Self-focused Spiritualism

Jesus taught and modeled that 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'  Better to improve the plight of others, than to focus on one's own needs.  His followers heeded his message, lived extraordinarily selfless lives and in the process changed the world.  

'New Spirituality' teaches that it is more blessed to receive than to give.  Better to improve oneself than to focus on the plight of others.  It's followers are heeding the message of self improvement and at the same time clinging to the romantic notion that 'individual spirituality' will change the world.  From the article below, it seems that the two cannot coexist.  

Young people who embrace trendy, self-focused spiritualism are more anxious and depressed than those who believe in God or reject religion altogether, a survey shows.

A major Queensland study of 21-year olds suggests that the shift away from traditional religious beliefs to new-age religions is not making young adults happier.  The survey quizzed 3,705 people on their beliefs in God, higher powers other than God, as well as their church-going habits and other behaviours...

Dr Aird found only eight per cent of young adults attended church once a week, a trend linked to lower rates of antisocial behaviour among young men, but not females.  She said individualism was the common thread in the shift away from traditional religious thoughts to non-religious spirituality.

"This focus on self fulfillment and improvement over others' well being could undermine a person's mental health with many people feeling more isolated, less healthy and having poorer relationships," Dr Aird said.

She said so-called new spirituality promotes the idea that self-transformation will lead to a positive and constructive change in self and society.

"But there is a contradiction," Dr Aird said.

"How can one change society if one is focused on oneself?"

From article 'Trendy Spiritualism Breeds Unhappiness'.  Click here to read the full article.