Correctional Treatment, Peacemaking, and the New Age Movement

In this paper, the New Age movement is examined regarding its potential application to correctional treatment, particularly in contrast to the practice and process of peacemaking which is grounded in ancient mainstream spiritual traditions. Four general areas of emphasis are discussed: 1) metaphysical inquiry, 2) mind control, 3) emotional healing and 4) financial well-being. Of the four areas, emotional healing appears to be most compatible with current correctional treatment philosophy. Problems centering on a middle-class, consumer focus for much of the New Age movement are also addressed as they relate to a primarily underclass offender population