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The American Media is Peddling New Age Spirituality
A noted Christian religious expert is the latest to confirm something careful watchers of the media have known for years: The American media is peddling New Age spirituality to its viewers as a substitute for traditional religion.
On January 24, the Christian Post reported that Ravi Zacharias, the founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and a noted Christian apologist, warned that the mass media is trying to push New Age ideas on the general population in his book "Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth In an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality."
In his book, Zacharias writes: "Mystics, spiritual masters all are in the lineup to give the viewer the feeling that she who has become all but deified in their eyes can now make each viewer just like them." Zacharias specifically cited Oprah and Deepak Chopra as examples of influential media figures peddling New Age nonsense to a large audience.
Oprah has been heavily involved in the New Age movement - so much so that Washington Post blogger Amarnath Amarsingam called her in May 2011 the "High Priestess of the New Age" In a January 2011 interview with Piers Morgan, Winfrey declared herself to be a spiritual leader.
New Age spirituality guru Deepak Chopra has been even more avid in his promotion of New Age ideals. His book The Third Jesus is "about the consciousness of Jesus which was in touch with the source of all creation. If you can aspire to be at one with that consciousness, then you too can be in touch with the source of all creation. He has denied traditional Christian teachings, having been cited by major media outlets such as ABC denying the existence of Satan. YouTube promoted his channel, The Chopra Well, in late 2011.
Mainstream reporters have not been shy about de-emphasizing traditional religion, while promoting a nebulous concept of "spirituality." In 2008, CBS' Katie Couric celebrated what she saw as a combination of American spirituality and lack of religious belief: "This survey seems to have a lot of good news. People think prayer and faith is very important in their lives and they don't think it's their way or the highway when it comes to salvation." In November 2009, CBS' Martha Teichner touted a poll claiming that Americans were increasingly abandoning organized religion for spirituality.
Read the full article here.
All comments
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The same Jesus who preached and showed love, is the same Jesus who taught about an eternal fire for those who don`t accept His sacrifice on the cross. That same Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me".
john // 2012-02-15 00:27:20 // 1 Like(s) // -
A movement which embraces love and acceptance over judgment and punishment necessarily knows the nature of God because God IS Love - as the bible so aptly states.
jamonc // 2012-02-06 22:48:57 // 1 Like(s) // -
There is great benefit in in avoiding staring at the finget that points instead of looking at the direction inwhich it is pointing. Embodying the sacred teachings is the point. I am certain I am preaching to the choir. Tolerance & patients.
Billy // 2012-02-03 08:08:15 // 0 Like(s) // -
The great spirit didnt bring us to this point just to drop us. lets be aware of the hidden pit falls of the mind be mindful of fighting fire with fire. There really is an X factor.
billy // 2012-02-03 08:01:11 // 0 Like(s) // -
Today, I will appose nothing. I accept the world jusy asit is and in doing so I will finf po eace, harmony, laughter and love. I will accept myself just as I am. The
Billy // 2012-02-03 07:52:10 // 0 Like(s) // -
"New Age"? This stuff is based on ancient teachings. My goodness! If "their" God is so great why do they feel so defensive, protective? Where is their peace, knowing and acceptance? Why bash others? I have many Christian friends. I accept them and feel happy that they have that spiritual guidance in their life. Thank you Deepak for continuing to be the teacher.
Alisa // 2012-01-27 14:07:05 // 1 Like(s) // -
As it says in the Dao de Jing, "if they did not laugh at it, it would not be the Dao." In other words, when you teach the Perennial Philosophy, and fools laugh at you (or worse), you know you`re on the right track. Keep up the good work Deepak.
Peter Bolland // 2012-01-27 11:30:26 // 0 Like(s) // -
Look at nature, nature always rises above all this in her processing life. We simply are a process of nature and it is in our process to rise above all this and return to where we came from: bliss. But go and investigate everything and keep the good. And this last sentence comes straight from the bible. I keep the good of every religion and integrate it in my life.
heartphone // 2012-01-27 11:00:04 // 3 Like(s) // -
Many people I have talked with over the years have told me that they believe in a higher power, or that they feel there is something out there that`s bigger than them. None of them mentioned the word god or anything pertaining to religion. It`s only natural that if they suddenly want answers to questions in their lives that they would turn to organized religion to find them. That is one reason why those who are connected to the church in any way should try to stay with it and make an attempt to bridge the gap between religion and spirituality.
Mark // 2012-01-27 10:53:29 // 1 Like(s) // -
Some people who call themselves christians don`t know the true about JC`s life.These are with their minds very closed to open it to the true of JC`s life and neither to understand the knowledge on choices which The New Age allows everybody to be connected to a better spiritual life. About Media:Media is Media just and always doing their media work.Dr.Deepak Chopra, you are a great scientist and spiritualist which The New Era needs you, too, for It to become alive and helpful.
Cecilia // 2012-01-27 09:32:53 // 0 Like(s) // -
What people are experiencing and searching for is a direct experience of God. In nature and within themselves. Direct experience trumps belief systems because you outgrow "beflief" if you have a knowing about God. We are simply letting go of the structures that are no longer needed. For those that still need religion, no one is stopping them.
Jeanne // 2012-01-27 09:30:34 // 1 Like(s) // -
Deepakji, I have found a lot of meaning and solace in your books. There will always be people who have different points of view. We need not pay heed to them. As long as one feels that one is doing good, people like you and Ms. Oprah Winfrey and your work will be cherished by open-minded people. Continue your great work and Om Shanti to you! :) May Love, Light and Blessings always be yours!!
Asha Chandran Perinchery // 2012-01-27 05:41:13 // 0 Like(s) // -
I believe that there are a few modern-day spiritual leaders who suggest that we need to work within the religious structures we were raised in, regardless of where our personal journey`s have led us. I personally would not chose to attempt to become a member of a far right fundamentalist church, but I would attend a progressive church, one that`s more in tune with modern society. Here the message of love that Jesus taught, along with the words of the great spiritual leaders, could be taught together. Maybe this would begin in a bible study class, and in time incorporated into sermons. Of course religious leaders are terrified by the prospect of losing their flocks to an uppity movement. But let`s not throw away the institution altogether. The more progressive churches will adept with the needs of the people. Consider it a business model.
Mark // 2012-01-27 05:38:07 // 0 Like(s) // -
"Mainstream reporters have not been shy about de-emphasizing traditional religion, while promoting a nebulous concept of "spirituality." Don`t worry in a few years, the planetary quantum computer set up by the world politiburo facilitated by the scientists and sages will give you your requiste doses of soma by zapping the billions of electrons in your personal energy field every time you feel a bit agitated. By then you`ll be part man part machine. Your contact lenses will have direct retinal-brain interface so that at the slightest tinge of agitation in hearing or reading something unpleasant like the ugly article referred to in this blog will immediately alert the billions of molecular size nanobots in your new genetically modified body will send a signal to your cybernetically enhanced mind that you are in dire need of another soma zap - at which point glorious rays of somatic ecstacy will rip through your through our entire being -- it`ll be like kundalini on steroid. (Yikes!) The only problem - you`ll no longer be human.
Soma Zaps by 2100 // 2012-01-27 05:12:10 // 1 Like(s) // -
As allies of The LIght, we must remain non-reactive to the voices of teachings that promote separation. "Us" from "Them" is nothing more than an expression of the ego, an absence of consciousness. Let us spread our efforts into the progression of spiritual evolution. Offer love and space to those who have not yet found a state of unbounded perfection. That they may receive the gifts we know are available within us all.
Denise M Wilbanks // 2012-01-27 01:31:37 // 2 Like(s) // -
If religion does anything it divides, especially when it comes to Christianity. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and all I heard from the sermons was that we were sinners and we were going to burn in hell. Imagine being a small child listening to that delusional, brainwashing nonsense. What I learned about many of the Christians that I came into contact with was that they were judgmental of, not only nonbelievers of Christianity, but also of their fellow church goers. Love, kindness, compassion, and acceptance of ALL beings on this planet is absent in Christianity. Control, Anger, fighting, judgment and superiority over others in the name of God is the message Christians deliver best, verbally and non-verbally. Their words result in wars. Any belief that has holy wars in its history, I have zero interest in. Judging based upon religion is ego masked as belief, an egoic state of consciousness. Instead of going within and seeing things that they need to work on to become more at peace within themselves and others, it is easier to take the focus off of their pain, suffering, and misery by focusing externally on others to attack and condemn in the name of God. Their behavior is more in line with their fabricated “Satan” than with Christ.
PWells // 2012-01-27 00:48:35 // 1 Like(s) // -
Article is rubbish but not sure why they mention Deepak and Oprah in the same sentence. Oprah is a self-confessed racist. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDmtPuPbVgU
TheTruth // 2012-01-27 00:29:40 // 0 Like(s) // -
So what, what others say? Who are we to judge? Be we not one in the same, each other? Let us concentrate our thoughts on love, not on criticizing those who criticize us. Hate does not cease by more hatred... but only by love. ♥ Let us stop the cycle. Others will follow the paths they choose, as is their decision. After all, are we not all here on our own journeys? Perhaps this is a part of theirs. Forgive the writer of the article, forgive the publisher, forgive yourself and let it go. Love them, as they.. just as yourselves... deserve nothing less than love. Sending love and light to all... ♥ ♥ ♥
Enigma // 2012-01-26 23:54:27 // 2 Like(s) // -
wow New Age nonsense huh?? seriously abindenver i agree! what is the problem with that?? I have learned soo much from those age spiritual leaders
patti s // 2012-01-26 23:24:07 // 2 Like(s) // -
On it`s own days Budha, and Jesus were "New Agers"... A lot of people in the "organized religion" saw Jesus and Budha`s spiritual teachings with cinism because they feared the overthrowing of it`s agency power... On our own days for a lot of people these human condition has not changed... Jesus himself said: No Prophet is taken in so low regard but on it`s own land, among their relatives and in it`s own family (Mark Chapter 6 Versicle 4)
Marco Pacheco // 2012-01-26 22:41:05 // 1 Like(s) // -
Deepak Chopra`s writings have kept me sane through a very serious existential crisis and a slow, painful, cutting of the umbilical cord from the ultra-fundamentalist religion in which I was raised.
hillbillygirl57 // 2012-01-26 22:26:54 // 2 Like(s) // -
Dear Deepak, This brief digital message is long overdue but allow me to write this expression of gratitude for your most amazing and heartening `mush.` Your presence in the world and the many `empirical` Western and `spiritual` Eastern ways in which you have reached out, up, and of course inwards to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and both help and heal is a blessing for which I will always be indebted. Among all your books, videos, speaking tours, retreats, apps, etc., the most liberating and transcendent work is that which you dedicated to your beloved father, The Book of Secrets, aka `the butterfly book.` It is withe each and every day in every way. Paper, electronic, and audio, your words resonate so deeply and in such a culminating way in this masterpiece. Only Stephen Mitchell`s version of the Tao Te Ching has ever had such an impact upon me some twenty years ago. Buoyed by loving essence and freed from controlling guilt and socialized shame, embracing shadow elements but letting shadow energy pass through me, I send heartfelt and eternal love and thanks to you and Oprah for your humanity and your most authentic `brand` of mush. Any criticism of your mass media success (the vehicle for your work) is mitigated by the magnitude of your outreach. No amount of criticism from others can diminish your light which is always offset by the beauty of any human shadow you would be the first to suggest you must cast. Love to you and your dear family.
Butterfly Lover // 2012-01-26 22:14:43 // 3 Like(s) // -
What a silly and shallow article. "Mainstream reporters have not been shy about de-emphasizing traditional religion, while promoting a nebulous concept of "spirituality."" And what`s the problem with that? The ideas of Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle have been immensely helpful to me.
abindenver // 2012-01-26 22:07:38 // 12 Like(s) // -
I do not want to be involved in religion. It has become corrupt just like our government. I like Oprah am a free thinking Christian. Love is God and god is love. Judge not lest u be judged. Be like Jesus and the conflict between religion and spirituality will be irrelevant.
@hyltonangie // 2012-01-26 22:01:55 // 2 Like(s) // -
What a load of nonsense! This article is not only criticizing free thinking, but plainly say my god is the only god and anybody who disagrees should go to hell. This level of closed mindedness is why we are where we are. The publisher site should be ashamed for this attack. Please continue what you do Deepak, a lot of us are very thankful for it!
Ben Cooper // 2012-01-26 21:55:52 // 18 Like(s) // -
Oprah a spiritual leader? Levity is good.
Chiron // 2012-01-26 21:51:07 // 0 Like(s) //
Top comments
What a load of nonsense! This article is not only criticizing free thinking, but plainly say my god is the only god and anybody who disagrees should go to hell. This level of closed mindedness is why we are where we are. The publisher site should be ashamed for this attack. Please continue what you do Deepak, a lot of us are very thankful for it!
Ben Cooper // 2012-01-26 21:55:52 // 18 Like(s) // LikeWhat a silly and shallow article. "Mainstream reporters have not been shy about de-emphasizing traditional religion, while promoting a nebulous concept of "spirituality."" And what`s the problem with that? The ideas of Oprah, Deepak Chopra, and Eckhart Tolle have been immensely helpful to me.
abindenver // 2012-01-26 22:07:38 // 12 Like(s) // Like