New Age

[PietroPaolo]

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) who has, like many these days, developed his own personal religion (a form of New Age). He rejects the Church, Christ, Hell, Sin, etc. replacing these objective standards of truth with a subjective “listening to God within” theory. I’ve tried to point out that he must alone be listening to God as no one else has the same exact beliefs as he does (which is absurd). He is not a relativist, but is a hyper-individualist (when presented with the aforementioned argument he simply says he isn’t concerned with other people’s religion). Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ? Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. Thanks and God Bless.

 

[fbl9]

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) who has, like many these days, developed his own personal religion (a form of New Age). He rejects the Church, Christ, Hell, Sin, etc. replacing these objective standards of truth with a subjective “listening to God within” theory. I’ve tried to point out that he must alone be listening to God as no one else has the same exact beliefs as he does (which is absurd). He is not a relativist, but is a hyper-individualist (when presented with the aforementioned argument he simply says he isn’t concerned with other people’s religion). Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ? Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. Thanks and God Bless.

Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. That and pray always

 

[Fairwinds]

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) …

what is the point of these endless snide remarks about Vatican II? I see more it here than from any protestant group. you were also raised after the Council.

Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ?

stop being hypercritical. if you don’t think you’re hypercritical, look at the snide remark quoted above.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Will he attend Church with you? You have to bring that suppressed message written in his heart to the surface. Little things like a Crucifix in the room. Suggesting a prayer at meals. Prayer together. Prayer cards etc. Sublime communication.

I understand you can’t be over-bearing since it pushes others away. But you do have a responsibility.

Yes the prayer is most important at this point.

I mean, is this complete denial? Sounds like just a conceived idea of the mind believed.

 

[Dorothy]

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) who has, like many these days, developed his own personal religion (a form of New Age). He rejects the Church, Christ, Hell, Sin, etc. replacing these objective standards of truth with a subjective “listening to God within” theory. I’ve tried to point out that he must alone be listening to God as no one else has the same exact beliefs as he does (which is absurd). He is not a relativist, but is a hyper-individualist (when presented with the aforementioned argument he simply says he isn’t concerned with other people’s religion). Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ? Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. Thanks and God Bless.

Nothing is impossible with God. I have two daughters that I am praying very much for, one is more heavily into “new age” than the other. (horoscopes, charts, tarot, etc.) I am now praying a lengthy St. Michael prayer for them, several times a week.

Ask the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother for the grace to say what needs to be said, (wisdom and instruction) and how and when to say it.)

The Lord hears our prayers for others, and instructs us at the same time. If those we pray for don’t seem to be responding…just trust the Lord and continually ask Him to lead and guide! He knows exactly what the person needs that we are praying for. Keep praying, speaking, and trusting Jesus!

 

[Beryllos]

what is the point of these endless snide remarks about Vatican II?

“Narcissism of small differences,” also known as the tyranny of small differences. Like warring tribes who are practically cousins.

I see more it here than from any protestant group.

Yep. When the gap is wider, other rules apply.

 

[PietroPaolo]

what is the point of these endless snide remarks about Vatican II? I see more it here than from any protestant group. you were also raised after the Council.

He was raised in the immediate aftermath of the Council, which was a time of very poor catechises in America. That’s not an attack on the Council, just a comment on the struggles of the Church over the last 50 yrs - if you can’t see that you need to open your eyes. Yes, I was also raised after the Council and I also apostatized from the Faith until a few yrs ago.

stop being hypercritical. if you don’t think you’re hypercritical, look at the snide remark quoted above.

If being hypercritical is defined by making snide remarks your entire reply to my original post is hypercritical.

Pax.

 

[PietroPaolo]

Will he attend Church with you?

Only for baptisms of my children.

You have to bring that suppressed message written in his heart to the surface. Little things like a Crucifix in the room. Suggesting a prayer at meals. Prayer together. Prayer cards etc. Sublime communication.

I no longer live at home, but when I eat with my father, my children, wife, and I always pray grace. I wear a crucifix and have several in our home, in our car, etc. - so he sees them when we are together.

I understand you can’t be over-bearing since it pushes others away. But you do have a responsibility.

Yes the prayer is most important at this point.

I mean, is this complete denial? Sounds like just a conceived idea of the mind believed.

What do you mean by the part in bold?

 

[PietroPaolo]

Nothing is impossible with God. I have two daughters that I am praying very much for, one is more heavily into “new age” than the other. (horoscopes, charts, tarot, etc.) I am now praying a lengthy St. Michael prayer for them, several times a week.

Ask the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother for the grace to say what needs to be said, (wisdom and instruction) and how and when to say it.)

The Lord hears our prayers for others, and instructs us at the same time. If those we pray for don’t seem to be responding…just trust the Lord and continually ask Him to lead and guide! He knows exactly what the person needs that we are praying for. Keep praying, speaking, and trusting Jesus!

Thanks! I’ll say an Ave for your daughters conversion. God bless.

 

[GaryTaylor]

What do you mean by the part in bold?

If he has some loose idea of God, it seems to me he connected the loose dots through various ideas of his own. Who is he following but himself then? I mean who is God then and what makes anyone think they are right when they only have there own thinking confirming itself. You can’t be wrong that way, and what does that make one who can’t be wrong. Isn’t this an infallible idea based on ones own thinking of what’s relevant?

 

[PietroPaolo]

If he has some loose idea of God, it seems to me he connected the loose dots through various ideas of his own. Who is he following but himself then? I mean who is God then and what makes anyone think they are right when they only have there own thinking confirming itself. You can’t be wrong that way, and what does that make one who can’t be wrong. Isn’t this an infallible idea based on ones own thinking of what’s relevant?

Right, it’s all in his own head. He can’t be wrong, b/c nothing can be independently verified. It’s tough to break through that. You can show a Prot. who believes the early Church was evangelical that they are wrong by using history, the writings of the fathers, etc. but what can you do with someone who says “I just trust God and if you trusted God too, then you’d believe what I believe?” The only reply is, “I do trust God” but then what?

 

[GaryTaylor]

Right, it’s all in his own head. He can’t be wrong, b/c nothing can be independently verified. It’s tough to break through that. You can show a Prot. who believes the early Church was evangelical that they are wrong by using history, the writings of the fathers, etc. but what can you do with someone who says “I just trust God and if you trusted God too, then you’d believe what I believe?” The only reply is, “I do trust God” but then what?

Good news its not an uncommon story. Flip side is comes to the existence of God, a very long story which requires either blind faith [blessing] or a long conversation on the philosophy forum. I never had this issue [blind faith] the reading and listening only further clarified the thinking. I mean, how does one think they from the on-set arrived here but from an initial cause, I’m of the conviction that can’t be denied .

Nevertheless as I’m sure you know its documented history Christ lived, its a fact. Now one may not from the on-set believe He’s God. However, I don’t know not a single soul in mankind’s history who has the same resume, you? Everything about Jesus is way above anything I ever encounter with a human. You know anyone who raised a dead rotten corpse? Bought peace in face of paralyzing fear to millions? Fulfilled prophecy by the boat load? He remains a historic reality, a criminal who died on the Cross in 33-AD? How? Why is it He is the only one we remembered? Definitely not probable.

Same situation in some way I imagine we all contend with in one way or another.

 

[PietroPaolo]

Good news its not an uncommon story. Flip side is comes to the existence of God, a very long story which requires either blind faith [blessing] or a long conversation on the philosophy forum. I never had this issue [blind faith] the reading and listening only further clarified the thinking. I mean, how does one think they from the on-set arrived here but from an initial cause, I’m of the conviction that can’t be denied .

Nevertheless as I’m sure you know its documented history Christ lived, its a fact. Now one may not from the on-set believe He’s God. However, I don’t know not a single soul in mankind’s history who has the same resume, you? Everything about Jesus is way above anything I ever encounter with a human. You know anyone who raised a dead rotten corpse? Bought peace in face of paralyzing fear to millions? Fulfilled prophecy by the boat load? He remains a historic reality, a criminal who died on the Cross in 33-AD? How? Why is it He is the only one we remembered? Definitely not probable.

Same situation in some way I imagine we all contend with in one way or another.

Absolutely. When he brings the topic of religion up (which is rare) I try to stick to the historical case for Christ (my father being a mythicist). He usually will just fall back into his “I trust God” and “I don’t discuss other religions” routine.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Absolutely. When he brings the topic of religion up (which is rare) I try to stick to the historical case for Christ (my father being a mythicist). He usually will just fall back into his “I trust God” and “I don’t discuss other religions” routine.

Tough situation, not impossible but difficult. I imagine he lives basically a moral ethical life which confirms his thinking. You have to continue to plant the seed and care for it. Prayer, the rest is in Gods hand.

Prayers are with you.

 

[PietroPaolo]

Tough situation, not impossible but difficult. I imagine he lives basically a moral ethical life which confirms his thinking. You have to continue to plant the seed and care for it. Prayer, the rest is in Gods hand.

Prayers are with you.

Thank you, my friend. God bless.

 

[IgnatianPhilo]

Seems alot of fathers are like that these days, have no advice but can only comment on how sad it is.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

what is the point of these endless snide remarks about Vatican II? I see more it here than from any protestant group. you were also raised after the Council.

stop being hypercritical. if you don’t think you’re hypercritical, look at the snide remark quoted above.

If you haven’t got anything positive to contribute don’t say anything.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) who has, like many these days, developed his own personal religion (a form of New Age). He rejects the Church, Christ, Hell, Sin, etc. replacing these objective standards of truth with a subjective “listening to God within” theory. I’ve tried to point out that he must alone be listening to God as no one else has the same exact beliefs as he does (which is absurd). He is not a relativist, but is a hyper-individualist (when presented with the aforementioned argument he simply says he isn’t concerned with other people’s religion). Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ? Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. Thanks and God Bless.

Pray for him (especially ask for St Monica’s prayers for the conversion of the heart). Keep the lines of communication open.

Poor catechesis exists even today. It’s great that you are educating yourself more about the faith and able to provide him more accurate information.

 

[concretecamper]

PietroPaolo:

Hi all,

My father is a lapsed Catholic (raised right after the Council, so you can guess the level of catechises) who has, like many these days, developed his own personal religion (a form of New Age). He rejects the Church, Christ, Hell, Sin, etc. replacing these objective standards of truth with a subjective “listening to God within” theory. I’ve tried to point out that he must alone be listening to God as no one else has the same exact beliefs as he does (which is absurd). He is not a relativist, but is a hyper-individualist (when presented with the aforementioned argument he simply says he isn’t concerned with other people’s religion). Does anyone have any tips on how to help this man see the light of Christ? Currently, I’m witnessing through my own life and addressing any questions he asks when he asks them but not pressing the issue when he doesn’t. Thanks and God Bless.

Preach the gospel to him, and if necessary, use words.

Posted from Catholic.com App for Android

 

[PietroPaolo]

Seems alot of fathers are like that these days, have no advice but can only comment on how sad it is.

Sad, but true.

Pray for him (especially ask for St Monica’s prayers for the conversion of the heart). Keep the lines of communication open.

Poor catechesis exists even today. It’s great that you are educating yourself more about the faith and able to provide him more accurate information.

Preach the gospel to him, and if necessary, use words.

Posted from Catholic.com App for Android

Thanks, guys!