DD asks: “What do you make of Near Death Experiences and what position does the Catholic Church take on this phenomenon?”
Author Archives: Susan Brinkmann
The Wim Hof Breathing Method
Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash
N 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 Unsplash
This 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.
Belief in Fairies on the Rise
Even though it may seem hard for most of us to comprehend, there is a large number of people in this world who believe in fairies, tiny fictional creatures said to be the size of a bee who inhabit woodlands and make their presence known by tinkling sounds, rippling water and warm breezes.
How Diversity and Consumerism is Fueling the New Age
The New Age is everywhere these days. How did it get so far, so fast?
Survey: Majority of Respondents Report Paranormal Activity at Home
A new study proves that dabbling around in occult activities, which has become almost commonplace these days, isn’t as harmless as most people think.
Haunted Dorm Room Story Gets the Facts Right
This story about a haunted dorm room in a Belfast college is not only true, but it’s one of the few stories of its kind to name the real culprit behind the haunting – the devil.
Is BrainPOP Promoting Paganism to Schoolchildren?
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash
We recently had a complaint from someone who works in a public school about the way BrainPOP, an animated educational site for children, is presenting material to students, particularly a video about the Mexican Day of the Dead that promotes paganism at the expense of the Church.
Origins of the Day of the Dead
JM writes: “The 2nd flyer they were handing out read: ‘The Concord Library Presents A Day of the Dead Celebration November 2nd 2010 at 3.30pm. – Celebrate and learn about Mesoamerican culture. Aztec dancers will be performing and educating us about the meaning behind each dance. We will also make pinatas and set up altars to relive the experience of this prominent event’.”
