Sweet thanks for all the replies they were all very interesting.
I'll just answer (as I do
) a couple of questions I was asked.
Stretched wrote to me: How did you test the truth of the Bible and the truth in Christians, so that you are entirely convinced that there are no lies?
In many many ways. Tested the truth of the Bible by reading it, by reading about it, by reading books against it, by reading books for it, and lastly by living it. I tested the truth of Christians by simply getting to know them, not just the happy happy face they for some strange reason portray to people around them.
Stretched also wrote: What is your definition of "New Age Beliefs"?
I could go upstairs and find about 20 definitions for you, but it's easier for the both of us if I just give you an example.
'Yes' wrote in this post: I believe that everything is energy and that everything has a consciousness. Not a human comsciousness, but a consciousness related to the particular existence. I don't rule out an existence of a God, or a higher/collective consciousness that holds all the other ones toghether. I don't have a name for my belief, but have come to this perception by meditating, thinking, feeling, investigating..well, living basically. It's the conclusion I can draw from my expereinces in this life as the form I am in.
That is pretty much spot on New Age belief. If you want to read a book on this and not be bored I recommend This Present Darkness By Frank Peretti, it's fiction but based on the belief held by New Agers and Christians, so it's both informative and enjoyable. If you want to be serious about investigating the belief, I recommend Ankerberg's books on the subject. I read one which only had a chapter on the subject of New Age, but I have seen an entire book of his devoted to the subject, very comprehensive, something like 600 pages, and new as well. lol I've read a book on the New Age which was 12 years old, the age wasn't quite new in that book
And also Anderberg's books are very reasonably priced, I got mine on special for $5 - I think they made a mistake with the pricing but it's all good. But everywhere else I've seen them for around $20 which is still very good.
Hope that helped at least a little.
CyA's