Catholic Priest/Medium

[Gisella]

I was just reading through a book written by Allison Dubois(the woman who “Medium” is based), and she wrote about being friends with a priest who was also a medium. He told her that the fact he can communicate with those who’ve passed doesn’t contradict anything in the Bible and the church doesn’t think mediums are evil but is concerned that attepmts to communicate with the other side can bring on evil. He also says that people who commit suicide don’t always go to Hell and that animals also are in Heaven.

My question is if the church has any problem with mediums being priests and if what this priest says goes against teaching?

 

[1ke]

My question is if the church has any problem with mediums being priests

Well, of course it does. As the Catechism states, it’s a violation of the First commandment:

2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future.48 Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

and if what this priest says goes against teaching?

Again, of course it would.

But, you provided few details. First, do you know she was referring to a *Catholic *priest? There are other denominations that refer to their clergy as “priests”.

Secondly, if she did mean a Catholic priest does she identify this person or offer any substantive proof that she is telling the truth? This is a person who cons people for a living-- so I wouldn’t be surprised if she made up things in her books.

And, lastly, why are you reading this book?

 

[Gisella]

Well, of course it does. As the Catechism states, it’s a violation of the First commandment:

2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future.48 Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

Again, of course it would.

But, you provided few details. First, do you know she was referring to a *Catholic *priest? There are other denominations that refer to their clergy as “priests”.

Secondly, if she did mean a Catholic priest does she identify this person or offer any substantive proof that she is telling the truth? This is a person who cons people for a living-- so I wouldn’t be surprised if she made up things in her books.

And, lastly, why are you reading this book?

She said the priest was Catholic, and there is really no concrete proof she cons people for a living. That might be your opinion, but others disagree.

 

[1ke]

She said the priest was Catholic, and there is really no concrete proof she cons people for a living. That might be your opinion, but others disagree.

Well, then, the other choice besides conning people is demonic in origin.

Either way, again I ask why you are reading her books? The Church is clear that these types of things are to be avoided.

 

[Scottgun]

Sticking to the matter at hand, if this is indeed a Catholic priest, then he is seriously deluded and someone should contact his bishop if he is actually practicing such things.

 

[Gisella]

Well, then, the other choice besides conning people is demonic in origin.

Either way, again I ask why you are reading her books? The Church is clear that these types of things are to be avoided.

The church has said that reading books is to be avoided? That qualifies as divination?

 

[1ke]

The church has said that reading books is to be avoided? That qualifies as divination?

No, it is not divination. But, reading her books undermines the Faith-- the things she proposes and teaches are in direct contradiction to the Catholic faith. I think it’s dangerous for people to think they can read these things without being effected or absorbing the philosophy they espouse. And, of course, she receives monetary gain from the books and TV show-- both of which enable her to increase her reach and impact on people. I don’t consider that something to be supported.

You haven’t really said why you are reading the books. Reading them to educate yourself so that you can adequately explain why she is in error wouldn’t be problematic at all. Especially if you have friends/family who are drawn to this sort of thing.

Reading the books because you believe in or are fascinated/lured by her “abilities”-- well yes, I would call that troublesome in relation to the First Commandment.

 

[Gisella]

This isn’t what the original ? is about, but I read through her book out of curiosity, and I didn’t buy it. I wasn’t aware reading a book by somebody who doesn’t follow church teaching was sinful. Would reading a book written by a pro-choice politician also be sinful?

 

[1ke]

This isn’t what the original ? is about, but I read through her book out of curiosity, and I didn’t buy it. I wasn’t aware reading a book by somebody who doesn’t follow church teaching was sinful. Would reading a book written by a pro-choice politician also be sinful?

I didn’t say that reading her book was inherently sinful. I stated that I thought it was problematic. And, the Church does encourage us to avoid occasions of sin-- which, depending on the person, reading such a book *could *be. I was merely curious as to why you would be reading her book in the first place to have come across such a statement regarding the Catholic priest.

Reading any given book *might *be sinful depending upon the content of the book, the person reading it, and the circumstances.

As to the original question-- yes it is wrong and yes the Church condemns it and no a Catholic priest cannot be “medium”. If her account is factual and reliable, then I can only suggest that this priest is confused or deluded and that his diocese likely does not know of his heretical beliefs and practices.

 

[puzzleannie]

I was just reading through a book written by Allison Dubois(the woman who “Medium” is based), and she wrote about being friends with a priest who was also a medium. He told her that the fact he can communicate with those who’ve passed doesn’t contradict anything in the Bible and the church doesn’t think mediums are evil but is concerned that attepmts to communicate with the other side can bring on evil. He also says that people who commit suicide don’t always go to Hell and that animals also are in Heaven.

My question is if the church has any problem with mediums being priests and if what this priest says goes against teaching?

huge problem, probably a major canon law violation. If this is in your diocese and you have first hand knowledge (not hearsay) he should be reported to his bishop.

 

[Gisella]

The guy didn’t choose to be a medium though. There was no indication he used Quija boards or sought out spirits.

 

[1ke]

The guy didn’t choose to be a medium though. There was no indication he used Quija boards or sought out spirits.

Of course he made a choice. He *chooses *to present himself as a “medium” to other people-- which is clearly a violation of Church teaching.

If he indeed experienced some sort of supernatural phenomenon he should have presented himself to his Bishop for a Church investigation into the situation.

 

[Swan]

I believe that some people do indeed have this ability, though certainly not all who claim to. My understanding is that they can’t turn it on and off - it just happens. I’ve never heard voices or seen images but I have had a couple of what I can only call supernatural experiences connected with relatives who have passed away. To make a long story short, I got the feeling that they were trying to comfort me as all occurred in situations/circumstances that involved them and which were sad for me.

 

[Gisella]

Of course he made a choice. He *chooses *to present himself as a “medium” to other people-- which is clearly a violation of Church teaching.

If he indeed experienced some sort of supernatural phenomenon he should have presented himself to his Bishop for a Church investigation into the situation.

He’s simply honest about what he sees. He doesn’t market himself as a medium.

 

[didymus]

She said the priest was Catholic, and there is really no concrete proof she cons people for a living. That might be your opinion, but others disagree.

We know that it is not possible to speak with the dead so she is either delusional or a con artist. Since she seems to be making out very nicely from her supposed “abilities” she’s a con artist.

As for others having different opinions – are their opinions based on the truth or on lies?

 

[Gisella]

How do we KNOW it’s not possible?

 

[tamarnp]

I was just reading through a book written by Allison Dubois(the woman who “Medium” is based), and she wrote about being friends with a priest who was also a medium. He told her that the fact he can communicate with those who’ve passed doesn’t contradict anything in the Bible and the church doesn’t think mediums are evil but is concerned that attepmts to communicate with the other side can bring on evil. He also says that people who commit suicide don’t always go to Hell and that animals also are in Heaven.

My question is if the church has any problem with mediums being priests and if what this priest says goes against teaching?

I was just wondering what response you are looking for? Also, are you searching for something in particular in regards to communicating with someone or something? The major response from this forum seems to be that the church would have a problem with this. If you do not believe what is being said here, and I am not stating that everyone here is right and you are wrong, maybe you should ask an apologist? Good luck in your search for an answer.

 

[Debra_C]

We know no such thing. In fact, a medium conjured up the spirit of Samuel for (I think it was solomon?) in the Bible. What we know is that it is sinful to attempt to speak to the dead.

Seriously. Avoid this stuff. It can only lead to darkness.

 

[holdencaulfield]

A medium is someone who talks to spirits. Guess what thats a sin of witchcraft and is explicitly forbidden in the Bible. I would say it is a Mortal Sin. No priest should be doing this type of behavior.

 

[honeysuckle]

I think this is not understood by most people. We are told to refrain from speaking with spirits and conjuring the dead, and the practices that surround this involve communicating with demons and those who are not in communion with God.

Having said that, there is a difference between seeking out communication with spirits and having a naturally occurring ability that has nothing to do with sin.

For example, I am close to a child who heard “angels” speak on a regular basis at the age of 3. The “angels” spoke to each other, not to her, and were experienced as very kind and loving. The child was somtimes comforted by hearing them, but other times angry that people were talking but not letting her see them. She thought they were hiding from her. She thought that was rude. One night she screamed at them to stop. It was the first time she had ever addressed them. From that moment on, she has never heard them again.

This child is not in the least mentally ill. If she had been mentally ill, shouting at the voices to “stop” would not have cured her brain disorder.

The child also clearly did not sin. So, what I am saying is that I believe there are spiritual gifts that involve awareness like this, but yes, the Bible is clear we are not to seek such things.