Sedona?

[mbeachbum]

What do you know, think, feel about Sedona, Arizona?

My daughter and I just got back from a trip to Arizona. We spent most of one day in Sedona, a beautiful, breath-taking location with lots of shopping! :D

However, while we were there, we saw several signs advertising such things as "New Age," "psychic readings," "the vortex," etc. What do you think about such things? What do you think about this location, which is supposed to be an exceptional place for these things?

**I hope it was ok for me to put this here.** :o

I'd like some feedback because my daughter and I think that we might like to go back to Sedona some day.

[Ransom v. Unman]

Hmm... Interesting.

I know a lot of people who are into New Age/Cultist beliefs are attracted to Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Southern California in particular. A lot of them believe there are mystical experiences to be had in the desert... They're drawn to the natural beauty and supposed "mysteriousness" of the people that most of these neophyte mystics have displaced. It's big around there, but it's pretty big a lot of other places, too.

It's all laid out in Romans 1, people want to worship the creation rather than the creator. It's a sad commentary that in the most beautiful parts of God's creation people would take to such rudimentary and flawed worldviews, but there you have it. Human sinfulness is human sinfulness.

But don't despise the mountains because evil people have twisted their beauty into an object of idolatry. ;)

[MissyKay]

Sedona is famous for the heavy emphasis on New Age.

Just to clarify: are you asking more about the town itself? Or our views on the New Age?

[PattyU]

Did anyone else notice the Google ads at the top of this page are now for mystic new age services in Sedona? Obviously, it's because of the topic, but it seems strange to see such ads on a Christian site.

[PattyU]

Never mind, the ads are now for something else.

[mbeachbum]

Missy Kay,

I'm not sure what I'm asking about - the surroundings or the town. The terrain is amazing, that's for sure.

I like Ransom's statement about not condemning the surroundings because of evil people.

And yes, PattyU, the ads were for Sedona when I first reopened this thread. Is that weird???

[ProfessorAlan]

... the ads were for Sedona when I first reopened this thread. Is that weird???

No, it's not weird. Google does that on purpose.

[writegirl1949]

Living in Arizona for almost 30 years, I have to say it is a breathtaking place. While I live in the high desert of southeastern Arizona, we have some spectacular landscape as well.

That said, Sedona has been of huge interest to New Agers for more than 30 years -- before I came to know Christ, I was really interested in New Age things. I was seeking to fill this hole I had inside me that nothing seemed to fill or satisfy ... that is, until I met Jesus.

There are several places around the world that attract New Agers. I had an interesting discussion with my pastor when we were in Heidelberg Germany. There's a mountain that overlooks the Heidelberg valley and it's history is ancient. People come from all over the world (same ones that visit Sedona) because of their beliefs. My pastor and I both felt there was "something" there ... but then, when I visited the Nazi training camp in Nurenburg, it was as I felt the memories of the hate that was taught there. Others who have visited Nazi death camps have expressed the same feelings.

There is more to this world than what we see. I enjoy the creation ... it speaks glory to the Creator. And that's where my focus is. Still, I can appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. After all, that's why my Father made it ... for our enjoyment.

Blessings, Francine

[jacks girl]

I'll just say I love AZ it's a beautiful place. The desert can be beautiful.

Jacks

[Phy]

Santa Fe was like that when I was there. To me, a place is a place. We felt like we brought a little bit of Jesus with us whenever we visited town from Glorieta. I still smile about that. :)

I spent a year in SE AZ, an Safford, where my fiancee taught school, in the shadow of Mt. Graham. It was cool to be there, but I was happy to leave when we moved to northern Colorado.

[Gina123]

Yes, Santa Fe is very much into new age. But its a lovely area (as is Sedona).

Its seems (to me) that a lot of the new age stuff in New Mx has mixed new age with native american religion and come up with a sort of 'father sky/mother earth' thing. Its a bit sad because these folk are so sincere.

[writegirl1949]

New Mexico is my second favorite state ... Arizona being my most fav. I haven't had the opportunity to visit Santa Fe but we hope to.

And you're right ... New Age mysticism mixing with Native American.

Blessings, Francine

[smokey the dog]

My wife and I have been to Sedona several times, and like the scenery in the area. Sure it's got lots of new age stuff, but so does Ann Arbor where I work!

[Rhadaghast]

Hey Smokey!
You work in Ann Arbor? You can't be far from me. I live in East Jackson County. Small world. But my cat and your dog icons are destined never to be together :)