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Cultic Studies Journal
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Shooting
for the Stars
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Psychological
Manipulation and Society
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Cultic Studies Journal
Psychological Manipulation and Society
Volume No. 11, No. 2 -- 1994
- Shooting for the Stars
- Ross Clifford and Philip Johnson. An Albatross Book,
Sutherland, Australia, 1993, 223 pages.
Reviewer: Walter Debold
In Sydney, Australia, there was a New Age festival
of "Mind, Body, Spirit." Clifford and Johnson, who write and conduct seminars on
the New Age, decided to staff a booth offering a Christian perspective on human potential
in the midst of what they describe as a "metaphysical smorgasbord." In dialogue
with their neighbors, the authors’ manner is not contentious but empathetic as they
record the claims of astrologers, near-death experiencers, people who believe in
reincarnation, others who live in a cosmic "oneness," and some who have
confidence in healing crystals. Clifford and Johnson had contact with "channelers"
and people who claim to be clairvoyant, and also with people committed to sacred sex,
yoga, the enneagram, witchcraft, yoga, sacred sex, and tarot cards.
Each of the 10 chapters concludes with a section entitled
"Insights." By the time the authors get around to assessing the situation, the
reader gets the feeling that such a convention of New Agers might be the surest cure for
the whole New Age movement. The authors have empathy to spare, but their Insights are not
very profound or illuminating.
The jacket claims, "A new paradigm is offered that
takes seriously the spiritual ache found in today’s fast-paced world." If this
is to be understood as a promise it only leads to disappointment. If you are a busy person
you will probably not be able to budget time for this book.
Walter Debold
Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
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CSJ