Comparison: New Thought v. New Age v. Occult

Here’s a clear breakdown of the differences among New Thought, New Age, and the Occult, based on their origins, core beliefs, and practices:

1. New Thought

• Origins: Emerged in the 19th century as a metaphysical reinterpretation of Christianity, blending idealism (mind-over-matter philosophy) with spiritual optimism.

• Core Beliefs:

  • Focuses on mental causation: Positive thinking and affirmations can manifest health, wealth, and happiness (e.g., "Law of Attraction").

  • Views God as an impersonal force (panentheism) and humans as inherently divine ("Christ Consciousness").

  • Reinterprets Christian terms (e.g., "sin" as ignorance of one’s divinity, "salvation" as self-realization).

• Practices: Affirmations, visualization, and prosperity theology (e.g., Unity Church, Religious Science).

• Key Difference: Presents itself as compatible with Christianity, making it more deceptive to traditional believers.

 

2. New Age

• Origins: Gained momentum in the 1970s, drawing from Theosophy, Eastern spirituality, and counterculture movements.

• Core Beliefs:

  • Holistic divinity: The universe and humans are interconnected through energy (e.g., crystals, auras).

  • Astrological ages: Belief in the "Age of Aquarius" heralding global spiritual awakening.

  • Syncretism: Blends Hinduism (karma, chakras), Buddhism (meditation), and occult practices.

• Practices: Channeling (e.g., "A Course in Miracles"), energy healing (Reiki), astrology, and psychedelics.

Key Difference: More eclectic and experiential than New Thought, often embracing overtly occult elements.

 

3. Occult

• Origins: Rooted in ancient esoteric traditions (e.g., Hermeticism, alchemy) and condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10–12.

• Core Beliefs:

  • Hidden knowledge: Secrets of the universe can be accessed through rituals or spirits.

  • Dualistic power: Manipulation of natural/supernatural forces (e.g., magic, divination).

• Practices:

  • Divination: Tarot, astrology, numerology.

  • Spirit contact: Mediumship, summoning entities (e.g., demons, angels).

  • Sorcery: Ritual magic (e.g., ceremonial spells).

• Key Difference: Focuses on practical control of unseen forces, unlike New Age’s transformative or New Thought’s mental focus.