My Younger Brother and Negative Influence: I need some advice

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This has been going on for sometime now. My younger brother has developed a really unhealthy interest in Ancient Astronaut Theory, Nostradamus Prophecies, 2012 doomsday prophecies, the Crystal skulls, New Age belief and such. I fear for him because he is actually beginning to question Catholic teaching and he is forming personal believes that seem to be a mix of Catholic doctrine and these heretical programs on the History Channel.

I told him that this is dangerous and that he should realign his beliefs according to the Church. I told him that he should compare what these TV programs are telling him with what the Catholic Church teaches. I also told him that he should read the Bible for himself. I did these things constantly. However, he has proven to be uncooperative. I am not sure if this is out of reluctance, stubbornness (he may truly believe in these things), his mental condition (he is slightly challenged), or his forgetfulness (he has trouble remembering things that are told to him sometimes). At any rate, I fear these believes of his may condemn him and I feel that it would be my fault for not preventing that (there were times where I would be too condescending or too dismissive in my admonition and instruction. Sometimes I communicate too much indignation as well).

What should I do? I would appreciate some advice.
 
The worse of it is how these program compare with what common sense teaches. The ones I have watched are sensationalized garbage. If you listen to how they present something when you actually know the facts, you’ll be impressed with how much they twist things to make them sound more ominous than they really are. It sounds as if you have used that tack, however, and have had few results.

I think your best bet, since you are not going to break him of the TV habit, is to find him some TV that contains decent journalism. The Lord knows his mental capacity, so do not be concerned that Heaven will hold him culpable for things beyond his abilities. You’re leading a horse and have no access to a rope or halter, though, so you’ll need to entice him towards a better place. You won’t be able to drag him or drive him there. Ask for Heaven to guide you before your start, do you best, and leave the rest in God’s hands.
 
The only constructive thing you can do is pray for him. Prayers after communion are the most powerful.
 
It’s a passing fad. These programs usually on the history channel don’t pay too much attention to the facts, but seem plausible. The so called truths will wear off soon enough and he will see how stupid they are… You can pray in the meantime if it makes you feel better.
 
Where are your parents in all this? It is their responsibility, not yours. You must treat your brother as you would anyone else who is not under your authority.
 
sscott said:
It’s a passing fad. These programs usually on the history channel don’t pay too much attention to the facts, but seem plausible. The so called truths will wear off soon enough and he will see how stupid they are… You can pray in the meantime if it makes you feel better.
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I was going to say the same thing. Treat it like a diet fad. It will go away.
 
Thank you all so far in replying to my post here. I will see if I can not keep my brother in my mind as I pray my nightly “Our Father.” My parents do admonish him whenever the occasion comes (like when my brother watches the TV programs as we are eating together), but he still seems uncooperative.

I know it is just a passing fad, but many of the sinful things in this world are a passing fad (like today’s belief that a progressive and modern society allows for “planned parenthood” and “marriage equality”, whereas before, gay marriage was not legalized, but unjust discrimination against gays was). Once they pass, another takes its place. I fear that, should the fad pass in his lifetime, he would just switch to the next one. I think simply waiting for the fad to pass will not be sufficient. My brother must be changed from within. I can not force him to change, but I hope I can do something to that effect.
 
I don’t mean a fad of epic proportions. I mean, young people latch on to things in a very transient way. In a few months he will be off on some other interest and this will fade away by itself. The Nostradamus shows play again every few years and catch different peoples’ interest.
 
ScrupulousMonk said:
This has been going on for sometime now. My younger brother has developed a really unhealthy interest in Ancient Astronaut Theory, Nostradamus Prophecies, 2012 doomsday prophecies, the Crystal skulls, New Age belief and such. I fear for him because he is actually beginning to question Catholic teaching and he is forming personal believes that seem to be a mix of Catholic doctrine and these heretical programs on the History Channel.

I told him that this is dangerous and that he should realign his beliefs according to the Church. I told him that he should compare what these TV programs are telling him with what the Catholic Church teaches. I also told him that he should read the Bible for himself. I did these things constantly. However, he has proven to be uncooperative. I am not sure if this is out of reluctance, stubbornness (he may truly believe in these things), his mental condition (he is slightly challenged), or his forgetfulness (he has trouble remembering things that are told to him sometimes). At any rate, I fear these believes of his may condemn him and I feel that it would be my fault for not preventing that (there were times where I would be too condescending or too dismissive in my admonition and instruction. Sometimes I communicate too much indignation as well).

What should I do? I would appreciate some advice.
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If your brother is in school and he brings it up to you, say something like, “That’s interesting. What does your history/astronomy/etc. professor say about that?”
 
To sscott

Oh, if only that were the case. What I meant for “sometime now” is “some years now.” This is not just a transient fad lasting a few months, weeks, or days. It is years! And I should also say that my brother is about to attend his first year of college. So, he is not that young if that was what you were thinking. But I thank you for the advice nonetheless. It is always good knowing that people are not ignoring my cry for help.

To Xantippe

That would be a good thing to ask. But then I am afraid that my brother’s conversation with the professor would be like:

BROTHER: “Did aliens take part in the events of the Bible, professor?”

PROFESSOR: “No, son. Why would an advanced, intelligent species be involved with the religion that teaches sexism and homophobia?”

BROTHER: “So aliens will visit us if women should become priests and gays marry?”

PROFESSOR: “Precisely, son.”

The example I made here was kind of far-fetched, but I hope it is enough to give you an understanding of why this may not turn out right. Indeed, even a slightly educated person will know that the History Channel shows are just false, dramatized documentaries made for entertainment. However, in this diverse country of ours, they may have “their own idea of the right answer.” If you were wondering why I would think something like this would happen, then I should let you know that I had some rather different-minded college professors.
 
ScrupulousMonk said:
To sscott

Oh, if only that were the case. What I meant for “sometime now” is “some years now.” This is not just a transient fad lasting a few months, weeks, or days. It is years! And I should also say that my brother is about to attend his first year of college. So, he is not that young if that was what you were thinking. But I thank you for the advice nonetheless. It is always good knowing that people are not ignoring my cry for help.

To Xantippe

That would be a good thing to ask. But then I am afraid that my brother’s conversation with the professor would be like:

BROTHER: “Did aliens take part in the events of the Bible, professor?”

PROFESSOR: “No, son. Why would an advanced, intelligent species be involved with the religion that teaches sexism and homophobia?”

BROTHER: “So aliens will visit us if women should become priests and gays marry?”

PROFESSOR: “Precisely, son.”

The example I made here was kind of far-fetched, but I hope it is enough to give you an understanding of why this may not turn out right. Indeed, even a slightly educated person will know that the History Channel shows are just false, dramatized documentaries made for entertainment. However, in this diverse country of ours, they may have “their own idea of the right answer.” If you were wondering why I would think something like this would happen, then I should let you know that I had some rather different-minded college professors.
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What I’d be hoping for is the following:

BROTHER: I saw blah blah blah on the History Channel…

PROFESSOR: History Channel! [60 solids seconds of laughter]. You know, the History Channel has really gone down hill recently. I wouldn’t bother with it, except maybe their WWII stuff. You know, if you’re interested in Egyptology, there’s a really good book on the Ancient Egyptians here–have a look!

It’s way better that he mention it to professors than he bring it up at job interviews or at work. :eek: Also, not to worry you, but I’d keep my eyes open, because your brother’s obsessions might be an early sign of mental illness. Unfortunately, a lot of serious mental illness appears at roughly your brother’s age.

Listen a little when he goes off on this subject, but try to steer him toward more everyday subjects when you can.

Best wishes!
 
To Xantippe

Point well taken. I guess possibly different-minded professors are better than potential employers. Thank you for the advice. However, I do not want to be dismissive by subtlety changing the subject. I feel I am dehumanizing him if I do not at least listen to what he says and make known my position on the issue afterwards. Forgive me if that was not what you meant.
 
ScrupulousMonk said:
To Xantippe

Point well taken. I guess possibly different-minded professors are better than potential employers. Thank you for the advice. However, I do not want to be dismissive by subtlety changing the subject. I feel I am dehumanizing him if I do not at least listen to what he says and make known my position on the issue afterwards. Forgive me if that was not what you meant.
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You only need to tell him once.

cracked.com/funny-5720-the-history-channel/

You can do your own research by googling “accuracy history channel” or similar. Shoot him a few links from reputable sources and forget about it. You don’t need to engage him every single time. He’ll know what you think. If he persists, you can just say, “You know what I think about that.”
 
To ALL

I am sorry for the late reply, but thank you all for your answers and God bless.
 
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