Exploring the Pagan Roots of Drumming Circles

DH asks: “Have you investigated any information about drum circles that are “popping up” in Catholic Churches and at women religious retreats? We have some very devout people in our parish who are musicians and they have latched onto the idea that Christian praise and worship can occur within drum circles. They have organized a drum circle and the group alternates meetings between our Catholic Church and a local Protestant denomination. Our Youth Ministry members also participate now. The drum circle is advertised as “musical worship, family fun, includes the children , and, as an appealing way to praise God. . .

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What is This Strange Bundle of “Sticks” Under My Daughter’s Bed?

DG writes: “Help! I found a strange bundle of sticks in my daughter’s room. They were tied together with a twine string and had a crystal attached. I found them hidden in a shoebox under her bed. I’m afraid they might be associated with witchcraft. Do you know what they are?”

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Is it okay for a Catholic to display 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?”

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Receiving the Tao

We took a call on our radio show last week from a woman asking about a ceremony known as “Receiving the Tao.”  She claimed to know someone who had been involved in this. Because I had not heard of this before, I promised to do some research for her on what this might be. What I found is disturbing, especially for Catholics who may be getting involved in this.

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Sunship Earth and New Age Environmental Programs for Children

MJ asks: “What can you tell me about Sunship Earth, a program for middle school pupils? How does it extol New Age concepts? The program has a funeral for a leaf and one to become a squirrel that loses its habitat. What New Age objective is fulfilled in this type of activity?”

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Is Dumbed Down Christianity To Blame for Success of New Age?

A hard-hitting commentary recently published in The Catholic Gentleman asks some serious questions about how the New Age has become so fascinating, particularly to millennials, and if dumbed-down Christianity may be at least part of the blame.

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Pixar’s “Coco” Promotes Pagan Beliefs

JB writes: “There is a new Disney movie for which I have seen a short preview.  It is apparently based on the Mexican Day of the Dead. Is this the same as All Souls Day? Or does this movie have something to do with “Saint Death”, which clearly isn’t good or of God.  . . . Catholic and Christian symbols are often mixed with new age items, so I am confused. Would you please clarify the meaning of this movie for me?”

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