…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:8-11 ESV

I have compiled a list of resources for those who are interested in learning more about how New Age beliefs and practices have infiltrated the Christian Church. Familiarizing yourself with these beliefs and practices may feel a bit like sliding down spiritual rabbit holes, but I think it is important to, at least, be familiar with how the enemy works and how he is operating in the world, and the church, today. Deception runs deep and EVERYTHING should be tested against the Word of God, in CONTEXT…even if it sounds “Christian.” Many trusted Christian leaders have been deceived and are leading their flocks astray. Perhaps not a big deal with secondary issues; however, some of these false teachings are salvific issues – such as denial of Jesus Christ’s divinity or questioning the need for repentance. 

I have split the list into two parts. The first half is a list of ex-new agers. They cover a wide array of topics – from “mindful” meditation to witchcraft, and so on. At the top of the list is Christian Answers for the New Age. This site has a large list of articles on numerous topics – it might be a good place to begin the journey.

The second half are those who are pastors, apologists, etc… who feel led to expose wrong teachings within the Body by focusing on what the Word of God says, in context. Or, as Pastor Chris Rosebrough from Fighting for the Faith says, “Comparing what people are saying in the NAME of God to the WORD of God.”

This list is, by no means, exhaustive. These are just some of the resources that I have used over the last year and a half as I have followed my own journey into how New Age and New Thought have skewed my perception of the God of the Bible. There are a number of those in the ministry of “discernment” who are very dramatic and their “findings” are oftentimes a bit of a stretch. With the exception of Chris Rosebrough (who can be quite snarky and sarcastic), I have tried to include people who concentrate more on dividing the Word, rightly, than those who are only interested in getting more clicks or views. Chris teaches the Word, in context…but can have a mocking tone that some may find off-putting.

Disclaimer: I do not hold to every single view of every single person on this list. I still believe that God can, and does, move in miraculous ways. However, I believe that a lot of what we call “a move of the Holy Spirit,” simply isn’t. Many false prophets will hide behind phrases like, “do not touch God’s anointed” or “do not question this move of God because you may blaspheme the Holy Spirit.” But, we are specifically told: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 ESV 

False prophets cover themselves with Scripture taken out context. And as far as blaspheming the Holy Spirit goes… Is it possible that we blaspheme the Holy Spirit when we attribute the work of the enemy to the very Spirit of God? And aren’t we taking God’s Name in vain when we say, “Thus saith the Lord,” when it wasn’t actually the God of the Bible doing the talking?

I trust the inerrant Word of God over “special revelation” through another person’s experience. I’ve had powerful experiences…they weren’t all from God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

We are to test the spirits, Church. And we need to pray for our pastors and teachers.

PART 1: Ex-New Agers (click on names to follow the links)

Christian Answers for the New Age (Marcia Montenegro)

Steven Bancarz

Book: Second Coming of the New Age – The Hidden Dangers of Alternative Spirituality in Contemporary America and Its Churches by Steven Bancarz and Josh Peck

Warren B. Smith

Book: The Light That Was Dark – From the New Age to Amazing Grace by Warren B. Smith*

Ray Yungen

Book: A Time of Departing – How Ancient Mystical Practices are Uniting Christians with the World’s Religions by Ray Yungen*

Lighthouse Trails

Johanna Michaelsen

Book: The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen*

Caryl Matrisciana*

Melissa Dougherty

Doreen Virtue*

PART 2: Discernment

Costi Hinn* (Benny Hinn’s nephew)

Fighting for the Faith/Pirate Christian Radio

GotQuestions.org

Mike Winger

Dr. Walter Martin*

Books: The Kingdom of the Cults & The Kingdom of the Occult by Dr. Walter Martin*

Cultish/Apologia Studios

Holley Pivec*

Alisa Childers*

Justin Peters*

Amy Spreeman/Berean Research

Again, this list is not exhaustive, but merely a starting point. Each of these people and ministries provides an abundance of information. I’m trusting that you are able to do your own research in those areas in which you are most interested. I’m available to answer questions or lend guidance, as needed. As always, take what you read here, as well as, the links that I have shared, to the Lord, in prayer…and test everything against the truth found in Scripture.

Grace and peace to each of you!

“Remember there is a beautiful side of evil – deceptive, subtle, adorned with all manner of spiritual refinements, but no less from the pit of hell than that which is blatantly demonic.” ~Johanna Michaelsen

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1-6 ESV

*This author has written other books. I am only listing the book(s) that I have already read, or am currently reading.