The Questionable Opinions of Anthony DeMello, S.J.
KK asks: "I noticed on your website that you have a new age section and was wondering if you considered Anthony DeMello and his book Awareness to be new age?"
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Ragas and Labyrinths at a Bible Study?
ST asks: "I have been attending a wonderful bible study at a University, led by a priest. There was piano music with instrumental Hindu ragas played prior to the bible study. I was shocked and prayed silently for protection and didn't fully realize what was going on at the time. Also, the students will be walking a labyrinth for one week during Lent in the same building as Mass and bible study.
The Perils of Sun Gazing Meditation
Anonymous writes: "A friend sent me [information about sun gazing meditation] and right away I thought it sounded too much like a New Age practice. Is my discernment correct?”
Beware of the “Manifesting” Trap
Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on UnsplashManifesting is all the rage these days. It’s about how to use your mind to will your goals into existence by using tools such as meditation, guided visualization, vision boards, and other rituals that many believe can make big things happen for anyone. Is this true, and is this something a Catholic should be get involved in?
John Main's Christian Meditation Technique: Just Another Mind Blanking Exercise
EM writes: "Recently a friend has become involved with the John Main Christian Meditation movement. I find this to be part of the New Age Movement, but she won't listen. I would love to be able to recommend to her some writings or recognized persons who would specifically speak about John Main and the Christian meditation Movement. Any articles I come across do not mention John Main specifically and so my friend feels that this is legimitate Christian (Catholic) Meditation. Can you help?"
The Wim Hof Breathing Method
Photo by Motoki Tonn on UnsplashN writes: “I recently came across a group of Catholics, who…spoke of Wim Hof and this breathing/meditation technique. I attempted internet searches to explore whether or not this has any spiritual grounding whatsoever, to no avail. (Also, truly, what sources does one trust nowadays?). Can you please provide me with any information? These techniques set off many alarms within yet without much knowledge I cannot speak on the topic."
Priest Warns Against Dabbling in Eastern Meditation Techniques
Photo by Jared Rice on UnsplashThis article about a priest who dabbled in transcendental meditation for 18 years before coming back to the Faith, comes as a wake-up call to so many Christians who are casually introducing Eastern meditation techniques into their prayer lives. Many of these practices are not as innocent as they appear!
St. Teresa of Avila, the Desert Fathers, and Centering Prayer
Many people are being misled into Centering Prayer after being told that St. Teresa of Avila and the Desert Fathers taught a version of it. This blog contains a few facts that will challenge these assertions.
Is it Okay to Play Bible Roulette?
AM writes: “My friends make fun of me for playing ‘bible roulette’ but I’ve sometimes received very appropriate answers to my questions. What’s wrong with it?”
Kirtan: Hindu Meditative Music Has Hidden Meaning
B writes: “[O]ne topic that might be helpful to address, if you haven't already, is the Hindu meditative chanting practice called, Kirtan. It's become very popular on a local level as well as artists who travel around the country(ies), often performing in Yoga studios. The music is beautiful, enticing, esp. in a large group and can produce deep, trance-like effects. It's sung in Sanskrit and invokes the Hindu deities. It's another of those Eastern practices that's become a ‘cool’ form of spirituality...or rather pseudo-spirituality.”
