I actually found this book to be helpful in introducing some issues that everyone should at least consider. I generally agree with Peter Jones that this New Age phenomena is really nothing more than re-surfacing Gnosticism, but on a much larger scale. Before I offer some feedback about what I found helpful in the book, I'll offer a few criticisms. This book was written in 1992, which is now 12 years ago, and I'm not so sure that this New Age thinking is quite as pronounced (in the same way as Jones describes) as it has been in the past; I could be wrong though and I'd love to hear what he thinks about the New Age movement today! There seems to be a resurgence of more conservative movements that are popping up since Jones wrote this work. I think of the Time Magazine article that was published a few years ago describing the top ten current ideas changing the world, and among them (at number 3 I believe) was the so-called New Calvinsim which has very conservative theological roots. So, this may not be so much of a criticism as much as an estimation. Secondly, I found this book to be very short and left me wanting to know more from a reformed theological perspective. However, my wanting may be satisfied once I read his "Spirit Wars". I just felt like there should have been a better Christian response to some of this New Age theology. Perhaps, Jones could have suggested how we, as modern Christians, should apply the arguments against Gnosticism of the early church fathers to the New Age movement. At any rate, all of this may be satisfied once I read the next book.Some good things...I thought that bringing out the parallel between ancient Gnosticism and New Age religion was insightful. Surely there are no new heresies under the sun! I believe that Jones is correct in the level of worry that he has for the present day Christian church, we must always be ready to give a defense of the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). However, I think the most important contribution of the book is the realization of the dangers of extreme tolerance. It is important to know that as Christians we face opposition in the form of "tolerance". In the attempt to be tolerant, there is often an unrealized intolerance that is hidden. I know that Jones writes with an urgent tone and may come off as the "arrogant" Christian who is oppressive, but I would argue the same for the other side. I don't think there is anything wrong with being passionate and having a sense of urgency, as long as we can speak the truth in love. After all, this is a clash of worldviews and the outcome has specific life-changing implications for everyone involved. So it comes down to a battle of worldviews and presuppositions. I just think that that is very important insight and we must be aware of it.As far as the book as a whole, I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book as an introduction from a Christian perspective to anyone interested in the discussion.My interest was piqued to read this book after listening to Peter Jones as a speaker at a Ligonier Ministries National Conference in 2009 (live-stream broadcast) this past spring. I was amazed at the depth of knowledge Dr. Jones has but not really surprised since his life has intersected with many of the scholars on this subject.In this book, Dr. Jones answers the questions raised about the commonality of militant feminism, Eastern religions, Homosexual rights, Nature worship and political correction: What do these ideologies have in common? Gay rights are promoted in popular magazines, public radio, and Hollywood. Feminist spirituality is making inroads into Christianity. Christian students are being silenced in the name of religious tolerance. Mystical techniqes for achieving well-being and self-knowledge are being adopted in the business world and military. Are these just coincidental trends?Dr. Jones says "NO." This book goes in depth to show that these are expressions of an ancient heresy reasserting itself today called Gnosticism--a heresy of self-deification--returning with a vengence in the New Age movement. This was an incredible eye-opener for me; however, Dr. Jones did an incredible job of linking these pagan ideologies back to Gnosticism which dominated society in the first three centuries of the Christian church. Dr. Jones makes a brilliant case by answering this question: Are these apparently disconnected issues really part of a coherent pagan ideology pointed to impose its religious belief system on the New World Order (the Age of Aquarius) of the twenty-first century. Dr, Jones "connects the dots" in a masterful presentation, answering this question lucidly and with great knowledge of the material.This is a wake up call to any Christian or Christ follower to contend for the faith and use the sword of God's Word to put pagan Gnosticism to flight in this time as it was from the early true Christian church! The Gnosticism of the 21st century has many threads which are being woven into varying facets of our lives, to the eternal destruction of our souls!A few of the reviews I read on amazon were so annoying, I thought I'd chime in. Sure, if you are a Gnostic you probably don't agree with Peter Jones' judgments. But don't try to belittle his intelligence or his command of the subject matter. He has a Ph.D. from Princeton Seminary, he's been a theology porfessor for years, and he has written a number of books on the topic. He knows the arguments and counter-arguments. If you disagree, just say so, but don' make these silly attacks on Dr. Jones' competence. He's very sharp.I found the book to be a good introduction to the topic. I used it in an adult c.e. setting at our church, where we spent 13 weeks with it. Most folks appreciated the book and were challenged by it. It helped us understand the appeal of a puzzling movement, and how a neo-pagan worldview hangs together coherently.It is concise, rather than comprehensive. It does not explore all the varieties of the New Age movement. Its not intended to do that. But its well worth the investment of a few hours of redaing time and a few dollars.I bought extra copies for friends and for the church library.What is happening around us is no accident! It starts with mind manipulation. No this is not science fiction or '1984'. It's far ,more serious than that. It's the ultimate battle that will end in the final defeat of satan and evil but meanwhile... the war is on!