never heard Latin chant described as new age before. you might be interested in previous threads on the spirituality forum, with links. here is the list that comes up in search
Can you describe what is wrong with it in specific, theological terms without using “smear words” like “new age”? In other words, what truth of the faith does it deny? What vice does it foster?
And tagging on to Edwin’s message, why would you be “disturbed” to learn that Catholics are practicing it when you admit you don’t know much about it?
But “New Age” is just a label. I’m sensitive on this point–I grew up around fundamentalists who thought that any word they hadn’t heard before was somehow demonic. There are specific things that the Catholic Church has identified as problematic in New Age spirituality. Fine. So any prayer that is “New Age” in this bad sense should have specific bad things about it that can be identified. My fear is that people use the phrase “New Age” loosely to mean anything that sounds a bit more mystical or touchy-feely or weird than they are used to. If you can’t identify what is bad about a prayer, then you shouldn’t be using a pejorative label to describe it.
Fair enough. I would agree with that. The term does sometimes get misapplied (as pejorative words often do!) and is generally non-specific (and thus often unhelpful in explaining what is specifically problematic with something).
But what precisely do you mean when you say ‘it sounds a bit New Age’? What did your fellow Catholic mean when they said ‘it probably is a bit New Age’? What exactly does the term ‘New Age’ signify to you? We can’t help you with your concerns unless you give us something specific to address.
Lily,
What reasons though? You’ve given very few reasons, you’ve simply repeatedly used the buzz word ‘New Age’ and other buzz words like ‘orthodox’ without giving any indication that you have even the faintest understanding of what they mean and without indicating in what way they might, in your view, apply to Taize.
I didn’t think I had to define the buzzwords in order to use themWhat reasons though? You’ve given very few reasons, you’ve simply repeatedly used the buzz word ‘New Age’ and other buzz words like ‘orthodox’ without giving any indication that you have even the faintest understanding of what they mean and without indicating in what way they might, in your view, apply to Taize.
That’s why I ask what SPECIFICALLY concerns you about Taize. What about it specifically might be ‘New Age’, and why? What about it do you think might be ‘unorthodox’ and why?
To be fair you made one point about it being used by Protestants as well, which is fair enough and something which needs to be considered. And which I’ve indicated is not of itself a reason to reject Taize. In saying it’s not sufficient reason to reject it I’m not saying that you were looking for reasons to reject it.
.What exactly is wrong with being “slightly less than conservative”?
My questions exactly…had never heard of “Taize” before last week…in a neighboring Parish they will have a “Taize Service” sometime next week, I believe. Can’t tell you why, but when I was introduced to “Taize” and invited, I had a very uncomfortable sense about it…but from what I have read so far, it seems to be very innocent and beautiful so ??? It seems to be a form of worship that is very inclusive of ALL faiths without regard or discussion of differences.
I will hold this issue neutral as well, until I learn more as well.Thank you for the links. I had never heard Taize music before. It’s beautiful. I haven’t listened to all the links yet, but so far I am only familiar with the “Jesus, Remember Me” chant (the words of the Good Thief on the Cross). At our parish we sing it at the end of the Mass of Christian Burial, as we process from the church to the cemetery. It is so moving.