MrBanks wrote:
"Most so-called "New Age" religions are nothing but refried or repackaged traditional religions mixed with a little mysticism.
Never have I found a New Age religion that will say that Jesus never existed or that he was merely a man like any other.
They always revere Jesus and hold him up as one of the world's greatest spiritual leaders."
Take another look At Wicca.
"One thing about most New Age religions is that they seem to be very excepting of all races and genders and atleast early on, seem to treat everyone equal.
Maybe this because as they're just starting out, they need as many followers as they can."
Maybe its cause they know that races are all equal and its the soul that matters.
"Another obvious reason New Age religions have attract so many blacks is because they focus more on "spirituality" than actual set commandments and disciplines.
Most black folks tend to belive themselves more spiritual than religious."
Most white folks too dont they? Actually there are more black catholics than whites.. the next pope is gonna be black..
"Most New Age movements don't REQUIRE you to behave morally upright nor do they actually discipline you if you don't.
Most don't have set COMMANDMENT and RULES for the members to follow. "
Where are you getting that from? Give me an example of a "new Age Religion" that does that.
"Although it's not true for most Africans...most black folks from the Americas are traditionally an undiciplined people who really don't wanna be told what to do.
We wanna do things our way (right or wrong) and don't wanna hear criticizm or condemnation for our mistakes."
I think thats a generalization #1, #2 I think that all religion makes you commit something or another.. the most CONDEMNING religion is not neccesarily the most right.. I mean if you think about it, why wouldn't Gods work be closer to what our natural inclination is anyhow?
"So you have some white clown in shades and a purple suit comes rolling through the hood telling all the women that it's ok to have babies out of wedlock or that women don't have a specified role in the family or society."
What are you reffering to?
"Another strange looking white man tells the bruthaz that they don't need to stand up and become politically active or militant but just fold their legs and meditate all day and let "the spirit" take care of everything. "
Actually its mostly YELLOW men and BROWN men (and women) saying that. Yoga originated in India and flourished throughout Asia far more than it has hit in the New Age movement. And having "the spirit" present might make one a bit more politically active in a balanced way. Look at Ghandi for an example. I don't think anyone advocates people becomming placated through meditation and blind to the needs of their communities.
"That's what they wanted to hear all along because it gives them an excuse not to do anything material or be the men they should be."
I've never seen a new age movement suggesting that we lie down and take whats coming to us. The new age movements have been especially politically active in the issues of the Environment, something that affects everyone regardless of race.
"New Age dogma is very appealing to people who have given up on this world and have decided that nothing will work for them."
What 'dogma' are you reffering to? The sh*t on Opera? Thats not really true new age. Please give me an example.
"But what one must understand...especially black people....is that the traditional scriptures like the Bible and Koran and other Holy books are extremely valuable."
Sure.. and why aren't the other holy books valuable? Why aren't all holy book valuable? And also poetry, and Art, and other things which allow us to contemplate the beauty of God manifest in the world?
"They are more valuable that any religious dogma that these so-called New Age religions might offer."
You need to state what dogma you are reffering to here.
"Although many traditional scriptures have been tampered with, they still lay out a structural foundation for governing. They lay out definate rights and wrongs and teach ancient social wisdom."
Like kill homosexuals? Like kill non-Christians, non-Muslims, and non-Jews? Each book degrades WOMEN and places them at the bottom of the pile. At one point in time women were treasured highly as special. Our black history might recall Egypt, and their pagan traditions, women held status there that the Patriarchs of the 'book' never wanted to respect. Women could own property and have domain over a situation. This never happened with the domination of the people of the 'books' for many many centuries after.
"I haven't read any New Age books yet that could compare to the wisdom that I've found in Ecclasticlees or Psalms or Proverbs. I still apply the principles I've read in those books to my everyday life."
Glad you can apply them! Thats what matters.
No New Age religion teaches man how to grow food, clean food, kill animals, build structures, organize families, deal with mentral cycles, raise and breast-feed children, ect..ect.. like the Holy Koran, ancient Hebrew scriptures, and the Old Testament books of the Bible.
DEAL WITH menstral cycles? Like we are cows when we bleed? Our blood is natural and healthy and our womanhood should be respected. Did you know that Judaism has a section of their talmud dealing with 'women' and the other catagories are 'planting' and 'bathing' etc.? Islamic-dominated countries are AGES behind the West even with their treatment of women. Now in our modern society we do not need to know how to grow food in a biblical sense. We know how to do many of the things which it addresses. We do not need 617 commandments like the Jews regulating our every mood. What we do need is to know HOW to get in touch with the Divine in our lives. Im glad you mentioned how the book interacts with your life, cause for many Christians, and Jews, and Muslims also are going through the motions and not really being affected through the older patriarchial religions. This is why New Age has an appeal. Its why its the fastest growing religion in the world.
Thanks for the debate.

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