ABSTRACT
The therapeutic culture has spread throughout much of modern American society. The author presents some of his observations on the therapeutic nature of New Age religion. He explores, however, that New Age healing is more than just a fad. It represents a noteworthy, albeit extreme in some instances, manifestation of the contemporary therapeutic culture. In particular, New Age healers embrace a “therapeutic theology,” which, among other things, exalts the self above all else, discourages judgment of any kind, and rejects the concept of absolute truth. The author describes this theology, relying on the words of healers themselves as much as possible. The self is at the center of therapeutic theology. According to therapeutic theology, everything is in a constant state of motion, and people are encouraged to embrace this change by ending old relationships and developing new ones. The author concludes by examining the social conditions that promote this increasingly noteworthy part of the therapeutic culture.
