MS writes: “So many Catholics parents like myself are conflicted about allowing our children to take up the practice of karate and the martial arts. Can you give us some information and advice?”
Category Archives: Neopaganism
Why Are People Smoking Toad Venom?
Bufo alvarius toad
A new craze is taking hold among those who are looking for healing from anxiety and depression – smoking toad venom. Would you do it?
Disney’s SOUL Movie Not Fit for Family Audience
What could have been a great movie to educate the public about the afterlife, Pixar and Disney’s new SOUL animated comedy is riddled with Hindu and New Age ideas about life after death and imagery that will both frighten and mislead children.
Can Catholics Celebrate the Winter Solstice?
VQ writes: “Please write an explanation of winter solstice celebrations & their compatibility to Catholic Christian or incompatibility.”
What’s Wrong with Wearing Occult or Native American Symbols?
JE asks: “Would you consider the presence of a Dream Catcher an open door to the occult? I’ve never been comfortable with their use for children . . . I have a necklace & earring set of Dreamcatchers sitting in my jewelry box. . . . (A)fter reading about some of your other posts about jewelry I’ve been thinking that in addition to pitching the “Mary Poppins” book set I never got around to reading, I should pitch the Dream Catcher jewelry as well. Could you maybe tell us a little more about what to look out for in jewelry? Or would that be a whole ‘nother Learn to Discern book?”
What Happened to Alex and Ani?
Only a few years ago, Alex and Ani bracelets were a sought after fashion statement produced by a tiny company that grew from relative obscurity into a shining star of entrepreneurial success. This same company, whose owner bragged about relying on bizarre New Age practices to guide her, is now barely mentioned. What happened?
“The Way of the Rose” Rosary Movement Is NOT Catholic
MM writes: “Can you please give me some insight on a book titled The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn. I came across it but after doing some research the authors are not Catholic and I’m unsure to trust. It is being highly promoted. I appreciate your help.”
Why are People Howling at the Moon During the Pandemic?
If you were listening to this week’s edition of Wacky Wednesday on Women of Grace Live radio, you heard about a strange new ritual that is cropping up across America since the COVID-19 pandemic began – howling at the moon at a certain time of night. What is this all about?
Worshipping at the Temple of Gaia
CP asks: “I have an acquaintance who is a member of something known as ‘The Temple of Gaia,’ in Seattle. She has been quite closed-mouthed about this organization; yet, on weekends, she attends services there while her husband attends Christian services. This seems odd to me and I do not trust whatever this is. It seems centered on women’s spirituality and green energy. The woman in question is a former Mormon and is hostile to that faith. Do you have a perspective on this?”
Wiccans
MK writes: “I was told Wicca people aren’t involved in witchcraft, that they are just people of the earth. They respect the earth and are into herbs, natural things. I thought I heard they are with the new age. What do you know about them?”
