We recently had a question from someone who had heard that praying with the hands folded was closely linked with the common Hindu greeting known as the “Namaste” bow. Is this a rumor or a fact?
A Concerned Student asks: "Do you believe fire tunnels, laying on of hands to impart an anointing that some minster carries, and drunk in the spirit are new age concepts? Is so please site scripture and verse to defame any or all."
We have had an inquiry about a meditation CD called EquiSync which is supposed to enable a novice to “meditate like a Zen monk without the years of practice.” Is it safe? Is it okay for Catholics to use?
Researchers say that as many as 60 percent of people who employ eastern style meditation techniques such as Mindfulness Meditation suffer at least one negative side-effect, including panic, depression and confusion.
Carol and John ArnottSL writes: "I have been in debate lately with a fellow christian friend of mine regarding "soaking". I have read mostly positive things, and some negative things. My friend who has participated in "soaking" before has asked me to join her again - but I declined. There's something about it, that just doesn't sit well in my spirit."
DG writes: “I saw a book called the Seven Great Prayers and I cannot find anything verifying if it is Christian or not. They have the prayers available in audio as well so that you can listen to them anywhere. The authors are Paul and Tracy McManus. One tip-off is that one of the prayers says something about "attracting" blessings or something like that. This leads me to believe it is another New Age gimmick masquerading as Christian just to trap unsuspecting individuals. Can you shed some light on this?"
Kevin BasconiMB asks: "I have read Kevin Basconi's three books on angels, called Dancing with Angels and also the seer anointing. I would like to know what you think about them."
MR writes: “I would like to know if there is any concern with Fr Lawrence Freeman prayer techniques. He proposes to use a mantra which seems to be a little strange. I would like to see if there is any literature to give some good discernment of this.”
We recently had a question from a member of our GracePlace community who is concerned about an upcoming retreat at her parish, which will teach a method of prayer known as Visio Divina, and wondered if this is another New Age prayer gimmick.
JA asks: "Is Jane Reehorst's Guided Meditations for Children, and Sydney Ann Merritt's books by the same title, recommending forms of New Age meditation?"
