The influence of the New Age on mainstream religion is substantial and still conceived as a challenge to Christian theology. Even if the New Age were to cease to exist as an independent religious force in modern culture, its presence will survive in the spiritual lives of many people who have found it meaningful and satisfying and in the churches which have adapted some of its beliefs and practices to their theology and ritual.

The reactions of Christians, which form the topic of this book, have become a major component of the New Age. The scope of this book is to survey and evaluate the many Christian responses to the New Age and to make suggestions as to how Christianity can react meaningfully to a modern spiritual phenomenon that is having an impact on the lives of many people at the end of the second millennium.

After describing the movement's ideology and goals from a scholarly perspective and from the viewpoint of those involved in it, the book examines critically three responses to the New Age Movement: the evangelical/fundamental, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic branches of Christianity. The final chapter draws up principles of evaluation and applies them to several specific New Age beliefs and practices.