ML asks: “Many of my friends are into pilates and I’d like to get involved too but many of these moves look very much like yoga. Are the two related in any way?”
Category Archives: New Age
Christian Science: A Dangerous Cult
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910)
MA asks: “Have you done any research into Christian Science? My daughter is following it and every time I try to read about it I become angry. I have a good relationship with my daughter and her children and want to keep it that way but would like some concise information. You would be such a blessing to me if you have such information.”
Why Mind-Blanking “Prayer” is Dangerous for Children
PM writes: “My children attend a Catholic Primary school in Australia. They tell me they do meditation at school and use the word ‘Maranatha.’ Is this in line with Catholic teaching? Should I exclude them from these sessions. I just read a blog of yours about centering prayer, (John Main). This seems to be exactly what they do, empty their minds and repeat the word ‘Maranatha’. What do you think?”
Up, Up, and Away: Should You Be Astral Traveling?
JK asks: “What is astral projection and can Catholics practice it?
Astral projection is a type of out-of-body experience that is based in Theosophy, a religion based on Hinduism that was founded by the infamous occultist, Madame Blavatsky. For this reason, Catholics should avoid the practice.
Should I Open My Third Eye?
AD asks: “I’ve always wondered about the third eye. Is it real? If so, where is it, what does it do, and should I open it?”
Do Christians Need Buddhist Meditation Techniques to Handle Stress?
(Wikicommons Images, Mari Smith CC BY 2.0)
FP writes: “A number of years ago a book was recommended to us by a physical therapist which I bought, but have been hesitant to read. It is titled, Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, published by Delta. The index presents mostly okay topics, but does have about 20 pp. favoring yoga . . . . Mentioned in the book are these persons’ names: Thich Nhat Hanh, Joan Borysenko, Phil Kapleu, amongst many others. The word mindfulness is mentioned many times. I’m just not sure about this book. Have you ever heard of it?”
How the “Nones” Are Recycling Transcendentalism
Ralph Waldo Emerson, (1803-1882) Father of Transcendentalism
These days, many people think being “spiritual” rather than “religious” is the progressive way to be – but what most of them probably don’t know is that this trend is hardly new and has been around for centuries. It’s called transcendentalism.
Is Ancestral Healing Okay for Catholics?
JL writes: “I recently read that Meghan Markle is involved in something called ancestral healing. Is this something Catholics can do?”
Why Christians Should Avoid Block Therapy
GLM writes: “I have been doing block therapy for a while and it’s really helping me but some of the meditation seems New Age to me. Can you check this out and write something about it?”
Is EMDR Therapy Legit?
Prince Harry’s recent confession about the use of EMDR therapy has spawned a rush of interest in this therapy as well as many questions about its roots and whether or not it’s suitable for Christians.
