CO writes: “I recently attended a Catholic women’s retreat. There was a speaker there that referred to “Sophia, as the feminine face of God”. I am a cradle Catholic and this is something I have never heard of and it made me uncomfortable for the rest of the day. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the New Testament are all masculine. Nothing else was mentioned about this until the end of the day during a sending forth prayer ritual in which Sophia, Wisdom of God was thanked 3 times (“for your continual invitation to relationship with the Holy One, for showing yourself in our experiences today and for your presence in this circle”). This bothered me also so I did not say the prayer aloud as we were instructed. . .
Category Archives: Neopaganism
The Origins of the Art of Easter Egg Decorating
KV asks: “Is coloring/decorating eggs for Easter a pagan tradition?”
Young People Choosing Satanism Over “Stuffy” Christianity
As the world moves further away from its moorings in Christianity, growing numbers of today’s youth are turning to a newly created version of Satanism they claim is more about self-actualization and personal fulfillment than worship of the devil. But is this just another diabolical deception?
Was Christmas Ever a Pagan Feast?
Christmas is supposed to be a time of “peace on earth” and, thankfully, it still is, but this joyful season has its detractors – such as those who promulgate the idea that Christmas was founded on a pagan feast. Is this true?
Does the Use of Holly Come From the Druids?
While it’s true that the Druids once believed holly had magical powers, the use of this ancient evergreen on special occasions does not derive from any group in particular.
Is Santa a Pagan Concept?
KV writes: “Is it ok for me as a Catholic Christian to give gifts with pictures of Santa Claus on them? … I am concerned that I would be promoting pagan worship if I gave gifts with Santa images on them. Is this the case, or am I being too scrupulous?”
Are Christmas Trees Condemned in the Bible?
Believe it or not, the idea that Christmas trees were condemned in the Bible is a very common criticism of this beloved tradition. But is there any merit to this claim?
Scientists Warn About Dangers of Trendy Ayahuasca Tea
(Photo courtesy of Wikicommons Images, Awkipuma CC BY 3.0)
A large study of the popular psychedelic brew known as Ayahuasca tea has found that five out of ten users say that mental health issues caused by the drug stuck with them “for weeks or months” even though most say they consider this to part of the experience.
The Princess and the Shaman
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Norway’s Princess Martha Louise has announced that she will no longer officially represent the royal house due to her intentions to marry Durek Verrett, the American “Shaman to the Stars.”
Peace Circles
RM asks: “Can you tell me what you know and think about “Peace Circles”? Everything I am finding looks to be a very feminist-based program (and not of the true feminism that John Paul II promoted). When reading what I have found (by googling “peace circles”), some of it sounds on the “up and up”. Who doesn’t want peace? But the program is being incorporated in my daughter’s high school French III class with no connection to French at all. We have met with the teacher and administration about our dislikes of the use of this in the classroom, and met head to head with much opposition. Every one of them lauded the use of Peace Circles. Our daughter has not been comfortable with the use of the peace circle especially because of the use of the lit candle, rain stick, rock and ‘talking piece’. Your insight into this matter is greatly appreciated.”
