⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
TITLE: New Age Is Old Age: Exposing Ancient Spiritual Deception Repackaged Today
Author: Dave Jenkins | Show: Contending for the Word | Guest: Doreen Virtue
Show Summary
In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Doreen Virtue to expose a sobering truth: the New Age is not new—it is ancient spiritual deception repackaged with modern language and increasingly baptized with Christian vocabulary.
Together, they discuss how old spiritual errors return through practices such as manifestation, crystals, Reiki, channeling, “Jesus consciousness,” and self-authority spirituality, and why Christians must return to the sufficiency of Scripture, the local church, and the means of grace. Discernment is not unloving—it is an act of love for God, His truth, and His people.
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Key Scriptures
- Genesis 3
- Deuteronomy 18:9–14
- Acts 17:11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- Colossians 2 (warning against deceptive philosophy and “secret knowledge”)
- 1 Corinthians 10:20–21
Episode Highlights
- Why the New Age is ancient deception in modern packaging
- How “Christian language” is used to make spiritual counterfeits feel safe
- Truth revealed by God (Scripture) vs. “truth” discovered within the self
- How syncretism and spiritual compromise dull discernment
- Why testing everything by Scripture is a command, not an option
- Practical guardrails for Christians navigating modern spiritual trends
Full Article
The New Age consistently presents itself as fresh, progressive, and enlightened. But when you strip away the branding and modern buzzwords, what remains is something ancient and familiar: the same old lie from Genesis 3—autonomy from God, “hidden knowledge,” and spirituality without repentance.
In this conversation, Doreen Virtue shares how her book New Age Is Old Age grew out of weekly articles written to help Christians recognize how these old errors recycle themselves. From counterfeit “healing” practices to “manifestation” and self-authority spirituality, the New Age offers promises that sound appealing—yet deny the biblical realities of sin, repentance, and the exclusive Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Scripture does not leave believers guessing. God has spoken finally and fully in His Word and in His Son. The Christian life is not found by looking inward for “inner authority,” but by looking to Christ, submitting to His Word, and remaining rooted in the local church where the means of grace are faithfully practiced.
As Paul commands, we are to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). Discernment is not driven by fear or pride—it is driven by love: love for God, love for His truth, and love for His people.
Takeaways / Reflection Questions
- Where have you seen “Christianized” spiritual language used to smuggle in unbiblical ideas?
- Do you evaluate spiritual practices by Scripture—or by experience and feelings?
- What guardrails help you stay rooted in Christ: Word, prayer, local church, and godly counsel?
- How can you practice discernment with humility, courage, and love?
Related Resources
- Book: New Age Is Old Age (Doreen Virtue)
- More episodes of Contending for the Word
- Articles and resources on biblical discernment at Servants of Grace
Call to Action
If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to Contending for the Word, sharing this episode with a friend, and leaving a comment. Above all, be a Berean—test everything by Scripture and hold fast to Christ.
For more from Contending for the Word please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
