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?
Category Archives: New Age
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?”
Psychic Sees Deceased Daughter
ES writes: “I have a friend who lost her daughter to cancer. She was going to be 13 years old the past May. The father sells cookware for a living. One day, he went in to see his boss and the boss’ wife happened to be in the office. Even though she knew nothing about the death of his daughter, she told him: ‘Senor Flores, I see a girl next to you leaning into your shoulder. Who is she?’ . . .
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?
What is Karma?
Photo by Suhash Villuri on Unsplash
BB asks: “What exactly is karma and where did this concept originate?”
Christians Should Not Get Involved in Past Life Regression Therapy
GL asks: “What is the Church’s position on past life regression therapy?”
What does the Church Say About Praying in Tongues?
C asks: “What are the Church’s teachings about speaking in tongues? I have to admit that I was thrown for a loop while reading a book by Fr. George Montague about The Holy Spirit when he talked about speaking in tongues as though it is normal. Is this true? I am in RCIA, so still learning about the church.”
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 Chi Rho: A Symbol of Triumph
Photo by David Bumgardner on Unsplash
MC asks: “Is the Chi Rho symbol connected to the occult in any way?”
