At least according to http://kenneth.moyle.com/cp/ the Celestine Prophecy is a New Age tract masquerading as a novel. Which brings to mind what much of the Gospels seem to be: a lot of teachings with a narrative created to connect them.

I suspect that New Agers might not be too bothered by such a comparison, given that some of them believe that Jesus Christ had been some sort of New Age guru, but Christian Fundies will likely be indignant at such a comparison.

Personally I would say that the New Age movement is a bigger threat to Christianity than atheism will ever be. I agree with you that the Christians are far more likely to be upset by this than the new agers.

Also - I think there is a case that Christianity was 'supposed' to be a Gnostic faith, and thus in line with the New-Ageism, but was hijacked by the literalists. I have even heard a theory that Paul was a Gnostic, that the resurection he spoke of was spiritual and not physical, and that modern Christianity is just a victim of the conference of Nicea.

[This message has been edited by thinker (edited May 22, 2001).]

Indignant? No. Amused? Yes.