secularisation- the new age movement

Question 1

Self-religions and the New Age
Lyon

Answer 1

Many of the new forms of religion or spirituality that Lyon refer to are New Age beliefs and practices.

Lyon talks about how religion has become . New age supports this

Question 2

What is the New Age ?

Answer 2

New Age spirituality rejects the idea of obligation and obedience to external authority found in traditional religions. Instead it emphasises the idea of life as a journey of discovery, personal development, autonomy and connecting with ones “inner self”.

Question 3

Examples of New Age Beliefs and Practices

Answer 3

New Age beliefs are many and varied and include…

A belief in the power of natural healing and ‘spiritual energy’… as found within Tai Chi and Reiki.

The belief that nature is sacred, as found in beliefs in Gaia and Paganism.

Believing that individuals have a ‘deeper’ inner potential to be realized – with the help of various psycho-therapeutic interventions.

Believing in fate which might be uncovered through practices such as the tarot or astrology.

A belief in extra-terrestrials, and ‘cosmos’ religions.

Question 4

Common Themes of the New Age Movement

Answer 4

Four common themes of the New Age Movement are:

A focus on self-improvement.
The self is the final authority in the New Age Movement.
A Pick and Mix approach to religion- this links to Danielle Herveiu - Lergers view on religion is that contemporary society is characterised by a lack of commitment
A belief in holism, or the interconnections of all things.

A focus on ‘self-improvement’
Many New Age practices are about ‘perfecting oneself’ – going on a journey of self-improvement, or even self-transcendence. This often means going beyond one’s socialised self and getting in touch with one’s true self through practices such as meditation.

Answer 5

Danielle Herveiu Leger