How do I face a preacher that teaches contradicting stuff?

[Maxime_Indigent]

So basically, I’m part of this really huge Catholic community. Its leader and founder is a famous author and preacher, and preaches stuff every Sunday about God’s love, God’s mercy, etc, and he’s a big inspiration to Catholics both in his country and abroad. All his teachings so far have been seen as a-okay with the Church, and all his books have even been given a Nihil Obstat/Imprimatur by the local bishops and archbishops.

However, he also believes, writes and preaches about the law of attraction (positive thoughts attract positive stuff, negative thoughts attract negative stuff). But recently, I did some research and found out that the law of attraction is actually contradicting to the Catholic faith. I want to talk to him about this, as the concept has now obviously entered the lives of thousands, if not millions of people through his teachings.

I need help. Is the law of attraction really against Church teaching? If so, what proof or evidence should I provide him with? What kind of approach should I take? Would this be counted as heresy on his part? If so, what should he do about it?

Any and all help is appreciated. Cheers.

 

[DavidFilmer]

I think the “law of attraction” is the new-age atheist version of prayer.

I have a very good friend who is not really affiliated with any religious belief (she might call herself an atheist, but without the “militant” anti-theist overtones), who says she will “send good thoughts” to someone in need. “Good thoughts are on the way,” she wrote in a recent e-mail.

What does that mean? “Send good thoughts”? Isn’t that, umm, prayer?

What “force” responds to those “good thoughts” and translates them into actionable benefits? (could that be, umm, God?)

So far, it’s kinda kooky, but nothing so far is overtly contrary to Catholic doctrine. It uses a different new-age vocabulary that distances itself from God and “organized religion,” but it is conceptually the same.

The theological problem is when we apply the negative - can we send “bad thoughts” to somebody? Essentially, to curse somebody? Can our “bad thoughts” cause somebody harm? This “opposite” position is normally associated with the idea of the law of attraction. For every positive, there must be a negative.

The Church says “no.” We might harbor hatred and malice towards a person, and our “thoughts” might oppose him, but we can never affect this person by our thoughts and hatred alone (though, ironically, we might very well harm ourselves in the process through mortal sin). We have the capacity to intercede on someone’s behalf, for their better good, but the Church does not say that we can do the opposite.

So, I suppose, it depends on how far this person carries the “law of attraction.” If he claims we can willfully affect a person’s greater good, then he is (at least) not an outright heretic. If he claims that “bad thoughts” can lead to a person’s demise, he is teaching far beyond anything that the Catholic Church has ever taught.

 

[JerryZ]

So basically, I’m part of this really huge Catholic community. Its leader and founder is a famous author and preacher, and preaches stuff every Sunday about God’s love, God’s mercy, etc, and he’s a big inspiration to Catholics both in his country and abroad. All his teachings so far have been seen as a-okay with the Church, and all his books have even been given a Nihil Obstat/Imprimatur by the local bishops and archbishops.

However, he also believes, writes and preaches about the law of attraction (positive thoughts attract positive stuff, negative thoughts attract negative stuff). But recently, I did some research and found out that the law of attraction is actually contradicting to the Catholic faith. I want to talk to him about this, as the concept has now obviously entered the lives of thousands, if not millions of people through his teachings.

I need help. Is the law of attraction really against Church teaching? If so, what proof or evidence should I provide him with? What kind of approach should I take? Would this be counted as heresy on his part? If so, what should he do about it?

Any and all help is appreciated. Cheers.

Obviously the “Catholic” here is a misnomer. The Church Jesus founded does NOT have “preachers” we have priests and on Sunday we have Holy Mass, where we give proper worship to GOD by doing what Jesus commanded us to do at the last supper.

As for your question on this “law of attraction” this is new age falsehood.
Search the Radio Show tab and look for Sharon Lee Giganti she is the resident expert on new age and has spoken about this particular topic.
You could also make a keyword search here in the forum using that term.

–

 

[sacredheart777]

So basically, I’m part of this really huge Catholic community. Its leader and founder is a famous author and preacher, and preaches stuff every Sunday about God’s love, God’s mercy, etc, and he’s a big inspiration to Catholics both in his country and abroad. All his teachings so far have been seen as a-okay with the Church, and all his books have even been given a Nihil Obstat/Imprimatur by the local bishops and archbishops.

However, he also believes, writes and preaches about the law of attraction (positive thoughts attract positive stuff, negative thoughts attract negative stuff). But recently, I did some research and found out that the law of attraction is actually contradicting to the Catholic faith. I want to talk to him about this, as the concept has now obviously entered the lives of thousands, if not millions of people through his teachings.

I need help. Is the law of attraction really against Church teaching? If so, what proof or evidence should I provide him with? What kind of approach should I take? Would this be counted as heresy on his part? If so, what should he do about it?

Any and all help is appreciated. Cheers.

I’ve never heard such law before. But it seems to be not a good practice and also it is not Catholic and thus must be avoided at all times. All Catholics and I believe Christians alike are encourage to do good and to avoid evil. For your evidence read CCC paragraph 1954-1974.

 

[Petaro]

I think the “law of attraction” is the new-age atheist version of prayer.

I have a very good friend who is not really affiliated with any religious belief (she might call herself an atheist, but without the “militant” anti-theist overtones), who says she will “send good thoughts” to someone in need. “Good thoughts are on the way,” she wrote in a recent e-mail.

What does that mean? “Send good thoughts”? Isn’t that, umm, prayer?

What “force” responds to those “good thoughts” and translates them into actionable benefits? (could that be, umm, God?)

So far, it’s kinda kooky, but nothing so far is overtly contrary to Catholic doctrine. It uses a different new-age vocabulary that distances itself from God and “organized religion,” but it is conceptually the same.

The theological problem is when we apply the negative - can we send “bad thoughts” to somebody? Essentially, to curse somebody? Can our “bad thoughts” cause somebody harm? This “opposite” position is normally associated with the idea of the law of attraction. For every positive, there must be a negative.

The Church says “no.” We might harbor hatred and malice towards a person, and our “thoughts” might oppose him, but we can never affect this person by our thoughts and hatred alone (though, ironically, we might very well harm ourselves in the process through mortal sin). We have the capacity to intercede on someone’s behalf, for their better good, but the Church does not say that we can do the opposite.

So, I suppose, it depends on how far this person carries the “law of attraction.” If he claims we can willfully affect a person’s greater good, then he is (at least) not an outright heretic. If he claims that “bad thoughts” can lead to a person’s demise, he is teaching far beyond anything that the Catholic Church has ever taught.

A very wise post. Excellent David!

 

[Maxime_Indigent]

Alright, so this teaching is false. I get that. I’ve watched some of Catholic Answers’ videos concerning this before posting this.

So how do you guys think should I approach the preacher and talk to him face-to-face then? What arguments should I use? Any specific lines from the CCC or Canon Law I could use?

He’s a devout Catholic, so I don’t think it should be hard to rattle him.

 

[agnes_therese]

Alright, so this teaching is false. I get that. I’ve watched some of Catholic Answers’ videos concerning this before posting this.

So how do you guys think should I approach the preacher and talk to him face-to-face then? What arguments should I use? Any specific lines from the CCC or Canon Law I could use?

He’s a devout Catholic, so I don’t think it should be hard to rattle him.

You keep calling him a “preacher,” not a priest. What exactly is he?

 

[seagal]

Sharon Lee Giganti is a frequent guest on Catholic Answers radio show. She used to be heavily involved in A Course in Miracles and has spoken out vehemently against the so-called law of attraction and other new age heresies. Her website is newagedeception.com. You’ll probably find some great material there. In the resources section you’ll find links to Magisterial documents that clarify the church’s stance on new age teachings.

 

[Maxime_Indigent]

Oh, I see. Okay, thank you so much. Kindly pray for me in this. Thanks!

You keep calling him a “preacher,” not a priest. What exactly is he?

He’s a speaker who preaches about God.

 

[Razanir]

Ehh… I’d be careful in automatically saying it’s against Church teaching. We had a discussion about this in another thread not too long ago.

The thing is, there’s such a wide range of interpretations to this “Law of Attraction.” To some people, it might mean that positive thinking gives you control over the universe to an extent, and that would certainly be against Church teaching. But on the other hand, if he just means that life seems better if you have a positive attitude, well that’s just common sense!

 

[agnes_therese]

Oh, I see. Okay, thank you so much. Kindly pray for me in this. Thanks!

He’s a speaker who preaches about God.

So, he’s not a priest? I’m confused about this “huge Catholic community.” Is there Mass? Is there a priest in charge who allows this man to speak about these New Age concepts? If so, you should really talk to the priest.

 

[Kellyreneeomara]

The theological problem is when we apply the negative - can we send “bad thoughts” to somebody? Essentially, to curse somebody? Can our “bad thoughts” cause somebody harm? This “opposite” position is normally associated with the idea of the law of attraction. For every positive, there must be a negative.

The Church says “no.” We might harbor hatred and malice towards a person, and our “thoughts” might oppose him, but we can never affect this person by our thoughts and hatred alone (though, ironically, we might very well harm ourselves in the process through mortal sin). We have the capacity to intercede on someone’s behalf, for their better good, but the Church does not say that we can do the opposite.

So, I suppose, it depends on how far this person carries the “law of attraction.” If he claims we can willfully affect a person’s greater good, then he is (at least) not an outright heretic. If he claims that “bad thoughts” can lead to a person’s demise, he is teaching far beyond anything that the Catholic Church has ever taught.

Right on David !

 

[DebChris]

Ehh… I’d be careful in automatically saying it’s against Church teaching. We had a discussion about this in another thread not too long ago.

The thing is, there’s such a wide range of interpretations to this “Law of Attraction.” To some people, it might mean that positive thinking gives you control over the universe to an extent, and that would certainly be against Church teaching. But on the other hand, if he just means that life seems better if you have a positive attitude, well that’s just common sense!

I agree. The OP is very vague. We do not control the universe, but we do control how we respond to the universe and the circumstances in our lives. There is nothing unChristian, or against Catholic teaching in making affirmations that help us deal with how we see life in a positive way, to help us lose weight etc. Everything that God made is good. This is scriptural, and stated in Genesis. However, it is also true that evil, or sin entered the world through the world and Satan would distort the beauty of all that God has made. GOGO. GIGO. Garbage in. Garbage out. Good in. Good out.
We as Christians, and as Catholics,are called to be salt of the Earth, and light to the world. While the world may walk in darkness, we bring the light of Christ to that darkened world. If we convey the joy of the Lord through our lives and actions, people will naturally be attracted to us and will want want we have. Some may be jealous, and we will face persecution from individuals and groups who do not understand that the Love of Christ is available for all. Christ also promised this persecution.
Keep praying for those who do not understand. Keep smiling. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not about wealth and health, although Jesus most cured those who came to him. Miracles continue today through His followers. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about the relationships that each of us can have with our Creator, with His Son Jesus, and with each other through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the Church. Collectively, we are the Body of Christ.
You may actually see, as I have, an individual change his/her attitude and action. It is not because I controlled that person. Somehow God moved in that person’s life. Whereas previously I had been harassed daily at work from her, inexplicably she began acting as my "best friend. " She never returned to her past behavior.

 

[Joe_5859]

Alright, so this teaching is false. I get that. I’ve watched some of Catholic Answers’ videos concerning this before posting this.

So how do you guys think should I approach the preacher and talk to him face-to-face then? What arguments should I use? Any specific lines from the CCC or Canon Law I could use?

He’s a devout Catholic, so I don’t think it should be hard to rattle him.

If this guy is “preaching” professionally and writing books with the imprimatur, I highly doubt that you’ll be able to walk up to him out of the blue, quote a few Catechism paragraphs and “rattle him” to the point where he does a complete 180 on everything he is saying.

A better approach than attempting to “correct” him is to go up to him and ask him honest questions. Tell him that, to you, when he spoke of the “law of attraction”, it sounded new-agey. Then ask him if he wouldn’t mind helping you understand how that jives with our Catholic faith. Then listen to what he says. He may have a very reasonable explanation that is perfectly in line with Catholic doctrine.

Don’t assume that he’s preaching heresy simply because what he is saying sounds to you to be uncomfortably close to New Age beliefs. Give him a chance to explain.

 

[Corki]

Oh, I see. Okay, thank you so much. Kindly pray for me in this. Thanks!

He’s a speaker who preaches about God.

So he’s not a priest and this Catholic “community” that he heads is not a parish or approved religious order.

In that case, go talk to your priest.

 

[Bob_Schiffer]

Yes, there is Mass. Yes, there is a priest, even a bishop on special occasions.

But still, the preacher has specifically mentioned the term ‘the Law of Attraction’ or ‘the Law of the Universe.’

But maybe he’s referring to a different concept. It would probably help if I mentioned his name? He’s also internationally known and speaks in different countries.

 

[Maxime_Indigent]

Yes, there is indeed a Mass held. Yes, there is a priest present. On special occasions, a bishop. The community’s approved by the Church. There is no problem with that. The only problem is that one teaching – the Law of Attraction.

He probably meant to use the term to refer to another concept, but that’s highly unlikely. He’s internationally known, and is a great speaker. Would it help if I mentioned his name?

 

[marymary1975]

I think the “law of attraction” is the new-age atheist version of prayer.

I have a very good friend who is not really affiliated with any religious belief (she might call herself an atheist, but without the “militant” anti-theist overtones), who says she will “send good thoughts” to someone in need. “Good thoughts are on the way,” she wrote in a recent e-mail.

What does that mean? “Send good thoughts”? Isn’t that, umm, prayer?

What “force” responds to those “good thoughts” and translates them into actionable benefits? (could that be, umm, God?)

So far, it’s kinda kooky, but nothing so far is overtly contrary to Catholic doctrine. It uses a different new-age vocabulary that distances itself from God and “organized religion,” but it is conceptually the same.

The theological problem is when we apply the negative - can we send “bad thoughts” to somebody? Essentially, to curse somebody? Can our “bad thoughts” cause somebody harm? This “opposite” position is normally associated with the idea of the law of attraction. For every positive, there must be a negative.

The Church says “no.” We might harbor hatred and malice towards a person, and our “thoughts” might oppose him, but we can never affect this person by our thoughts and hatred alone (though, ironically, we might very well harm ourselves in the process through mortal sin). We have the capacity to intercede on someone’s behalf, for their better good, but the Church does not say that we can do the opposite.

So, I suppose, it depends on how far this person carries the “law of attraction.” If he claims we can willfully affect a person’s greater good, then he is (at least) not an outright heretic. If he claims that “bad thoughts” can lead to a person’s demise, he is teaching far beyond anything that the Catholic Church has ever taught.

David is right on track in here!!! One of the big problems with new age is that new age takes catholic truths, mixes them with beliefs from other religions, and confusses them so they can confusses people and take them away from the concept of God. That is why you gotta be careful with the new age because they try to confusse

The concept (or truth behind the law of attraction) is that if you have a pure heart, if you have faith in God, if you actually follow jesus’ teachings on love and charity and you keep your thoughts pure and according to Jesus’, and if you pray constantly, God’s action can flow easily into your life. If you have full trust in Jesus he will take care of you and you will see all his Graces in your life, hence your life is going to be so much better. However, if you start harboring hate in your life, unforgiveness, don’t have faith, then God’s action cannot flow easily into your life because you are putting a wall in between you and God.

New age takes this concept and wants to dissociated from God so they change the concept of prayer into “meditation” and they replace the idea of God into “energy” and “force” it is true that our thought have influence into our life but because our thoughts can bring us closer to God (praying, forgiveness, love, etc) or they can pull us away from God (sinful thoughts) but the new age wants to make you believe that you are God so it eliminates God from the picture and tells you that you have this supernatural power to bring the energy and force from the universe and have control over anything which is the part against catholic teaching (we are not God and we have no supernatural powers).

As someone else said, if the point is that if you have a positive attitude life is better, that is simple common.sense and is truth. The issue is the why life is better with a positive attitude… positive meaning happy, good, grateful to God, aligned with what Jesus thaught…it makes life better because brings you closer to God and God’s.graces then will ne present in your life. The problem here is when you eliminate God of the equation and want to replace it with “energy”.

 

[Corki]

Yes, there is indeed a Mass held. Yes, there is a priest present. On special occasions, a bishop. The community’s approved by the Church. There is no problem with that. The only problem is that one teaching – the Law of Attraction.

I don’t doubt any of that. But if this “preacher” is not a priest, you should seek the advice of a priest. It is a serious charge for you as a lay person to claim that another lay person is teaching things against the Church. If that really is the case, it is the responsibility of the pastor to set it right.

 

[marymary1975]

He probably meant to use the term to refer to another concept, but that’s highly unlikely. He’s internationally known, and is a great speaker. Would it help if I mentioned his name?

Well that is a big problem.with new age, because they want to confusses they take concepts from religion and change their name (again to dissociate God from it) make it popular and all of a sudden you hear everybody using the name. Another good example of this is the famous “karma”, how many people even Catholics you hear using the word “karma” instead of “consequences” which would be the appropriate word. But new age mixed the idea of consequences with religions from India to bring the idea of reincarnation, makes the word karma popular and then you hear everybody talking about “karma”