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Good people are playing with matches today, and some are conservative and Evangelical Christians. An endless array of deceptive and "spiritual-sounding" religious experiences are flourishing.

Some call it the new "pop spirituality" and because so many people don't fully understand it or its origins, and because shepherds are not sounding enough alarms, "people are perishing for a lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). Some of this is "feelings-based" and fits in well with "comfortable Christianity" and the "feel good" longings 21st Century people have.

What's going on seems to be a "death of discernment" across the board--all faiths, and including people of no faith. Some churches continue to use as a discussion forum Dan Brown's huge best-seller, "The DaVinci Code." Doubleday publishers state, "None of us dreamed it would be such a historic publication. If 'Harry Potter' stands as the essential popular read for young people, 'The DaVinci Code' has captured the crown for adults."

OK, what about "Harry Potter"? Why are Christian parents letting kids read about a "hero" who practices witchcraft? Why are kids cheering for Harry who engages in dozens of practices that are forbidden in the Bible? And then we have Christians authoring books who state that "Harry is really a Christ-like figure." Excuse me--he's a sorcerer!

The "New Age" continues to invade the church as well, including Evangelical churches. An expert on such things, Doug Groothius, recently wrote in "Christianity Today" on line (10/20/04) that, "Overstretched Americans (and Christians) are increasingly turning to various forms of Eastern practices in search of relaxation and spirituality. Underlying these meditative practices is a worldview in conflict with biblical spirituality."

This "supernatural spirituality" began in the Garden of Eden when Eve was told that her "eyes would be opened." Since she didn't need glasses in that perfect environment, the devil meant that she would be able to "see like God" or see the supernatural. She could even see into the future. In the last twenty years that longing has exploded so that today more "enlightened Christian leaders" have a huge following. Translated that means that if you have dangerous, false, or mystical theology, you'll have a big following!

The Bible speaks about an end-time falling away from truth (II Tim. 4). There will come a generation--likely ours--when people will not give heed to sound doctrine, will want their ears tickled, and would even chase after the doctrine of demons. The context is that this will happen to people of faith. Due to this "supernatural spirituality" one almost needs a "buyer beware mentality" today as it concerns discernment and faith issues.

Mysticism is the longing to get closer to God through means that aren't Godly. It's about obtaining knowledge of things forbidden for "the secret things belong to God" (Deut. 29). And it is often feelings-based. But faith must come by hearing the Word of God, not through experiences. This "counterfeit spirituality" has tremendous consequences and particularly in this age of the postmodern church. Too often today faith does not even require a Savior or the Word of God, does not hold to sound doctrine, theology, or belief beyond experience.

Thankfully there are many who are standing up for truth, who are preaching a strong Bible-based message, and who are not buying into any kind of "pop theology." May your numbers increase! You may not have a mega-church because you may not be following the new market-driven approach, but your flock will grow spiritually and great will be your reward in Heaven.
To better understand this, visit the category of "Spiritual Deception" at my Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org. I also have made two products to help you grasp this: The video/DVD "The New Age Rage" and the video/DVD, "Mysticism: An Equal Opportunity Deceiver." They are under "Products" at the Web site or available through my print newsletter.

(Jan Markell is founder/director of Olive Tree Ministries, Inc. To learn more, sign up for her print newsletter or e-mail alerts, visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org.)

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