Blog

SL 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."

Read the rest

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?"

Read the rest

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?"

Read the rest

TO writes: "Whenever I read something involved with a locutionist, I always wonder if it is from the devil.  Can Women of Grace investigate the "Chaplet of Protection".  Here is information I found at the website."

Read the rest

LR writes: "A First Nation person told me that, although a lot of native Christian people use native art (totem poles, dances to the spirit world, symbols of eagles, ravens, whales, wolf) etc., these are not of God, not sanctioned by God and should be avoided (and burned if you have them). She said these represent old pagan beliefs (God is all creation, when a raven speaks to you it is sharing of creation). Is there a problem wearing a sweater with a large eagle native form on the clothes, and such?"

Read the rest

AL writes: "I am sending this article from www.americancatholic.org for your discernment. Fr. Mark’s use of the word praydream sounds a little like New Age.  I have studied from Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s Discernment of Spirits book and listened to his teachings which I believe are very informative. I would like to know what your discernment is of this approach to discernment."

Read the rest

SA writes: "I have Catholic friends who faithfully view Sid Roth:It's Supernatural.  I have watched the show myself and while Mr. Roth may have good intentions, I find the whole thing simply 'entertaining'.  My Catholic friends were upset when I stated that I thought it was a waste of time to view this program.  There is no way to verify the supernatural encounters his guests have, let alone determine that they are from the Holy Spirit.  Of course, each guest has a series of DVDs to sell to teach viewers how to perform deliverance etc.  What is your opinion?"

Read the rest

The next time you visit your local library, keep your eyes open. They're not always pushing safe and/or appropriate subjects. For instance, JM, one of our regular blog readers, commented on how her local library was handing out flyers to children hawking the latest Twilight movie, Eclipse. They were also handing out flyers for a presentation by Dr. Zaslove on "Total Healing - The Meditation Prescription - Learn how meditation can support good health."

Read the rest

TC writes: "I heard Johnette warn us about Centering Prayer.  I am a fan of John Michael Talbot and went to his presentation last night and now see by surfing that he is teaching a form of centering prayer. Is this ok for Catholics?"

Read the rest

EH writes: "Can you please tell me anything about Ruah? There is a Catholic named institution here in Houston, that is called the Ruah Center and offers retreats according to this method?  I just am not sure I understand enough to know if it is truly Catholic. We are looking for a retreat center and made an inquiry.  We were told that we do not fit their method of retreats. Can you help me understand Ruah?"

Read the rest