I remember my first time on Alpha, I was asked what brought me to the group and program. Looking down at my sweaty palms, in a muffled voice, I said, "To understand the role of science in the body of Christ". My comment was met with a lot of enthusiasm, and I would say I have sustained that enthusiasm for about two years now. Becoming a scientist who is also a Christian and writing about my journey with both the science of well-being and Faith has also meant learning in public. I must say, many paths out there seem true and convincing but are not of the Christian faith. Last week during Bible study, I came across a scripture from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 vs 3 - 5, where he said, "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power". I had deep thoughts about this passage and reflected - it was important for me to understand that many wise words out there aren't related to God's power and Christian teachings. In the same way, there is pseudo-therapy wisdom on the internet that makes for a lot of 'thera-posing', we ought to be wary of relying on New-age beliefs in place of Biblical wisdom and teachings.
On my journey to transformation, and understanding the power available to us to change our lives and experience the peace and contentment of the Holy Spirit, I researched practices that seem to focus a lot on the self and deviate from Christ. There are science-backed ways to live a well-balanced life, but there are practices that begin to delve into a convoluted bind of teachings that may be very confusing for anyone trying to grow their faith. To help you spot the differences, let's break it down for a moment:
Foundation of Belief:
Christianity: At the heart of Christianity is our belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, died for humanity's sins, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.
New-Age Practices: Have you ever heard a person say they are spiritual but don't do Church? Might be worth considering if you believe what they preach. New-age spirituality often encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs, including elements of Eastern philosophies, mystical practices, and self-empowerment techniques. While some may incorporate aspects of Christianity, the emphasis tends to be on personal enlightenment and spiritual exploration rather than adherence to a specific doctrine.
Source of Authority:
Christianity: As Christians, we recognize the Bible as the Word of God, guiding our faith and practice. It serves as the ultimate authority in matters of belief and conduct.
New-Age Practices: If you sense a person is overly reliant on their personal journeys and enlightenment, one that does not show the power of God or the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, be wary. New-age spirituality draws from various sources, including ancient texts, spiritual gurus, and personal experiences. While there may be valuable insights, the lack of a unified authority can lead to eclectic and often contradictory teachings.
Nature of God:
Christianity: Christians believe in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is eternal, all-powerful, and the creator of the universe. God is personal, loving, and involved in the lives of His followers.
New-Age Practices: Have you met a person who says they believe in a higher power but can't necessarily say which? New-age beliefs about the divine can vary widely, ranging from pantheism (the belief that God is everything and everything is God) to the concept of a higher consciousness or energy force. While there may be acknowledgement of a higher power, the nature of this entity is often nebulous and impersonal.
Salvation and Redemption:
Christianity: Central to Christianity is the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross provides forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God, leading to eternal life. Salvation offers a path to transformation and gives us a fresh start to apply Biblical wisdom in transforming our lives through the help of the Holy Spirit. Biblical wisdom can be applied in many areas of our lives to lead successful and impactful lives here on earth.
New-Age Practices: New-age spirituality may emphasize self-realization and inner transformation as pathways to enlightenment, but the danger involves concepts like karma, reincarnation, and spiritual evolution often explored, with a focus on self-reliant individual growth rather than divine intervention for salvation, which then leads to growth.
Role of Faith and Works:
Christianity: Christians understand salvation as a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works are seen as a fruit of genuine faith rather than a means of earning salvation.
New-Age Practices: New-age philosophies may promote the idea of karma—believing that one's actions determine future circumstances or reincarnation. While there's an emphasis on personal growth and ethical living, the motivation may differ from Christian teachings, which underscore the importance of faith in Christ. The idea that your works are directly related to your ability to live a good life is not Christian practice. As Christians, we believe in unmerited favour and grace instead and producing good fruit through transformation.
Community and Fellowship:
Christianity: Christian faith is often practised within the context of a community of believers, offering support, accountability, and opportunities for worship and service.
New-Age Practices: While individuals may engage in new-age practices independently, there's also a growing community of like-minded individuals who gather for workshops, retreats, and spiritual events. However, the sense of community may not always be as structured or cohesive as within Christian congregations.
Very importantly, do note that people have different beliefs and practices, but if you want to strengthen your Christian faith, you would want to be discerning about the content you consume and allow to feed your spirit. For example, I love yoga as an excercise, but the moment I hear a yogi say "lunar vibrations" and "soul-matching", I'm not interested in having a session with them. The same goes for meditation; once I hear a person who's teaching the art of meditation begin to mix it with "higher energies" and "astral projection", count me out. But how do we make sure we are discerning enough? Here are some ways to strengthen your faith:
Root Yourself in Scripture: Regularly reading and studying the Bible helps ground your beliefs and values in Christian teachings.
Pray and Worship: Engage in personal and communal prayer and worship to cultivate a relationship with God and strengthen your faith.
Seek Christian Community: Fellowship with other Christians provides support, encouragement, and accountability on your spiritual journey. Find a community that serves as a safe space to question practices you're not sure of.
Practice Discernment: Ask for God's wisdom to discern between teachings and practices that align with Christian beliefs and those that do not. Discernment also comes from the Holy Spirit and we can most times feel when something isn't right. We can begin to see scripture that nullifies any new ideas that aren't aligned with the Christian faith.
Live Your Faith: Let your beliefs shape your actions. Be a living testament to the grace and love of Jesus Christ in your interactions and decisions. Living out your faith increases your boldness and confidence in your beliefs.
As a scientist, I encourage curiosity, and I don't restrict myself to only Christian books or literature. However, I ask daily for God's strength to keep me on the path that is aligned with His word. You can too - protect your mind and spirit, especially if the path you're on accepts Jesus Christ as your saviour.
xoxo,
Comments