Below is the New Ager Halpern making fun of Bob Larson for calling New Age music "Satanic". I think this is a very INSTRUCTIVE article. I'd like to point out a few things to you before you read.
1-Notice the use of humor to make Larson seem, silly or stupid when he directly attacks Halpern's music.
2-Notice the TOTAL avoidance with the concept of "the devil".
3-Notice that all Halpern can do to respond, it talk about "healing within"
4-Last and MOST IMPORTANT! Notice the use of Scripture, Jesus' own words, taken OUT OF CONTEXT. This is classic! The total confusion between "going within" in the New Age context and Contemplative Prayer which is what the Savior was talking about.
I'd be glad to entertain any questions on this article. Please read carefully and again, this is NOT to condone NAM music, this is an INSTRUCTIVE article...to help folks learn to discern NAM 'doublespeak'.
New Age Music Satanic?
By Steven Halpern, Ph.D. ________________________________________
I recently was a presenter at an extraordinary conference sponsored by the Omega Institute and New Age Journal. The three-day conference on the healing power of sound, music and the creative spirit was simply one of the most phenomenal gatherings of teachers, musicians, and tuned-in, receptive individuals that has ever come together, especially so, in that it was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York's mid-town Manhattan. It would take more than this column to download the gifts and suggestions shared by Deepak Chopra, Don Campbell, Babatune Olatunji, Pir Vilayat Khan and a host of others who have devoted their lives to this work. I was truly honored to be among them. For audio tapes of this remarkable event contact The Omega Institute at 916-266-4444.
Being in that supportive environment made it all the more dramatic when I wandered into a huge Christian bookstore (and I mean 'huge.' The white letter signage outside was about 15 feet high) in Asheville, North Carolina last month.
With Asheville attaining status as a Mecca for new age seekers, it is perhaps not surprising that there is a backlash. I walked over to the "new age" section and found two books that made it crystal-clear (no pun intended) as to what the Christian Fundamentalists find so threatening about New Age philosophy and New Age music. (The New Age section is a subsection under "Spiritual War.")
Not only that: it is clear that they might be reading this column, as well as my previous books and articles: they were kind enough to quote me accurately, along with Lee Underwood and some of the other seminal writers on the subject. Interestingly, they offered a more accurate portrayal of 'what new age music is' than has generally been found in the mainstream press, or even many of the New Age magazines themselves. The problem, however, was the context in which they distort the message.
I refer you to our guest columnist from the far right, Bob Larson. His book, which I recommend to you (so that you may know where they are coming from, just as they read our books to know where we are coming from) is called, Straight Answers On The New Age.
Echoing the sentiments of this writer, Larson states that "New Age music is merely recycled soft jazz, the same instrumental mood music that's been around for years under other names. (Especially like when hot-wired rock guitarist Neil Schon unplugs, they call it unplugged rock on MTV, and his new record label, Higher Octave, craftily classifies it as New Age to co-opt the charts for themselves).
Larson continues: "It's touted as a way to relax and create mood to expand the mind." Now comes the kicker: "Not mentioned are the dangers of accompanying visualization and mental excursions, which could lead to occult ideology. Those who trip out with alpha waves may believe they have left their bodies and endanger their spirits." (Good thing he hasn't attended a rave, or listened to ambient-trance music).
"For those who seek the assistance of music to leave their bodies and alter their consciousness, the music could indeed be dangerous. Don't dismiss such sounds as banal and more evocative of waterfalls than musical ingenuity. New Age motivation isn't to be trusted. The synthesized symphonies of New Age music can lead directly to the occult. The overt egotism incited by New Age music may not only soothe the mind, but also damn the soul."
Whew! I had to re-read that several times, and I'm still not sure I follow his thinking. (THAT WOULD BE BECAUSE HE DOESN'T GET THAT THERE REALLY IS A 'PERSON' CALLED SATAN)
In another section, Larson correctly identifies the intent of authentic (as we define it) NAM (New Age music). "True New Age music, as distinguished from the more commercial variety, is composed to affect the listener's consciousness" Yes, Bob, in a spiritually nourishing, uplifting manner it can inspire us, and encourages an integration of the inner and outer being, offering an audio expression of inner and planetary-peace.
In this sense, New Age music is really a return to roots, to the most primordial uses of sound from before recorded history. (Most other writers have missed this connection, by the way.) I think this helps explain the current popularity, subconsciously, for the Gregorian chant albums.
So what could be the matter with that, I wondered?
Mr. Larson provides his "straight" answer, "Unless something is in accord with revealed scripture, it is false. Musicians, and others, who channel are by definition channeling Satanic entities."
He goes on, "The ultimate fallacy is that truth and spirituality lie within, and can be known intuitively." Excuse me, Mr. Larson, didn't Jesus Himself say, "The kingdom of God lies within"? Whose interpretation of "compatibility with scripture" incorporates the basic tenets that Christ taught?
Well, now at least I understood why Shirley MacLaine, Marianne Williamson, myself and others were on their list.
Well, enough of the fanatics. I am delighted that this issue of New Frontier Magazine is devoted to sound and healing, which has been my life's work.
Although no one fully understands the mechanisms through which the healing powers of music operate, there is no question that certain kinds of music can assist the body in amplifying its own self-healing energies.
Traditional music therapy focuses on physiological or emotional response to music. Obviously, if you have favorite pieces of music that makes you happy, this will tend to enhance the production of endorphins, which contribute to feelings of wellness.
The body produces its own natural mood enhancers, called neuro-transmitters. Those that help us relax are called endorphins. Beta-endorphins are those specific secretions that Dr. Irving Oyle calls "joy juice: they help us feel good and are associated with "runners" high--and, I believe, the "high" one gets in listening to pleasurable music. Although there hasn't been a great deal of research as of yet, studies have already demonstrated the music-endorphin connection. In the near future, music will be recognized for its ability to provide a drug-free "natural high" and used accordingly.
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Steven Halpern, author and musician, has released over 50 albums, and is considered the "father of new age music." He is a regular New Frontier Magazine columnist.