Idolatry – Tarot, Astrology, and Crystals
Tarot cards, Author Roberto Viesi (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
According to a 2017 Pew survey, a growing number of millennials describe themselves as atheists or agnostics, often using the phrase “spiritual but not religious” [1]. They reject traditional religion in favor of astrology, tarot, meditation, crystals, and so called energy work.
Generic “Spirituality”
A combination of factors has contributed to the shift toward generic “spirituality”.
Whatever their particular background may be – Jewish, Protestant, or Hindu – young people today feel that organized religion does not fully represent (or satisfy) them.
Their faith of origin does not provide the guidance, purpose, or sense of community it once provided parents and grandparents. And it does not align with their beliefs about the LGBTQ community, women, or the environment. Religious and political scandals have further disillusioned them.
A Menu of Beliefs
Instead, young people select from a menu of beliefs – keeping what they like, and discarding the rest. Seductive affirmations like “I love myself”, “I am beautiful”, and “I am powerful” round out the mix. This spiritual version of fusion cuisine requires little commitment and no sacrifice.
The internet allows groups of like-minded individuals to connect. That provides validation.
The Fragrance of Christ
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life” (2 Cor. 2: 15-16).
How are Christians to combat this trend?
We cannot counter it by adopting worldly attitudes, and compromising our beliefs. That approach has already been tried to no avail. And we cannot counter it by simply going through the motions. Our pretense of piety has fooled no one.
Only authentic Christianity will combat the trend toward atheism and creature worship in all its forms. We must follow Christ, as He intended. This requires us to take up our cross.
That is not a guarantee of popularity. It will set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, as Christ warned (Matt. 10: 34-39). Many will turn away, despite our best efforts.
But others will respond to the fragrance of Christ and be saved.
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
It’s heartbreaking, what’s happening to this generation.
I feel the same. We are watching our children drown in delusion.
Yes, it is heartbreaking. Excellent post – thank you for these timely observations.
Well written Anna.. They worship the creation rather than the Creator..
It will all leave them empty because we are created to be connected to God Our Father..
Yes, exactly, Mary.
Striking observations, dear Anna! ⭐
Indeed, taking up our crosses and follow Christ will lead to the opposite of popularity.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (Jn 15:18-20 ESV)
As for our children, we can only pray for them and try to follow the Lord. I believe our example will finally change them, not because we are perfect but because the Lord is gracious and cares for those whose parents/grandparents tried to trust in Him.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.” (Is 44:3-4 ESV)
Keep up the good work, Anna! 🙂
Much love,
Susanne ❤
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Susanne. ❤ ❤ ❤
Much love,
Anna
You are very welcome, Anna! ❤ ❤ ❤
Susanne, what a great reply to a sobering article by Anna. The importance of prayer can’t be understated. In my case I had praying grandparents and a praying mother-in-law who lifted me up before the Father that I might come to Christ. The Holy Spirit was relentless, drawing me and His call on my heart kept building until I was miserable as long as I resisted, but what a joy once I did. We watch our kids go through the same struggles and wish we could keep them from making the same mistakes we did as we resisted the call of God. Yet this is all used by our Father to bring us home to Him, just as it was with the Prodigal Son. As with him, they finally “come to themselves” and return to their Father and His great love, seeing that this world has nothing to offer them after all. Praying for you and your family, dear sister.
Like you, Michael, I am certain I was saved because of the prayers (and example) of my mother and grandmother. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12: 1).
Anna, my grandmother (my mom’s mom) prayed, too. She never talked much, not even about the gospel, yet she prayed for her whole family. They watch us from heaven now, no doubt about this! 🙂
I so look forward to seeing them again, Susanne. 🙂
Thank you, Michael.
Thanks Anna for a very sobering look at the youth who are trapped in this world. As seducing as the things of this world might be, God and His love is greater and that is where we come in. It is such a mistake when we Christians get sucked into focusing on the delusions of this world system instead of manifesting the alternative reality of His loving family in Christ. May we continue to grow in His love.
I could not agree more, Michael. May God continue to bless and protect you.
The Christian faith is certainly not a popularity contest. I pray every day (not that God needs to hear it, but to remind myself) that, since sooner or later I will be hated by someone, when that happens, may I be hated for the right reason – hated for being a Christ-follower, hated by the same people who hate Him. When that happens, it will be a badge of honor in eternity.
That is a tremendous prayer.
Ohhh Anna 💔It truly is heartbreaking to watch people/loved ones fall away!
Yet while there’s still time, we can/must forget our own desire for popularity and
just pray for the LORD to draw them near to Him—using us for His purposes—
that He may convict/convince them unto true salvation 😇✝️🙏💜 Jackie@KWH
I so agree, Jackie. ❤
Nice written Anna. Truly it is heartbreaking.
Thank you, Sayani.
Actually… I love the proliferation of information that is available to everyone with an internet connection… which has made what you’ve pointed out, possible. The multicultural world that I’ve grown up in, has offered up a diversity of beliefs, paths, multitudes of religious and spiritual paths, and varied ways to explore them. Any kind of spiritual practice is only a tool. I.e. Meditation. Tools don’t define people. People are the ones that make the best or little use, of tools available to them. The major themes that are emerging with these new practices, are diversity and acceptance. That’s not a cookie cutter linear process but it resonates with a changing world.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.