in his words, “I didn’t want to be embarrassed in front of a group,” (p. 44). Motivated by the fear of appearing foolish, he participated in something in which he did not at the time believe. As we noted briefly, in addition to recognizing that beliefs shape behaviour, we now have come to understand that behaviour shapes beliefs. It is not unreasonable to conclude that those who are leading the New Age are aware of this facet of human behaviour, and setting up the learning environment to take advantage of the “help” afforded by the group dynamic of the fear of appearing foolish. Changing the belief need not be sought first; just getting people involved and participating in the activities will work upon their attitudes to bring about the changes desired.The consideration of this final concept is quite intriguing to me. While we continue to read that there seems to be reactance against the notion that organized religion is somehow dogmatic, and the New Age, with its freedoms, makes a worthy alternative, a closer look is necessary. Observing the natural order of society, one must acknowledge the primacy and value of order, of rules. Driving on the way to work, at work, among adults, among children, among athletes, there are always rules. What would a typical morning rush be like if there were no rules? No rules to limit speed of drivers, or upon which side of the road we must drive, no rules to protect children crossing the road to reach school. We even have rules to govern how we play, and children do nothing in a game before they establish the rules of the game Is the backlash really against rules?No, this author believes. The problem is, whose rules? Even when New Agers stare at the sun and say , “there is my God,” (MacLean’s, p. 46), it was observed that “we may bow to statues, and other things, but they are still products of own making, and thus indirect idols of our own deifica...
