New Agey Evangelicalism

From The Evangelical Christian, September 1960. Note the early date and what was said.....truly amazing.....

"While we are sending missionaries to the Far East, that same area of the world is sending missionaries to us. Western governments and others seem at times to go out of their way to flatter the ancient but pagan religions, and often do much to undercut a vital influence that could be exercised in a spiritual mission to the world.

"Of particular note is the fact that 'meditative religion' such as Buddhism is gaining influence and power over the souls of men to an alarming degree. And as this material is being prepared for the press, a Toronto newspaper carries a full page advertisement to the effect that there will be a series of articles on Yoga 'exercises.' The student of comparative religions will know that these are not physical exercises, although the body is used as a means to attain a state of suspension and relaxation, but only for the spirit or soul to seek an unattainable position in the 'world soul.' As an exercise it may have benefit. But the true Yogi does not stop with an exercise of the body and this could be a means of luring many unsuspecting, anxious seeking souls into the false religion of Buddhism. Let the people of God beware of these subtle manoeuvres to instill pagan concepts into the spiritual life that can only be satisfied by the Lord Jesus Christ."

Sounds almost as if this writer had a crystal ball as to what would be happening in the evangelical churches 45 years from his announcement. And speaking of occultism and new agey practices, here is an interesting statement by a man who is a high practitioner of Hinduism. And boy, is he miffed!

From Yogi Baba Prem,

He says there is no such thing as "Christian yoga." According to the yogi, it's impossible to separate yoga from Hinduism. He wonders if this is a quest on the part of Christians for a more spiritual experience. If you listen to many emergents, that may be exactly what it is - a part of a spiritual quest.

And on a simlar note, in his years in the emergent church, Jason Carleson left for many reasons and among them was(in his words),
Openness to pagan religious practices like Hindu Yoga and incorporating them into the Christian life and Christian worship.