Byron Snapp

Book Reviews The New Age Is Lying To You by

Eldon K. Winker, Concordia Publishing House 3558 S. Jefferson Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63118-3968 c. 1994 pb. $10.99.

This book clearly shows the wide ranging impact the New Age Movement (NAM) is having on modem American sOciety. The author begins by devoting a chapteno the worldview of the NAM. Because the NAM is so diverse, a concise definition is very hard to wlite. The author works from the follOwing definition that he delived from his own study. "The New Age Movement is an eclectic, occult-based, evolution-promoting, man-centered, self-deifying, pervasive worldview (philosophyoflife) that seeks, through the transformation of the individuals, to bling about a transformation of society in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a new world order of complete global harmony." (p. 18)

Succeeding chapters provide the reader with a look at the historic roots of NAM and the working out of this philosophy in life. Separate chapters are devoted to the occult emphasis in the movement and the more subtle humanistic emphasis as is evidenced in areas such as entertainment, environmentalism, politics, education, business, and health care. The author does not overlook the inroads NAM is making into churches.

Each chapter begins with excellent examples ofNAM penetration into the subject discussed in that chapter. There is a blief Christian response to each subject. The final chapter is a basic response to the beliefs of NAM.

One can learn much by reading this book. The reader can become informed on the impactNAM is having

on business and medical philosophy, areas one might think outside ofNAM's domain. The reader could easily be involved in New Age philosophy without realizing it.

A weakness of the book is the author's fuilure to develop the Christian response sections. For example, after providing much information on the inroads NAM is making in public education through the teaching of methodology and curriculum, the author nowhere mentions the important response of enrolling children in Christian schools or home schools. (Please understand that Christian education is far more than a flight from false teaching. It involves educating our children from a God -centered perspective in each subject.) The author offers various ways to work within the public school system to attempt to bring change. There is great evidence to show that public education is built on a humanistic foundation and attempts to move the system off of that foundation will be futile.

This book points out that NAM, as does every religion, has a worldview. It will not be left within a New Age study group or gathering. It will filter, by its adherents, into every segment of life. Sadly, the door is open for successful propagation for two basic reasons. Sinful man would prefer to believe a lie rather than the truth (Rom. 1:25), thus it is easier to believe New Age philosophy than Christian truth. Secondly, the Church has failed to consistently teach and practice covenantal theology and the fact of Christ's lordship in all of life. Too often Christianity has no impact beyond the intelior of the church bUilding. Consequently, other realms of life are open to the advance of numerous ideologies.

While the author's Christian analysis needs to be expanded, it does

clearly show that Christian truth speaks to each area under discussion. Hopefully, the readerwill be challenged to do further study from a Biblical perspective. God's truth provides the one antidote to the NAM. Winker's book points this out clearly.

This well researched book provides a great introduction to the NAM. It could be used in Bible study groups in which greater thought and discussion of the Christian response would be explored. Church officers could use this book to educate members going into various vocations that might be particularly impacted by the NAM philosophy. All Christians will find a greater appreciation of Bible truths in light of the New Age lies.

William of Orange: The Silent Prince by W.G. Van de Hulst Inheritance Publications. Available in the u.s. from Inheritance Publications 8085 Kraft Ave. S.E. Caledonia, ML 49316. c. 1992 142 pp. pb.

The valiant life of William of Orange is unknown to many within churches today. He has for too long been buried under the rubble left by modem historians. We can be thankful for this reprint of the author's 1933 work, written for youth. He has uncovered a hero that exhibits many character traits that are needed by adults and youth in our own day.

Although born in Germany in a castle, his life was not one of comfort and ease. At age' 11 he inherited the region of Orange to govern and had to leave his family in orderto be educated in Brussels under Charles V's oversight. . Thus in 1544 he left his Protestant environment and was further educated in a Roman Catholic setting.

In God's providence he was an "Esther" of his day. God gave him a

concluded on page 82

July! August, 1994 t THE COUNSEL of Chalcedon t 27

sexual harassment is yet another example of a law that opens up the door to greedy folks reaching into "deep pockets" to grab a chunk of change. Is it not strange that while our government condones and protects the ongoing murder of infants and seems unable to

stopeu~ (Dr. Death and his ilk), mayhem and riots in Los Angeles, as well as countless other serious crimes, now it considers itself competent to become a virtual thought police? This is government run amok. Beware of Greeks beariIig gifts I

While we agree with the news media and our government that sexual harassment does take place a)1d is an evil that should be condemned by all, I believe that we shoUld not rejoiCe that our government has taken up this problem and sought to address it. Our remedy as men and women who might be subjected to this evil is basically the same as that oUosephwhowasharassed by Potiphar's wife-to refuse the solicitation and even flee if necessary (Genesis 39). Unlike]oseph who was a slav~, we thankfully have the right to find another job. Even more exciting, we have a God in heaven whowill right every wrong and judge every dispute. He is the final . Witness to all that happens, and!ie has the perfect standard by which to judge all drtngs. unlike . our government that tries to intrude into many areas where it has no busIness, . we need nevq fear God's perfect appiicarion. of justice. By faith iri Christ, we haVe seenthe full measure

~f that justice applied to Christ so that we might receive God's mercy and experienCe newness iJf life. n

. -'. -

William Of Orange, cont. great love for the Protestants in the Netherlands at a time when they were much hated a~d persecuted by King Philip who became king when his elderly fatherabdicilted the thione. His stand cbst Williani his weahh, a settled life, the ' qeath of his first 'Rife and ultimately' his own life. Through all

losses William remained faithful to the Lord Gcd who had given him true wealth-salvation through Jesus Christ. Thus, unlike the inspired account of Esther, readers learn that one's stand for Christ does not always result in immediate victory.

The value of this book goes beyond the basic story of William of Orange. Through reading this account readers are confronted with the life of a true hero. Here is a Christian who persevered in the Christian faith when the cause seemed lost and he was being pursued by government authorities. Impoverished, he was offered great wealth to deny his prinCiples. He refused. He remembered that true wealth is found in obeying God not in eanhly treasures.

Providentially God spared his life time and again. What a reminder that God will not allow us to die as long as He has work for us to do.

32 ~ THE COUNSEL of Chalcedon ~ July! August, 1994

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Ultimately William's faithful,loving stand for Christ was victorious although hedidnotlivetoseeit. The Netherlands became a Protestant country. They view William as a "Father in the Faith". His descendants stillsit on the throne there.

Although written for children, this book can be greatly enjoyed by adults. No doubt Christians of all ages will be encouraged by the life of William of Orange. Those who read it will learn why William was known as the "Silent Prince". The illustrations enhance the book. This book is a great choice for families to read and discuss together. No matter in what century we live or our level of comfon, we must never forgetthat we are in a spiritual war. We must be willing to stand faithfully and firmly, seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness. God will truly provide for our every need. The life of William of Orange exemplifies this. We need such examples today.n