Vol. 6, No. 9, 1989

Articles on the New Age

Rick Branch

The dictionary defines innocent as "having or appearing to have the simplicity or naivete of an unworldly person," (Random House Dictionary, p. 687). What better way to describe a young child than with the word innocent? They are so very trusting of adults, believing they would never be lead astray by their parents. But what if the parents are themselves in darkness, walking that path that leads to eternal damnation?

For many such parents, the gift that awaits their child is a Pandora's Box. Found in this box may be a myriad of New Age presents -- everything from something as subtle as children's story books to the more blatant Yoga for the young.

In a brochure from Trenna Production: One To Grow On!, a New Age Children's book publisher it is stated, "One To Grow On! stories teach... basic new age values that allow children to become masters of their own lives," (Taking The Growing Pains Out Of Growing Up, p. 2).

The brochure continues by describing several of the books which are available. In Don't Blame Others, the brochure explains children will be taught to "...look inside for your answers, and creating your own reality," (Ibid). Other books discuss realizing one's own magical ability, and meditation exercises. The brochure concludes with the statement, "They are stories adults can feel comfortable giving to children..." (Ibid, p. 3).

This is not an isolated incident. There are many New Age children's products being produced by a variety of companies.

From The C.R. Gibson Company in Norwald, Connecticut comes a book entitled, Waldo, Tell Me About God. In this tale, Waldo, a large sheep dog tells young Michael about God. Waldo explains, God is "...in everything. So when you love Him in a flower, in an animal, in a rock, in a friend and even in a beautiful sunset -- then it becomes so easy!" (p. 26). This is New Age Pantheism!

Aside from children's books there are also children's games.

One such game is STAR + GATE. Similar to Tarot Cards, this game allows the players to practice "creative visualizing techniques called Picture Stories (which) will lead you to your inner awareness," (STAR + GATE: Keys To The Kingdom, p. 13). The guide book explains "This is an excellent game to play with children.... Children from about the age of nine or ten can use STAR + GATE..." (Ibid, p. 248-249).

What is this inner awareness that the children will be led to? "We find we are god-stuff and star-stuff," (Ibid, p. 217).

For the serious New Age parent there is always Yoga and relaxation techniques. The book See and Be: Yoga and Creative Movement for Children purports to be "a delightful way for parents and teachers to help pre-school children develop self-awareness..." (Introduction).

From the organization Gateways Institute parents can purchase cassette tapes which are designed to be "Especially For Children." These tapes, "recommended for ages 3 to 10 years...," will teach children to "...learn to use creative visualizations in a state of relaxation," (Discoveries Through INNER QUEST, Fall 1988, p. 16).

Though these products are available, the question may be asked, do parents really teach their children to do such things? The answer is an unequivocable YES!

In the New Age magazine, Body Mind & Spirit, Cynthia Ouellette, tells of her experiences in teaching her children the doctrines of Karma, Reincarnation and calling on spirit guides. She declares, "Knowledge of reincarnation -- the idea that we have lived and died many times before -- can help children understand how they create their reality, how Karma works and can help them overcome their fear of death.

"You can explain to them that before they were born into this life, they made certain decisions about how they wanted this life to be," (March/April 1989, p. 37).

She continues with, "A couple of my children have seen and talked to my mother even since her death. They even get up in the middle of the night to play with her!" (Ibid).

Not only do her children see their dead grandmother, but also other entities.

"It can be very reassuring for children to know that they can call on their Spirit Guides for help when they are experiencing a negative event," (Ibid, p. 38).

In the conclusion of her article, this mother encourages other parents to follow on the same path. "It can be both challenging and enlightening to help our children understand and deal with their paranormal experiences," (Ibid p. 62).

While it is tragic when anyone is deceived by a cult, it is especially heart-wrenching to see children drawn onto this path which leads to eternal damnation.