Most people think it could never happen to them. They’re too educated, too savvy, too world-wise to be swept into a cult. But that’s not what the statistics show.
Author Archives: Susan Brinkmann
Akashic Records: A Work of Fiction
JK writes: “A friend of mine insists that there is such a thing as an Akashic Record of all of our thoughts, ideas and actions, and that it exists in a different dimension. Is this true?”
Church Teaching on New Age Healing Techniques
K writes: “Hoping you can point me in the direction of some good resources. I have some family members who are rather deeply involved with acupuncture, applied kinesiology and a chiropractor who practices both. My own personal discernment and the advice of my spiritual director is to avoid both, but my family is unwilling to listen to any possibility that these things might be bad. I know that you have spoken against these on your blog, and I have read Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life but was wondering if you could point me in the direction of some more specific Catholic resources about the link to these particular therapies and the New Age.”
Can Catholics Have Statues of Buddha in Their Home?
GM writes: “My mother and I got into a discussion about idolatry a few weeks ago. She seems to think that having pagan artwork in the home isn’t idolatry, and I can’t help but feel like it is, although the extent of it is a rendering of a buddha by my sister, and a couple buddha statues in opposite alcoves in our entryway. What is Church teaching regarding this?”
How are Pilates & Yoga Related?
ML asks: “Many of my friends are into pilates and I’d like to get involved too but many of these moves look very much like yoga. Are the two related in any way?”
Christian Science: A Dangerous Cult
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910)
MA asks: “Have you done any research into Christian Science? My daughter is following it and every time I try to read about it I become angry. I have a good relationship with my daughter and her children and want to keep it that way but would like some concise information. You would be such a blessing to me if you have such information.”
Why Mind-Blanking “Prayer” is Dangerous for Children
PM writes: “My children attend a Catholic Primary school in Australia. They tell me they do meditation at school and use the word ‘Maranatha.’ Is this in line with Catholic teaching? Should I exclude them from these sessions. I just read a blog of yours about centering prayer, (John Main). This seems to be exactly what they do, empty their minds and repeat the word ‘Maranatha’. What do you think?”
Up, Up, and Away: Should You Be Astral Traveling?
JK asks: “What is astral projection and can Catholics practice it?
Astral projection is a type of out-of-body experience that is based in Theosophy, a religion based on Hinduism that was founded by the infamous occultist, Madame Blavatsky. For this reason, Catholics should avoid the practice.
Should I Open My Third Eye?
AD asks: “I’ve always wondered about the third eye. Is it real? If so, where is it, what does it do, and should I open it?”
Do Christians Need Buddhist Meditation Techniques to Handle Stress?
(Wikicommons Images, Mari Smith CC BY 2.0)
FP writes: “A number of years ago a book was recommended to us by a physical therapist which I bought, but have been hesitant to read. It is titled, Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, published by Delta. The index presents mostly okay topics, but does have about 20 pp. favoring yoga . . . . Mentioned in the book are these persons’ names: Thich Nhat Hanh, Joan Borysenko, Phil Kapleu, amongst many others. The word mindfulness is mentioned many times. I’m just not sure about this book. Have you ever heard of it?”
