“Religious Fundamentalism and the New Age Movement: Part 2”

“Religious Fundamentalism and the New Age Movement: Part 2”

Click HERE to read “Part 1”

The following very timely excerpt is taken from the Lucis Trust (1) Summer 1982 “World Goodwill Newsletter” as quoted by Constance Cumby. (2) The newsletter is one of the main organs of the “New Age Movement”, and as such, can be considered representative of their teachings and beliefs (emphasis mine, unless otherwise noted).

The resurgence of religious fundamentalism has swept through some of the major religions of the world with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all being profoundly affected.

The growth of fundamentalism is a predictable reaction to existential perplexity. Many millions of people feel threatened to their depths by complex global problems which seem to defy both understanding and solution. The religious and social structures which for centuries gave meaning and orientation to their lives are now crumbling. Those without the faith or vision to see that humanity can create a more beautiful and enlightened world, fall victim to a profound, if largely unconscious, sense of angst, dread and disorientation. Trembling on the brink of the unknown, they grasp for something simple, something true and certain for all time. They seek absolute security in the form of fundamentals which can never be changed or questioned. Unfortunately, an illusory absolute security can only be purchased at the price of submission to absolute authority.

Psychologically, fundamentalism is actually based, not upon faith, but fear: fear of change, fear of failure, fear of the future, and fear that, somehow, humanity is just too weak, too evil, or too helpless to have any hope of successfully meetings the challenges of life. Fundamentalist doctrine minimizes the value of human beings because its assessment...is permeated by a deep-seated inferiority complex.  This inferiority complex derives, at least in part, from the tendency of fundamentalism to emphasize the awesome power and might of God transcendent “above and outside” His Creation, while virtually overlooking the loving presence of God immanent within the human heart. This ancient misconceived split between God and humanity has worked great mischief.  It has caused people to feel little, expendable, and utterly vulnerable unless they rigidly follow certain rules and formulas which will “save” them from the wrath of their overpowering Creator.

Fortunately, however, the idea of God immanent has always been central to the most enlightened forms of religious understanding [unlike the monotheist religions].  In addition, the most advanced theories in physics...are now vindicating this more intimate and mystical approach to the divine Source. Avant-garde psychology is affirming amazing human potentials, which, when cultivated, lead to states of consciousness which have always been called divine. Both theory and experience support the idea of an eminently approachable Deity, dwelling within the human being….

Therefore, there is no need for humanity to retreat into a scripturally induced helplessness and self-contempt. The “Kingdom of Heaven” is within each one of us, as we have been told…. We are, in fact, divine beings.

We can see the need for a different and truly spiritual form of fundamentalism based upon the real fundamentals of God immanent, universal love, brotherhood, human unity and global cooperation. Relying on these fundamentals we can found a new spiritual, social, political and moral order. Today, we can experience ourselves as we really are, and discover the true authority of our divine inner self.  Fundamentally, we must believe in the divinity of humanity. (Note, emphasis in the previous sentence from them, not me.)

Gary here: There’s a lot here to unpack (and for more on the New Age Movement, I highly recommend you read my blog series on this topic HERE), but for now, I just want to make one comment: In the beginning of reading this excerpt, I was thinking they were saying that fundamentalism was bad, but by the time I got to the end, I realized I was wrong. They were not saying that fundamentalism was bad. They were just lobbying for a “New, improved” fundamentalism! And, in their own words, that version—their version—of fundamentalism will also come with a price: “Unfortunately, an illusory absolute security can only be purchased at the price of submission to absolute authority.” Fascinating!

FOOTNOTES:

1. Known originally as “The Lucifer Publishing Company”.

2. Constance Cumby, Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow: The New Age Movement and our Coming Age of Barbarism, 1983, p. 236-38, emphasis mine.