S writes: “My Catholic parish is sponsoring an evening of Taizé prayer. I understand that it is ecumenical prayer, but I wonder if it is related to centering prayer and thus new age. There seem to be arguments both for and against it . . . I appreciate any information you can give me that can help me to discern whether this is truly acceptable for Catholics or not.”
Category Archives: Prayer/Meditation
What’s the Five-Finger Prayer?
AM asks: “Have you ever heard of the Five-Finger Prayer? Is this New Age?”
The Mystery of the Prayer Wheel
Christian scholars continue to be baffled by a circular diagram etched upon the cover page of an 11th century manuscript of the New Testament Gospels. Who designed it? How was it used? Could it be useful for Christians today?
Using Incense During Prayer
MP writes: “I have a question concerning the way I pray and honor God and even the saints and angels. I have a collection of incense of many scents at home, and although I know the Church uses incense, it’s Japanese incense, normally used for pagan practices . . .”
Is Jappa Meditation Okay for Catholics?
MH asks: “A friend asked me about Jappa meditation and if it’s okay for Catholics to be involved in. What should I tell her?”
Kevin Basconi’s Angels
MB asks: “I have read Kevin Basconi’s three books on angels, called Dancing with Angels and also the seer anointing. I would like to know what you think about them.”
Catholic Therapist Quits Mindfulness
After years of positive studies about the alleged benefits of mindfulness, the latest science is revealing a darker side. Some Catholic therapists, however, such as the one we interviewed last week, discovered on their own that this therapy is not nearly as successful as people think – and it’s definitely not Catholic.
Chilling Testimony on Dangers of New Age & Mindfulness
In response to a radio interview that I did about my new book, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness, with Dan Burke and Melissa Elson of Divine Intimacy Radio, we received this testimony from a woman who believes her experience with the New Age and mindfulness caused her years of suffering.
Centering Prayer, St. Teresa and the Cloud of Unknowing
So many people I know who were misled into Centering Prayer told me one of the main reasons they were “sold” on it is because proponents claimed St. Teresa of Avila and other Carmelite mystics taught it (although I’ve never seen any direct quotes from the works of these saints to prove this). Others bought into it after being introduced to the writings of a 14th century anonymous author of a book entitled The Cloud of Unknowing. This blog contains a few facts that will prove these assertions to be incorrect.
Is Mindfulness Spiritual?
A lot of psychologists and other proponents of mindfulness insist that this practice is not spiritual, that it can be divorced from its Buddhist roots, but is this really possible?
