scriptural and historical authenticity of their spiritual practices, particularly contemplative prayer and centering techniques. • Students of comparative religion or theology interested in the historical cross-pollination of Eastern and Western religious traditions, especially post-1960. • Pastors and church leaders who wish to ensure the theological soundness and biblical grounding of spiritual formation programs offered within their congregations.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 2015, Jocelyn Andersen's New Age Christianity emerged during a period of continued expansion for contemplative spirituality within Western Christianity, a trend that had accelerated significantly since the latter half of the 20th century. This era was marked by widespread interest in Eastern religions, fueled by figures like Thomas Merton, whose work in the 1950s and 60s explored interfaith dialogue and monasticism in ways that some later interpreted as endorsing Eastern meditative practices. Andersen's work directly confronted this syncretism, challenging the notion that techniques like centering prayer were historically Christian. It stood in contrast to popular spiritual guides and theological trends that embraced these practices, such as those championed by authors like Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, who were influential in evangelical circles. The book's reception was likely varied, appealing to conservative Christian circles concerned with doctrinal purity while potentially drawing criticism from those who saw value in interfaith spiritual exploration.
📔 Journal Prompts
The scriptural warnings against vain repetitions and pagan systems.
The concept of "spiritual disciplines" as defined and applied in contemporary Christianity.
The specific Eastern meditative techniques identified by Andersen.
The historical trajectory of contemplative prayer's integration into Western Christianity.
The difference between biblical prayer and mantra meditation.
🗂️ Glossary
Spiritual Disciplines
Practices intended to foster spiritual growth. The book critiques the modern Christian interpretation which often includes Eastern meditative techniques, arguing they lack scriptural basis.
Contemplative Prayer
A form of prayer characterized by silence and stillness, often involving focus on God's presence. The book identifies it as a form of Eastern mantra meditation adopted into Christianity.
Breath Prayers
Short, repetitive prayers often used in meditation. Andersen links these to Eastern meditative practices rather than traditional Christian prayer forms.
Centering Prayer
A specific method of silent prayer originating in the 1970s. The book argues its roots lie in Eastern, non-Christian meditative systems.
Mantra Meditation
A meditation technique involving the repetition of a word, sound, or phrase. The book asserts this is the core of many "contemplative" practices adopted by Christians.
Pagan Religious Systems
Religions originating from ancient non-Abrahamic cultures. The book uses this term to describe the origins of meditative practices it critiques.
Spiritual Formation
The process by which an individual’s character is conformed to the character of Christ. The book questions methods used in modern spiritual formation.
This book appears in 1 collection
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