Do you believe "New Agey" movements are causing mental harm, or rather that those who have experienced some degree of life-changing psychological states (depression, psychosis) are seeking out things "outside the box"? What came first, the chicken or the egg?

I would tend to think it's some life-changing event which has led to a possible life-changing psychological state that has then forced the individual to pursue a path that is no longer considered mainstream. Not all cases sure, and not all outside events will trigger a change in mental state - but for those who are deemed to be unhappy or depressed, I would say it's past circumstances which have created the present condition. I find it hard to believe that someone happy and content with everything in life, would even start digging in the first place. The people who pursue fringe knowledge I think are generally people who are aware that all is not well in this reality, that what we are told to believe, there is something wrong with it.

The biggest problem however I think this study poses, is that kids or people who aren't necessarily unhappy, but who are starting to question things around them do so in a public way - by letting their friends and family know what they're discovering - then to find that those around them are fearing for that person's mental health and convince them to stay clear from these new agey ideas, and come back to the flock. The potential for change in one's life could be shattered by others who may not necessarily have read this study, but who would be inclined to believe it straight out without question.

I like this quote too. Obviously he hasn't heard of the aphorism 'gnothi seauton' or 'know thyself'. If you think of everyone in history who has ever changed society for better or worse, there is a good chance that they knew their personal strengths and weaknesses. That doesn't come from sitting among the masses, and buying everything you are told. A lot of introspection and 'fousing on oneself' is required first before you can make a difference.

PON...Cool... I will never speak for you either.  I'm just very sensitive to sound.  Today, I'm going to blindfold myself and wear ear-plugs.  Hopefully, if my neighbors find me run over in the street their CNG (common nice gene)
will kick in and get me to the hospital. If the doctor yells at me for walking in the street blindfolded and deaf I won't be able to hear him.  If he saves me I won't care what religion he is or if he is verbally abusive.

I only speak for Charlie:

There are better ways of doing this Millenium. I've got a fantastic product. It's a bit pricey but for you: FREE!!!

http://forum.noblerealms.org/pics/1014_futile.jpg

I guess if I had to choose living next door to a Southern Baptist or a hostile person who cursed a lot I'd choose the Baptist.  Atheism is very trendy but the freethinkers I know don't do a lot of cussing.  Hatred only fuels the pro-apocolyptic movement and that makes me unhappy.

Well good for you my friend good for you. I don't agree with you but thats fine think what you wish.

Don't take this study too personally; trendy is a word similar to compliant, and I don't see much compliance around NR.  I have met numerous spiritual people who like following the trends; I wouldn't call these people fringe truth-seekers.  They very much want to fit into a group structure  with paradigms that fits a commonly identifiable meme, and ones that validate them at their current level of consciousness. Seeking unknown truths is uncomfortable and irritating to someone who identifies with "trends". Trend followers need trend setters; not people who challenge them to think for themselves.

" 'Meme' broken down into its main essential components is 'me' 'me' "
~~carefulcarpenter

To find the spirit is also to clearly see it's distorted forms.  The difference between this and THAT becomes more obvious, not just in the external world but within self.  When the soul finds spirit it finds it's own internal environment more disturbing because it is seen for what it is.  Finding spirit, the soul then cannot remain at ease in the lower vibration of the old self.  The soul is less and less comfortable in the old patterns of consciousness.  But not without spiritual respite.  Spirit plays hide and seek alluring the soul to come up higher (in vibration).... to rise above the negative contents of the subconscious by transmuting it.  That can be somewhat of a tumultuous time as the real is separated from the unreal in consciousness.  It is the tribulation.... a time of troubles.... but it will come to an end so long as we embrace our redeemer..... the inner- spirit of the higher- Self.  And follow it's lead in all things.

I guess if I had to choose living next door to a Southern Baptist or a hostile person who cursed a lot I'd choose the Baptist.  Atheism is very trendy but the freethinkers I know don't do a lot of cussing.  Hatred only fuels the pro-apocolyptic movement and that makes me unhappy.

POORER MENTAL HEALTH!

People are comfy in their puffy heavens.

For me.. Truth over happiness...