The New Age is everywhere these days. Health care workers in our hospitals offer us Reiki, therapeutic touch, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Yoga and tai chi have taken over the gym and invaded our schools. Parishes host “Christian yoga” classes and retreat houses offer labyrinths, enneagrams and Christian Zen. It’s even in the vet’s office where a pet owner can get their anxious animal some relief through” integrated energy therapy.” How is the New Age getting so far so fast?
Author Archives: Susan Brinkmann
Beware of Disney’s New ZENIMATION
Christian reviewers are warning the public about Disney+’s new programming, called ZENIMATION, that features “moments of mindfulness” and includes subtle elements of New Age mysticism.
The Pros and Cons of EMDR Therapy
HM writes: “Is EMDR a New Age therapy? I’ve participated in it through my counseling for OCD. It was first presented to me by a Catholic therapist, a wonderful woman who explained that it is effective in people with PTSD and especially OCD because the light bar distracts the front part of the brain, enabling the long-term memory portion of the brain to tap into traumatic memories and reprocess them appropriately. It seemed scientific to me and actually helped calm down many ‘triggers’ for my OCD.
Ned Dougherty and Near Death Experiences
JR asks: “Has Johnnette ever made any comment about Mr. Dougherty? I’ve read his book, Fast Lane to Heaven, and have read everything on his website. Nothing seems to be contrary to Church teaching, and he seems to be a very honorable man, but I’d like another opinion.”
What Does Your Tongue Say About Your Health?
JB: “Have you ever heard of a practice called Tongue Diagnosis? It’s a way of diagnosing problems with different organs in your body by looking at your tongue. Is this scientific and can Catholics use it?”
Can Catholics Use Hypnotherapy and EMDR?
Sue from Pennsylvania asks about the use of hypnotherapy to treat anxiety disorders.
Beware of So-Called “Church Approved” Coronavirus Prevention
Alleged revelations from Our Lady to a Costa Rican woman that call for the use of essential oils to prevent infection by the coronavirus have gone viral on the Internet. What should Catholics make of revelations such as these?
Are Tinctures New Age?
EH asks: “Are tinctures considered new age? Here is a comment from a friend of mine I received in an email who is considering using a tincture as a digestive aide: ‘I found out that…(it) is called tincture for people with digestive disorders whose intestines cannot absorb…it is not called homeopathic in writing at all… it is called an alcohol tincture and things like cayenne pepper are soaked in the 12 percent alcohol so I am trying to see what I can find out about tinctures…'”
Watch Out for Wacky Allergy Treatments!
MA asks: “I’m wondering if you’ve run across any negative information on ALCAT or other companies who test for food sensitivities. Supposedly, if a person is sensitive to a certain food, then staying away from that food allows the body to heal. Scientifically, it makes sense to me, and I don’t see any elements of New Age in this. What do you think?”
Parents Beware of Red-Door-Yellow-Door Sleep-Over Game
A youth group minister alerted us to a trance-induction game known as Red-Door-Yellow-Door which is enjoying enormous popularity at sleepovers and on the teen social media platform, TIKTOK, even though it has left many players shaken and afraid.
