God as best seller: Deepak Chopra, Neal Walsch and New Age theology

Christian Century, Sept 20, 2003 by Lois Malcolm

A WALK DOWN the aisle of any major bookstore reveals that spirituality sells, and that spirituality is not confined to the "religion" or "Christian inspiration" sections. Diverse though the literature on spirituality is, a body of popular teachings about God--and bow we might experience God--is emerging within it. If the civil religion and public theologies of mainline Protestantism no longer capture the imagination of the average American, perhaps this new teaching is taking its place. Not identified with any traditional or established belief or practice, it is influenced by a range of sources, including westernized forms of Hinduism and Buddhism, the "metaphysical" beliefs of post-Christian churches (e.g., Unity churches) and 12-step appeals to God "as you perceive him."

Two authors in particular--Deepak Chopra and Neal Donald Walsch--have captured people's imagination. Whether or not one finally agrees with their views--and Christians of all stripes will have much to argue with in both cases--they give important insights into the nature of God-talk in our time.

In the 1980s, Deepak Chopra left his endocrinology practice in order to incorporate insights from traditional healing traditions into Western medical practice. He has created a highly successful--and lucrative--series of books, videotapes and workshops, among other things. After writing books on health, the "ageless body," creating affluence, overcoming addictions, "healing the heart" and spiritual practices, he turned his attention to God. Though not his latest book, How to Know God is his most explicitly theological work and serves as an exemplar of how a version of Vedanta Hinduism (introduced to the West by such exponents as Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda) has been made popular and accessible.

Drawing on neuroscience, quantum physics and a westernized Hinduism, Chopra states that the brain is hardwired to know God. The book's fittingly titled first chapter, "A Real and Useful God," explains how all people have direct access to God. The human nervous system has seven biological responses that correspond to seven levels of divine experience (which correlate with popular Hindu teaching about "chakras"--seven energy centers in the body that contain universal spiritual lessons--although Chopra does not mention "chakras" in his book).

Chopra conceives of the universe as a three-part construct shaped like a sandwich. God and the material world form the outside layers, and a "transition zone" lies in between. With reference to Einstein, "who made time and space into fluid things that merge into each other," Chopra suggests that the "material world" is made up of objects and events we can identify; the "transition zone" is a quantum reality or domain where energy turns into matter; and the place beyond time and space--the origin of the universe, the place where God is--is like a "virtual reality or domain." At this third level God creates and organizes energy and information, turning the "chaos of quantum soup" into "stars, galaxies, rain forests, human beings, and our own thoughts, emotions, memories and desires."

The seven responses to our environment represent seven ways of responding to God--or making decisions within the quantum realm--and thus organize our experience of reality. Chopra describes these responses with precision, in ascending order of spiritual development. The "fight-or-flight response" enables us to survive in the face of danger. In this phase, we choose "fear" (along with family, community; a sense of belonging and material comforts). The idea of "God as Protector" fits this image of the world--a hidden God who is vengeful, capricious, jealous and judgmental, meting out reward and punishment, but who is also sometimes merciful.

The "reactive response" enables the brain to create a personal identity by defining the needs of "I, me and mine." Here we choose "power" (along with success, influence, status and other ego satisfactions). "God the Almighty" rules here, a God who is sovereign, omnipotent, just, rational, role-bound and the answerer of prayers.

In the "restful awareness response," we choose to "know ourselves" (this goes with insight, centeredness, self-acceptance and inner silence). At this level God is the "God of peace," a God who is detached, calm, consoling, conciliating, and meditative.

In the "intuitive response" we choose "inner reflection" (along with empathy, tolerance and forgiveness). "God the Redeemer" fits this world--a God who understands, is tolerant, forgiving, nonjudgmental, inclusive and accepting.

In the "creative response" we choose to create (this entails inspiration, expanded creativity in art, science and unlimited discovery). This is the realm of "God the Creator," a God who is unlimited creative potential, has control over space and time, and is abundant, open, willing to be known and inspired.

In the "visionary response" we choose to love, in order to heal ourselves and others (along with emphasizing reverence, compassion, devotion and service). Here the "God of miracles" reigns--a God of prophets and seers who transforms, enlightens, and exists beyond all causes.