Written by Michael D'Antonio, former Newsday religion reporter and author of Fall From Grace: The Failed Crusade of the Christian Right, this book provides a colorful survey of some of the more interesting rituals, practices, and beliefs of New Age devotees. Over 12 million white middle-class Americans who have dropped out of mainstream religious institutions are active on this spiritual frontier.
Seeking to get a handle on New Age ideas and ideals which have influenced modern day medicine, psychology, environmentalism, and business practices, D'Antonio reports on his visits to New Age communities, workshops, seminars, and fairs. In Sedona, Arizona, he participates in a sweat lodge ceremony and learns about psychic energy vortexes. In Sierra, Nevada, he joins ecospiritualists in an Earth First! gathering. D'Antonio profiles Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles, and listens to M. Scott Peck talk about the link between psychology and spirituality. Experiences with New Age healer Louise Hay, transcendental meditation, and followers of the famous channeler "Lazaris" leave D'Antonio anxious about the dangerous tendencies of New Age devotees to succumb to illusion or authoritarian charlatans.
On the other hand, his talks with some New Age practitioners give him a feel for the ways this freelance form of spirituality offers new paths of meaning, empowerment, and personal transformation. Heaven On Earth by Michael D'Antonio is a robust and reasonable overview of New Age developments and their impact upon American culture.