Pope Francis recently declared Sister Maria Laura Mainetti, the superior of the Sisters of the Cross religious order, to have died as a martyr after she was slain by three teenage girls in a Satanic sacrifice.
Category Archives: New Age
Is the Catholic Version of Alpha Really Catholic?
We recently received an email from a PREP catechist who expressed concern about her parish introducing the Alpha program for their eighth grade class. Is this program appropriate for Catholics?
Study: Mindfulness Meditation Can Trigger Depression
A new study has found that at least eight percent of persons who practice mindfulness meditation experience a worsening in depression or anxiety, and even an onset of these conditions for the first time.
Should You See a Quantum Neurologist?
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Our ministry was recently asked about Quantum Neurology and whether or not this is a legitimate therapy or just another version of the same-old New Age quackery.
A Pseudoscience Known as Craniosacral Therapy
PT asks: “I am writing you about craniosacral treatment. It is a kind of massage, physical therapy variant. In the Vatican document it is not referred to directly but I understand that it is based on oriental “energy” belief system. Would it be possible for you to enlighten me about this some more. People have been asking me.”
When Alternative Medicine Goes Wrong
PL: “I know someone who was severely injured by an alternative medicine provider who charged an exorbitant amount of money and yet didn’t help him at all. Is there anything he can do to recoup his losses?”
Krav Maga: A Great Alternative to Martial Arts
ME asks: “What is Krav Maga? Is there any reason not to take their classes?”
Vision Boards and Magical Thinking
PM writes: “I was wondering if someone can be clear on the dangers of Dream Boards or Vision Boards. Is this New Age? I was invited to a party of with a group of women cutting out pictures of their wishes and glue them to a board to hang up and look at each day hoping that the ‘Universe’ will provide them all the wishes on their boards.”
Could You be Swept into a Cult?
Most people think it could never happen to them. They’re too educated, too savvy, too world-wise to be swept into a cult. But that’s not what the statistics show.
How to Deal with Scandal Caused by Some Catholic Writers
BB writes: “One thing that really puzzles me is that both the well-loved Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen were also known for their study and openness to some Eastern religion practices. How do you perceive their teachings?
