The image of the church and new age spirituality : analysis and new perspectives

Abstract

This thesis aims to expose the historical roots and often obscure origins of the various practices forming the New Age network. Through a critical evaluation of various studies on the subject and sources including sociological, theological and spiritual literature, an assessment between alternative and Christian spirituality is carried out. The sharp contrasts are studied to help us demonstrate how New Age spirituality is incompatible with the Catholic faith mainly through a reflection on the Fourth Gospel. In view of the findings resulting from the research carried out for this study, the thesis critically assesses and subsequently challenges the Church on three fundamental issues: The methods of how Christians are educated in the Faith, the image of the Church as it transpires through the clergy and the indisputable importance of prayer in the circumstances. The author has ultimately placed her complete trust in the Holy Spirit who will guide the reader to discern that only an authentic Christian spirituality offers the lasting answer to our inherent search.