Reiki?

[mystified]

A local parish bulletin has announced reiki classes.
What little I know of this, it appears to be a New Age thing with roots in Japan. “Laying on of hands”, “chakras”, etcétera, for spiritual and physical healing seem very foreign to Catholic teachings. Does anyone here know more about it?

 

[adrift]

This answer appeared on EWTN forum
http://ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult...RDER_BY_TXT=ORDER+BY+ReplyDate+DESC&start_at=

One of your recent questions concerned reiki.

Basically, reiki is a new-age, occult practice involving the summoning of spirits for healing purposes, or necromancy. It is therefore STRICTLY forbidden by the catechism. Here are some links with more information:

saint-mike.org/Apologetics/QA/Answers/Spiritual_Warfare/s0312100324.html

ourladyswarriors.org/dissent/reiki.htm

Unfortunately, in my own experience, it has been ‘charismatic’ Catholics who have fallen for the traps the devil has laid in the guise of spirituality: centering prayer, reiki, etc. BEWARE.

Imperet illi deus supplices deprecamur.

Fr. Michael
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 08-27-2005:
Dear Fr. Michael,

Thanks very much for your information. This question comes up a lot.

Dr.Geraghty

ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=443175&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=2005&Author=&Keyword=Reiki&pgnu=1&groupnum=0&record_bookmark=5&ORDER_BY_TXT=ORDER+BY+ReplyDate+DESC&start_at=

 

[Jeanette_L]

I know that you are right, in that it is part of the New Age Movement and should be avoided. It involves a sort of “Channeling”, which can be a very dangerous thing to open yourself up to.

I saw a woman on EWTN’s Living His Life Abundantly with Johnette Benkovich, who had been heavily involved in a lot of New Age stuff, and she was introduced to it through her parish! She had to be “delivered” from demonic influences later in her life because of her involvement in these things. She warned people to absolutely not get involved in this stuff!

I know Johnette has had this topic on her show on several occasions and would have more info if you are interested.

The link below is to their site where you can purchase a teaching CD concerning all things New Age and how it differs from our Christian faith if you are interested.

lhla.org/books/b1001.htm?PHPSESSID=70244dfaac4a3cb9eedc5c8eccd9bbda

And also:
lhla.org/videos/vcna.htm?PHPSESSID=70244dfaac4a3cb9eedc5c8eccd9bbda

 

[mikew262]

Most fears about Reiki have come from pure ignorance of it. There is nothing evil about it. My wife, a nurse, is a reiki practitioner. Nursing Schools are now starting to offer it. Nobody conjures up any spirits. If anybody remembers, Jesus himself healed with his hands. Most (if not all) Reiki folks feel their healing gift has come straight from God.

Here is a Christian Reiki website that includes Catholics.

christianreiki.org/

Read and be educated!

 

[MargieOh]

Mikew262 - you are sadly mistaken and confused.

Jesus heals through His own Divine power.

reiki calls on other powers.

Anything that claims to heal through mystical powers other than the One, True God is diabloical.

I don’t care who teaches it, nursing schools, seminaries, parishes, or whatever - it still comes from the enemy.

The website you should get to is www.crossveil.org

 

[Maryam]

I think the problem is that many people think that they can just tap into God’s power at their whim as if we were like an electrical plug that can be hooked up to God’s electrical socket of power.

In reading through the frequently asked questions section of the website link you provided mikew262 it reinforced my very thoughts above (below are 2 questions asked on the website I am using as examples… My own comments in blue and bolding/underlining by me): christianreiki.org/info/FAQ.htm

Q. I understand Reiki uses symbols. I’ve been told that Christians shouldn’t be involved with anything that uses symbols.

A. Keep in mind that symbols are part of Christianity. The fish and the cross are Christian symbols. Note also that Catholics make the sign of the cross over their chests for protection and to become empowered with Christ. Symbols are used in Reiki to connect with different kinds of Reiki energy and since Reiki healing energies all come from God, the symbols are a way to connect with God. However, if a person doesn’t like the idea of symbols, they are not necessary to use with Reiki as in Reiki I there are no symbols.

My comments:
**** Eggads… The Sign of the Cross to become empowered with Christ? Different symbols for different kinds of Reiki energy??? I didn’t know that healing comes in different symbols, colors and flavors. (ok… so the word ‘flavors’ wasn’t used… ) As a Catholic I thought healing all came down to whether it was God’s will or not to heal a person.

Q.. Why is the Reiki attunement necessary? How does it work?

A. The attunement is a process that turns on your healing energy. During this process God is able to connect you more strongly to his power which strengthens the healing energy coming from your hands. While everyone has some healing ability we know from experience that those who receive a Reiki attunement have noticeably stronger healing energies coming from their hands and are able to help others in a more effective way with their Reiki treatments. As a Christian it is recommended that you say a prayer at the beginning of the attunement process asking that God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will perform the attunement through the Reiki master. Christians have found this to be a very valuable and uplifting experience that strengthens their connection to God and increases their healing ability.

My comments:
Again Eggads…You need an “attunement” to turn on your healing energy. As if we have the power like an on and off switch to bully God around into giving us the power of healing energy.

All this stinks of humans thinking they are more powerful than God and so they will try all these different ways to “get God to do something for them”. Sorry kids it doesn’t work that way. If you are Catholic that follows your faith you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that we don’t turn ON and OFF God’s power according to our own will.

God bless

 

[mikew262]

Mikew262 - you are sadly mistaken and confused.

Jesus heals through His own Divine power.

reiki calls on other powers.

Anything that claims to heal through mystical powers other than the One, True God is diabloical.

I don’t care who teaches it, nursing schools, seminaries, parishes, or whatever - it still comes from the enemy.

The website you should get to is www.crossveil.org

Nope, you are incorrect. I’m sure I can’t convince of that and if you want to stay away from Reiki that is your choice. However, you are misinformed. Reiki folks feel their healing power comes from God. Nothing evil or diabolical about that.

 

[mikew262]

I think the problem is that many people think that they can just tap into God’s power at their whim as if we were like an electrical plug that can be hooked up to God’s electrical socket of power.

In reading through the frequently asked questions section of the website link you provided mikew262 it reinforced my very thoughts above (below are 2 questions asked on the website I am using as examples… My own comments in blue and bolding/underlining by me): christianreiki.org/info/FAQ.htm

Q. I understand Reiki uses symbols. I’ve been told that Christians shouldn’t be involved with anything that uses symbols.

A. Keep in mind that symbols are part of Christianity. The fish and the cross are Christian symbols. Note also that Catholics make the sign of the cross over their chests for protection and to become empowered with Christ. Symbols are used in Reiki to connect with different kinds of Reiki energy and since Reiki healing energies all come from God, the symbols are a way to connect with God. However, if a person doesn’t like the idea of symbols, they are not necessary to use with Reiki as in Reiki I there are no symbols.

My comments:
**** Eggads… The Sign of the Cross to become empowered with Christ? Different symbols for different kinds of Reiki energy??? I didn’t know that healing comes in different symbols, colors and flavors. (ok… so the word ‘flavors’ wasn’t used… ) As a Catholic I thought healing all came down to whether it was God’s will or not to heal a person.

Q.. Why is the Reiki attunement necessary? How does it work?

A. The attunement is a process that turns on your healing energy. During this process God is able to connect you more strongly to his power which strengthens the healing energy coming from your hands. While everyone has some healing ability we know from experience that those who receive a Reiki attunement have noticeably stronger healing energies coming from their hands and are able to help others in a more effective way with their Reiki treatments. As a Christian it is recommended that you say a prayer at the beginning of the attunement process asking that God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will perform the attunement through the Reiki master. Christians have found this to be a very valuable and uplifting experience that strengthens their connection to God and increases their healing ability.

My comments:
Again Eggads…You need an “attunement” to turn on your healing energy. As if we have the power like an on and off switch to bully God around into giving us the power of healing energy.

All this stinks of humans thinking they are more powerful than God and so they will try all these different ways to “get God to do something for them”. Sorry kids it doesn’t work that way. If you are Catholic that follows your faith you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that we don’t turn ON and OFF God’s power according to our own will.

God bless

Think what you will. Since you are confused about it and don’t fully understand it, it must automatically be evil, right?

I know of no case where anybody has ever been harmed by Reiki, but there are many cases where people have been helped.

BTW, no proper Reiki practitioner I have ever heard of has ever claimed to be more powerful than God. They consider their gift from God. Did you bother reading the scriptual references?

In I Corinthians 14:1 Paul tell us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. In I Corinthians 12: 28 Paul says that healing is one of the gifts. Paul also says that each of the gifts is best expressed with love. Also, Jesus is quoted in John 14:12 as saying, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.” We know that Jesus practiced laying on hands type healing, therefore, it is scriptural for Christian to practice healing by laying on hands.

True, Reiki is not mainstream, but it is becoming more popular. You have nothing to fear from it. Instead of automatically slamming it, why don’t you educate yourself on it from a non-biased source?

 

[Maryam]

Think what you will. Since you are confused about it and don’t fully understand it, it must automatically be evil, right?

I know of no case where anybody has ever been harmed by Reiki, but there are many cases where people have been helped.

BTW, no proper Reiki practitioner I have ever heard of has ever claimed to be more powerful than God. They consider their gift from God. Did you bother reading the scriptual references?

In I Corinthians 14:1 Paul tell us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. In I Corinthians 12: 28 Paul says that healing is one of the gifts. Paul also says that each of the gifts is best expressed with love. Also, Jesus is quoted in John 14:12 as saying, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.” We know that Jesus practiced laying on hands type healing, therefore, it is scriptural for Christian to practice healing by laying on hands.

True, Reiki is not mainstream, but it is becoming more popular. You have nothing to fear from it. Instead of automatically slamming it, why don’t you educate yourself on it from a non-biased source?

**

Think what you will. Since you are confused about it and don’t fully understand it, it must automatically be evil, right?

**

Yeah, when others disagree… assume they don’t know anything of what you are talking about. lol I think it is not I who am confused Mike… You are making big assumptions as to what I know or don’t know on Reiki…

You know nothing of my background in terms of my journey spiritually. I was away from the Catholic church for close to 20 years before I came back to the truth. I studied all kinds of New Age spiritualities, methods of meditation and so on… I am no expert but I pretty much read and dabbled in many Eastern beliefs like Taoism, Shintoism and know of Reiki… Heck, I even studied some Accupressure at the Swedish Institute in New York City.

I think I can give an opinion on something when I see that it is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic faith and when others try to put it across as ok for Catholics to practice… Which it is not. And what non-biased sources are you talking about… ??? You were the one who gave the link to the Christian Reiki website in the first place with the FAQ. I learned about Reiki just like I learned about Tenrikyo and other Japanese in origin spiritualities… healing methods and so on… By reading the texts written by the founders.

I think before you go slamming other peoples opinions you need to educate yourself on what Reiki really is and how it is not compatible with what the Catholic churches teaches (which is also good to study as well) before slamming the opinions of others who although you assume know nothing on the subject of Reiki might already have had past experience or knowledge of it.

God bless

 

[mikew262]

Think what you will. Since you are confused about it and don’t fully understand it, it must automatically be evil, right?

I think it is not I who am confused Mike… You are making big assumptions as to what I know or don’t know on Reiki…

You know nothing of my background in terms of my journey spiritually. I was away from the Catholic church for close to 20 years before I came back to the truth. I studied all kinds of New Age spiritualities, methods of meditation and so on… I am no expert but I pretty much read and dabbled in many Eastern beliefs like Taoism, Shintoism and know of Reiki… Heck, I even studied some Accupressure at the Swedish Institute in New York City.

I think I can give an opinion on something when I see that it is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic faith and when others try to put it across as ok for Catholics to practice… Which it is not. And what non-biased sourced are you talking about…??? I learned about Reiki just like I learned about Tenrikyo and other Japanese in origin spiritualities… healing methods and so on… By reading the texts written by the founders.

I think before you go slamming other peoples opinions you need to educate yourself on what Reiki really is and how it is not compatible with what the Catholic churches teaches (which is also good to study as well) before slamming the opinions of others who although you assume know nothing on the subject of Reiki might already have had past experience or knowledge of it.

God bless

My wife is a Catholic, nurse and a Reiki Master and she is very well educated on it. I get my knowledge from her and on my own. IMO, the Church’s opinion on Reiki is nothing but pure conjecture on their part. Again, we don’t know alot about it, so it must be evil.

Again, if you don’t approve of Reiki, thats fine. You are entitled to your opinion. I believe however you have drawn the wrong conclusions about it. The fact that Scripture backs it’s use is good enough for me. BTW, my wife would never participate in anything that she felt came from an evil source.

I didn’t mean to talk down to you, I’m sorry about that. However, it gets very frustrating sometimes talking to folks who appear misinformed and you can’t convince them otherwise.

 

[jlcasey]

the Church’s opinion on Reiki is nothing but pure conjecture on their part

well therein lies the problem for me with Reiki. I am a Catholic convert purely for the reason that I choose to trust the Church with my very soul. Christ didn’t give the keys of the kingdom to Peter just for us to be dismissive and doubtful. If you choose to disregard the teaching of the Church - then ultimately it can have the potential to be harmful to the Body of Christ. This is something I don’t wish to be responsible for when I face God and give an account.

In addition, there is much to be said about the value of suffering. Physical ailments unite us with the suffering of Christ on the cross. If God chooses to heal us, we have safer avenues ordained by the Church such as annointing with oils.

 

[InLight247]

My wife is a Catholic, nurse and a Reiki Master and she is very well educated on it. I get my knowledge from her and on my own. IMO, the Church’s opinion on Reiki is nothing but pure conjecture on their part. Again, we don’t know alot about it, so it must be evil.

Again, if you don’t approve of Reiki, thats fine. You are entitled to your opinion. I believe however you have drawn the wrong conclusions about it. The fact that Scripture backs it’s use is good enough for me. BTW, my wife would never participate in anything that she felt came from an evil source.

I didn’t mean to talk down to you, I’m sorry about that. However, it gets very frustrating sometimes talking to folks who appear misinformed and you can’t convince them otherwise.

There are no such things as “Christian Reiki” or “Christian Yoga”. We Catholics should only turn to our Lord Jesus for healing. Many Catholics don’t have enough knowledge to know these are dangerous things. They may think they know but they don’t. Those who get into Reiki or Yoga are deceived. Devils often pretent to be angles.

Please read Deuteronomy 18:9-13, see what God says.

 

[jlcasey]

My wife is a Catholic, nurse and a Reiki Master and she is very well educated on it. I get my knowledge from her and on my own.

If she hasn’t already, she might appreciate reading the Pontifical Council for Culture and interreligious dialogue’s document: Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life: A Christian reflection on the “New Age” which can be found on the Vatican’s website.

 

[Didi]

I used to go to a massage therapist who practiced Reiki (though never on me) and I became concerned about it and asked my parish priest. He referred me to a priest who was very involved in helping people get out of occult practices. This priest said Reiki, yoga, etc., are all new age occult practices which veil themselves as being of God. Even though people may use the word “god” he questions what “god” they are calling upon, many without even realizing what it is they are doing. One woman became possessed as a result of reiki and yoga.

If the Church warns strongly against something, it is not because the Church is ignorant. We are to obey the authority of the Church. Remember that parents often keep their children from doing something because it is harmful to them, even though the child may think the parent is just being mean. The Church tries to protect us from evil.

For those who have doubts, please pray about it and be open to the answer God will put before you.

 

[InLight247]

… This priest said Reiki, yoga, etc., are all new age occult practices which veil themselves as being of God. Even though people may use the word “god” he questions what “god” they are calling upon, many without even realizing what it is they are doing. One woman became possessed as a result of reiki and yoga.

If the Church warns strongly against something, it is not because the Church is ignorant. We are to obey the authority of the Church. Remember that parents often keep their children from doing something because it is harmful to them, even though the child may think the parent is just being mean. The Church tries to protect us from evil.

Reiki, Yoga and Chi Kung are all dangerous.
I personally know a person who used to practice Chi Kung and he later realized and experienced the evil effects. These are all very dangerous, especially when getting deep into it.
Do not open your door to the dark power, not even a crack.
When one practices those things, even just in the initial stage, one actually gives permission for the dark power to enter his life. Watch out! This is no joking.

 

[Jeanette_L]

In I Corinthians 14:1 Paul tell us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. In I Corinthians 12: 28 Paul says that healing is one of the gifts. Paul also says that each of the gifts is best expressed with love. Also, Jesus is quoted in John 14:12 as saying, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.” We know that Jesus practiced laying on hands type healing, therefore, it is scriptural for Christian to practice healing by laying on hands.

I don’t mean to jump on the bandwagon, or gang up on you, but I just wanted to make one comment regarding the Scriptures you have referenced. When Paul was teaching about the spiritual gifts given to the Body of Christ, and that we were to desire these, he was talking about within the context of the Church and through the Church only. These gifts come to us through the Holy Spirit, through our annointing and the laying on of hands through those who have been ordained in the Church. Seeking spiritual gifts and expressions outside of the safety of the Church can be very dangerous, even if it seems very docile and even beneficial. Caution is just so important.

And just because you don’t personally know of anyone who has been harmed by this practice doesn’t mean that they’re not out there, or that you just haven’t seen the manifestations yet. Just please be careful, prayerfully careful.

 

[thistle]

catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=2929

 

[CAM228]

Greetings to all,

Just my 2 cents on this issue. I went to an Ursiline Mother House that had flyers about Reiki classes. First, I was already suspicious of Reiki because of reasons mentioned above, such as where is the power coming from. The flyers that I read labled Reiki practictioners as “Masters”, masters of what? Do they really believe they can master God? All we can do is be open to the Holy Spirit, we can’t control Him.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit are free, thats why they are called gifts. The people offering Reiki training were charging over $1,000 per class. If it is a gift from God then people are committing a grave sin charging for God’s gift.

I recently spoke to a friend who has been involved in a deliverance ministry for years. She told me she has a friend that goes to Reiki seminars and prays for people free of charge, while those practicing Reiki charge for their services. (I would call them prayers, but dont believe thats what they are doing, at least not in the traditional sense.) The Catholic woman that prays for free in the name of Jesus says that many Reiki practictioners come to her for prayer to be delivered form spiritual problems brought on by Reiki.

My belief is that if people are not praying in the name of Jesus then they are in serious spiritual danger. The devil has wanted to be like God from the begining, and it wouldn’t surprise me to find the devil behind Reiki. If he has to heal people to lead them astray I believe that He will do it.

May Jesus Bless You Always

 

[cheese_sdc]

I am a reiki practioner myself, and am a practicing Catholic. I find no contradiction between Catholic teaching and utilizing reiki energy.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit are free, thats why they are called gifts. The people offering Reiki training were charging over $1,000 per class. If it is a gift from God then people are committing a grave sin charging for God’s gift.

Why do we pay priests then? Aren’t we paying them to administer the sacraments?

My belief is that if people are not praying in the name of Jesus then they are in serious spiritual danger.

When ever I begin a formal reiki treatment, I always begin with the Glory Be. A friend of mine (also a reiki practioner) begins with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

The devil has wanted to be like God from the begining, and it wouldn’t surprise me to find the devil behind Reiki. If he has to heal people to lead them astray I believe that He will do it.

I have yet to find any scriptural support for the idea that the Adversary can heal.

You need an “attunement” to turn on your healing energy. As if we have the power like an on and off switch to bully God around into giving us the power of healing energy.

I don’t quite agree with your characterization (the word “bully”), and this sounds much like the objection that some protestants use against priests (they say that we think that we can command God and trap him in bread). The attunement process is a very peaceful, powerful ceremony that I considered a form of Confirmation or Baptism. In those sacraments, does the priest or bishop “bullies” God into giving the grace of the sacrament to the baby or teenager?

We don’t stop ourselves and ask “does God not want to do this right now?” We assume that God’s love for the world is such that we can’t imagine that He wouldn’t want to do it.

Such is the case with reiki and healing.

 

[CatholicSam]

God is our personal, loving Father, not some “force” that can be manipulated by man.