In a practical sense, since we are nearing Halloween, how about inviting her over to watch a movie or documentary about Harry Houdini? Houdini went on a quest to contact his departed mother, and ultimately ended up debunking every psychic he met. There’s a new Adrian Brody movie, as well as the old Tony Curtis one. Both are great, imho.
As far as your question, “How do you or would you respond to friends and family that are interested in New Age practices?” that’s a pretty broad question.
The best way for me was to listen to Catholic Answers Live so I had answers on-the-fly. The more my beliefs were questioned / challenged, the more I was called to clarify.
My new age friends would ask, “Hey, what is this topic / ritual about?” and I’d
have a succinct answer. Or (and this is where you need a relationship with this
person), the person will tell you about:
- an event that hurt them (or a loved one) deeply,
- how their experience shaped them,
- how that experience shaped their understanding of the Church,
- how the Church has been represented to them by others and media.
Oftentimes they’re blaming an entire institution for the way they or others were hurt by representatives of the Church (clergy, sisters, teachers, nurses, even parents and grand parents).
New Age people don’t evangelize, and their belief systems put emphasis on interpersonal relationships. So to evangelize them, seek to know the person first and invite their questions.
It’s very different from proof texting scripture with our Protestant brethren. It really is taking time to explain the history and rationale of the Church.
Most likely you’re going to learn your friend’s impression of the Faith came from misinformation, folk superstition, disinformation, and incredibly poor catechesis. But don’t make belief systems the crux or sole topic of your conversations. Be there, as a friend. Invest in a relationship by spending time. The person will come to see you as a person and not an “agent of the Church.” You will be evangelizing through kindness.
Just remember that you’re not there to convince anyone, but to plant a seed. New Agers are very open to learning about different belief systems because their belief system is syncretic. They are also champions of personal dignity and appreciate when their critical thinking skills are ‘nudged,’ just like anyone else. This is where Catholics get to demonstrate that their personhood is important to us, not just getting our ideas across.
I often say to my friends, “I’m sorry it was explained to you wrong, let me clear it up!” or, “That must have been a traumatic way to learn that!”
Because, as I mentioned, their religion is subjective and syncretic, quoting Scripture or other sacred writing in the beginning would have the same effect if a New Age follower read a Sutra to a Catholic. Deal with concepts. Let them bring up their understanding of Scripture and when you respond, make sure it’s what the Church teaches.
Remember, this is the case were you dangle a carrot in front of a horse, not overtly engage in spiritual battle. Keep defensiveness to a minimum. If you
don’t have an answer, table the question until you do.
