Michael Horton Finds Ancient Origins for New Age Spirituality
Nov 19, 2024
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Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary, dives into his book, Shaman and Sage. He reveals how modern 'spiritual but not religious' movements link back to ancient practices and philosophies. Horton discusses the impact of the Axial Age, critiques secularism through Charles Taylor's lens, and explores how Gnostic traditions influence contemporary spiritual individualism. The intersection of ancient belief systems and modern technology also highlights a fascinating evolution in the spiritual landscape.
Michael Horton traces the 'spiritual but not religious' movement back to ancient philosophical traditions, highlighting its historical continuity in Western civilization.
The conversation critiques modern secularism by illustrating how contemporary spiritual practices often echo ancient beliefs and remain intertwined with Christian thought.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Spirituality
The discussion emphasizes the growing trend of individuals identifying as 'spiritual but not religious,' indicating a shift away from traditional religious structures toward more self-defined spiritual practices. Michael Horton explores this movement's historical roots, tracing its origins back to ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions, suggesting that this phenomenon is not new but rather a recurring theme in Western civilization. He argues that contemporary practices often echo ancient beliefs, particularly the idea that individuals can find divinity within themselves rather than relying on external religious authority. This perspective highlights the continuity of spiritual exploration throughout history, illustrating how modern spirituality can often resemble ancient philosophies.
The Impact of Philosophy on Christianity
The conversation outlines the complex relationship between philosophy and Christianity, particularly how philosophical ideas influenced the development of Christian doctrine. Horton critiques the notion that modernity or secularism represents a complete departure from spiritual beliefs, asserting that the philosophical undercurrents remain deeply embedded in both contemporary spirituality and Christian thought. He points out that many historical figures, including those during the Renaissance, merged Christian beliefs with earlier philosophical traditions, such as Orphism and Neoplatonism, leading to a blending of mystical ideas with Christian narratives. This interaction raises questions about the authenticity of contemporary religious beliefs and their roots in ancient thought.
Historical Patterns of Belief
The exploration of historical patterns reveals that the tensions between paganism and Christianity have always existed, previously manifesting through philosophical dialogues and practices. Horton argues that various spiritual movements, historically tied to the divine self concept, tend to resurface in different forms across eras, redefining the relationship individuals have with spirituality. He illustrates how the cycles of belief, from the philosophical musings of figures like Plato to modern New Age philosophies, highlight a continuance of seeking transcendent meaning outside traditional religious narratives. This cyclical nature of belief may suggest that contemporary shifts towards individualistic spirituality are part of a long-standing dialogue rather than a radical departure from history.
In this episode of Gospelbound, Collin Hansen and Michael Horton discuss Horton's new book, Shaman and Sage, tracing the deep historical roots of "spiritual but not religious" movements from ancient civilizations through modern technological trends.
They discuss:
The evolution of spirituality and its ancient pedigree
The concept of the divine self and its historical roots
The Axial Age and its impact on philosophical religions
The interaction between Christianity and philosophical religions
The role of Jesus's incarnation in Christian theology
A critique of Charles Taylor's thesis on secularism
The historical trajectory of enchantment
The impact of Horton's book and future volumes
The connection between New Age spiritualities and technologies
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