Help! I fear my ex-wife may be involved in a cult

[Theo520]

Jon, while the group may very well be dangerous, be cautious about what teachings you criticize with the ex. Many of the points you mention as disturbing can be sourced in Catholic teachings and Scriptures. They are uncommon or not widely known rather than bizarre.

If you accept that Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints for intercession, why can’t a Christian also pray to Old Testament prophets and such? **Melchizedek **was a revered person in the OT, and remember that Jesus became High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek means “King of Righteousness.” In similar fashion, **Deborah **was a prophet and a strong and independent woman, she would be attractive to new age types looking to emphasize feminine role models from scripture.

“God sees his people as gods” You should study up on Theosis. The Catechism even states that Jesus became man so that we might become divine/god.

I’m not a fan of the new age stuff myself, but I also recall my dear mother went to Church approved Charismatic events where they did things I found very ‘bizarre’ at the time, such as healing prayer and speaking in tongues.

 

[Starrsmother]

Just one word of advice based on experience. If your wife is following Catholic teaching and simply praying to saints or OT figures that you are unfamiliar with, that’s certainly fine. When I was in my grad program in women’s health, someone formed what they called a “New Age Prayer Group” to meet and pray the night before tests. I saw nothing wrong with this, though from the start I knew that not all who belonged were Catholics (infact nobody else was)—but as far as I know, there is nothing sinful about praying with protestants. However when I got there, the leader formed what she called a “sacred circle” and the prayers soon were directed at the different directions on the earth (north, south etc) and prayers were directed to the goddess. That was when I realized I was somewhere I didn’t care to be. I am 63 and some of this New Age stuff is a little above my pay scale. I’d talk to her and find out exactly what she believes and is into. You can’t be sure without asking directly because it all varies so much.

 

[petitfleur]

Please give the name of the church or institution or website. It might be some off the wall religion or a cult. While both dangerous a cult is much more of a threat.