Why are the New Age movement and other exotic ideas so attractive?

[StTommyMore]

Dear Denise: I have explained that the Hindu religion does not believe in the Caste system any more than the Catholic religion continues to believe in burning people at the stake or torturing what it feels are heretics. That is my point. Because people in the US practice artificial contraception, does that make Catholicism the religion of contraception? Probably not. Accordingly, because there is an outdated social convention followed by many in the Sub-Continent does not make Hinduism the religion of the caste system.

As to whether you believe that you have to point out what you feel are the realities of pagan religions, that is your business however, I thought you were talking about Hinduism rather than pagan religions. In either case, your facts on Hinduism sound like they came out of a 1957 issue of the Saturday Evening Post. That said, do you really want to continue having this discussion?

As for your church’s teachings that you mentioned, I am not aware of where these require you to cast dispersions at others who may not be like yourself, but if you see that in there, feel free to do so. Only be aware that you may be making a point that you were unaware you were making.

Your friend
Sufjon

Is it a despersion to say that a belief system is not from God? Is not Hinduism behavioally based? Good people move up the enlightenment ladder and evil people move down, repeating the process until Nirvana is achieved? That is absolutely antithetical to Christianity wherein we our good acts are made possible not in ourselves but by the grace of God. The beatific vision is equally possible for the murderer and the pacifist, the greedy and the ascetic. Salvation is not determined by how good we are, but how good God is. We need only accept the familial covenant bond and allow God to work through us.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Thank God - We finally agree! I knew we’d find common ground

I think I’ll have a cookie.

What does this have to do with the New Age movement?

 

[StTommyMore]

What does this have to do with the New Age movement?

He keeps harping on that it is wrong to say any belief system is not of God. The truth of the matter is that all religions are man’s attempt to find God, save Judaism and Christianity. Judaism and Christianity are the results of God revealing Himself to man.

 

[Denise1957]

Dear Denise: I have explained that the Hindu religion does not believe in the Caste system any more than the Catholic religion continues to believe in burning people at the stake or torturing what it feels are heretics. That is my point. Because people in the US practice artificial contraception, does that make Catholicism the religion of contraception? Probably not. Accordingly, because there is an outdated social convention followed by many in the Sub-Continent does not make Hinduism the religion of the caste system.

As to whether you believe that you have to point out what you feel are the realities of pagan religions, that is your business however, I thought you were talking about Hinduism rather than pagan religions. In either case, your facts on Hinduism sound like they came out of a 1957 issue of the Saturday Evening Post. That said, do you really want to continue having this discussion?

As for your church’s teachings that you mentioned, I am not aware of where these require you to cast dispersions at others who may not be like yourself, but if you see that in there, feel free to do so. Only be aware that you may be making a point that you were unaware you were making.

Your friend
Sufjon

That Hinduism does not have a unified body of beliefs is true, so it wasn’t really accurate for me to say that Hinduism itself necessarly teaches it, but until the caste system was officially outlawed in India (I forget, 40 or 50 years ago, thanks in part to the work of Gandhi) it was a how Hindu society worked, wouldn’t you say? And it is still practiced to a certain degree, or Mother Theresa would not have experienced the problems she did. And yet she still loved the Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists that she so lovingly cared for, despite the death threats. Does Hindu in general believe that we are to love our enemies, and pray for them?

This conversation came about because you mentioned Mother Theresa and her work. To which I pointed out the realities of what she had to deal with regarding death threats from the Hindu community. Casting dispersions on Hindus who threaten a saintly woman is not really a terrible thing, IMO. Do you disagree?

 

[Denise1957]

Oops…double post.

 

[Sufjon]

Is it a despersion to say that a belief system is not from God? Is not Hinduism behavioally based? Good people move up the enlightenment ladder and evil people move down, repeating the process until Nirvana is achieved? That is absolutely antithetical to Christianity wherein we our good acts are made possible not in ourselves but by the grace of God. The beatific vision is equally possible for the murderer and the pacifist, the greedy and the ascetic. Salvation is not determined by how good we are, but how good God is. We need only accept the familial covenant bond and allow God to work through us.

Dear Tommy More: You can say that my belief system is not from God, and I could say the same about yours. That doesn’t make it true. The kingdom of God is not a club, nor do you have exclusive membership rights. One sure way to get stuck outside the gate is to start thinking like that.

No, good people do not move up and bad people do not move down. This shows a complete lack of comprehension of Hinduism, probably borne of a proclivity for Reader’s Digest or Wikipedia. There are no good people or bad people. There are only Jivatman, or individualized souls, which are a part of the Atman or One Soul. Good and bad Karma are just laws of nature. Basically, you reap what you sew. The objective is to move beyond that the realm of both good karma and bad karma. Doing good things are characteristics of a person who has attained some level of enlightenment. Conversely, doing bad things is indicative of a lack of some level of enlightenment. In other words, heaven is not based on deeds or earned. It is realized. If you understood more about what you are deriding, you would see parallels rather than differences.

Nirvana is more of a Buddhist term. In terms of states of being, a Hindu ultimately seeks Mahasamādhi.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[Sufjon]

And yet she still loved the Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists that she so lovingly cared for, despite the death threats.

Yes, the point is that she didn’t ask what you were before she cared about you.

Does Hindu in general believe that we are to love our enemies, and pray for them?

Hinduism teaches that everyone is a part of you, which means no one is your enemy.

This conversation came about because you mentioned Mother Theresa and her work. To which I pointed out the realities of what she had to deal with regarding death threats from the Hindu community. Casting dispersions on Hindus who threaten a saintly woman is not really a terrible thing, IMO. Do you disagree?

The conversation came about because I kindly used a person from your faith as an example of how to act. I was met with examples of people from my faith on how not to act. There are examples of both in each faith. My comment on Teresa was out of reverence to a fellow child of God. I do not know the motive of your original reply, but it was not in the same vein.

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[Anna_Scott]

Good question and great quote! I imagine that Paul was actually full of the power of Christ, as was Peter when he healed with his shadow, as well as the other apostles. After all, Jesus gave them that power when he met with them after his death and ressurection. As for the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched Paul’s skin, I really don’t know what to say.

Saints’ relics, I don’t think they are supposed to have special powers, other than to be very holy, but I could be wrong on that

Maybe someone else knows?

CHRISTINE77,

I found an article in the Catholic Encyclopedia about relics–very interesting.

Here is the link: oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Relics

Peace,
Anna

 

[Denise1957]

Yes, the point is that she didn’t ask what you were before she cared about you.

Hinduism teaches that everyone is a part of you, which means no one is your enemy.

The conversation came about because I kindly used a person from your faith as an example of how to act. I was met with examples of people from my faith on how not to act. There are examples of both in each faith. My comment on Teresa was out of reverence to a fellow child of God. I do not know the motive of your original reply, but it was not in the same vein.

Your friend
Sufjon

If you go back and look at the posts, you’ll see that you were trying to tell Catholics about what we are to or should believe and think, and that it would be better for us to throw out all trappings, save that of love of neighbor, than to miss that one point. Then I pointed out the importance of forgiveness, as well as the willingness to suffer and sacrifice, which is so central to the Catholic faith, and which Mother Theresa understood, and to which you did not respond.

Tommy Moore was absolutely right when he said that our good acts are made possible not of ourselves but by the grace of God. I hope that you will take this to heart and try to understand it. Now I’ve explained as much as I can, and will back away nowfrom this thread so as to give others a chance to post.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12** For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.**

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, . . . . .

Peace,
Anna

I’m not certain that I get your meaning, but it sounds a lot to me as though you are equating the beliefs of others, or those who are different than you in their spirituality to be somehow aligned with evil. I am making this connection because my original question was in regards to whom you feel you are having spiritual warfare with. Are you feeling that you are having a spiritual struggle with people like me?

Your friend,
Sufjon

Sufjon,

You are here questioning and I think that is a good thing. I am glad you are here.

There is definitely a war going on in the spiritual realm. Sometimes we get a glimpse into that realm and things become very clear about a particular object, symbol, situation, or even a person. One can even be possessed. None of this is new information.

However, the war is never against the person, but the spirit who blinds, seduces, oppresses, or even possess the person.

So, the answer to your questions is “no.” I do not feel that I are having a spiritual struggle with people like you.

Peace and blessings to you, Sufjon,
Anna

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Dear Tommy More: You can say that my belief system is not from God, and I could say the same about yours. That doesn’t make it true. The kingdom of God is not a club, nor do you have exclusive membership rights. One sure way to get stuck outside the gate is to start thinking like that.

No, good people do not move up and bad people do not move down. This shows a complete lack of comprehension of Hinduism, probably borne of a proclivity for Reader’s Digest or Wikipedia. There are no good people or bad people. There are only Jivatman, or individualized souls, which are a part of the Atman or One Soul. Good and bad Karma are just laws of nature. Basically, you reap what you sew. The objective is to move beyond that the realm of both good karma and bad karma. Doing good things are characteristics of a person who has attained some level of enlightenment. Conversely, doing bad things is indicative of a lack of some level of enlightenment. In other words, heaven is not based on deeds or earned. It is realized. If you understood more about what you are deriding, you would see parallels rather than differences.

Nirvana is more of a Buddhist term. In terms of states of being, a Hindu ultimately seeks Mahasamādhi.

Your friend
Sufjon

This is actually a lot like the doctrine of grace. We do good works because we are filled with the grace of God, not because we will be rewarded for doing good works. Catholics who are filled with God’s grace want to help others and love their brothers and sisters.

The thing that Hinduism seems to leave out is God. They have the idea of heaven, and the idea of loving one’s fellow human beings, but no loving God. To me this is hard, because who do you pray to for guidance and to give thanks?

 

[CHRISTINE77]

CHRISTINE77,

I found an article in the Catholic Encyclopedia about relics–very interesting.

Here is the link: oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Relics

Peace,
Anna

Thanks, but I am still a little confused about relics. I know they are holy, but do they have special powers?

 

[Anna_Scott]

Thanks, but I am still a little confused about relics. I know they are holy, but do they have special powers?

CHRISTINE77,

I’m still trying to figure that out myself. Even the Catholic article is a bit confusing.

Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

I’m not certain that I get your meaning, but it sounds a lot to me as though you are equating the beliefs of others, or those who are different than you in their spirituality to be somehow aligned with evil. I am making this connection because my original question was in regards to whom you feel you are having spiritual warfare with. Are you feeling that you are having a spiritual struggle with people like me?

Your friend,
Sufjon

Sufjon,

You are here questioning and I think that is a good thing. I am glad you are here.

There is definitely a war going on in the spiritual realm. Sometimes we get a glimpse into that realm and things become very clear about a particular object, symbol, situation, or even a person. One can even be possessed. None of this is new information.

However, the war is never against the person, but the spirit who blinds, seduces, oppresses, or even possess the person.

So, the answer to your questions is “no.” I do not feel that I are having a spiritual struggle with people like you.

Peace and blessings to you, Sufjon,
Anna

Sufjon,

There is something else that I want to say about your remark:

. . . .it sounds a lot to me as though you are equating the beliefs of others, or those who are different than you in their spirituality to be somehow aligned with evil.

Some of the most disturbing experiences I’ve ever had came through my own spiritual blindness, after failure to heed a spiritual warning. So, it has nothing to do with any kind of prejudice against those who believe differently than I do.

Anna

 

[Sufjon]

This is actually a lot like the doctrine of grace. We do good works because we are filled with the grace of God, not because we will be rewarded for doing good works. Catholics who are filled with God’s grace want to help others and love their brothers and sisters.

The thing that Hinduism seems to leave out is God. They have the idea of heaven, and the idea of loving one’s fellow human beings, but no loving God. To me this is hard, because who do you pray to for guidance and to give thanks?

Hi Christine: Yes, it is like the doctrine of grace. We do believe in such a thing as grace.

As for belief in God, there are certain subsets of Buddhism that do not believe in God. Hinduism very much includes belief in God. We believe it is the same God as yours, only manifested differently at times and manifest the same as well. There are some Christians who would argue it’s a different God. We would argue that it is not. Hard to explain without getting too much into mysticism and metaphysics, but we do believe in God.

Your friend,
Sufjon

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Hi Christine: Yes, it is like the doctrine of grace. We do believe in such a thing as grace.

As for belief in God, there are certain subsets of Buddhism that do not believe in God. Hinduism very much includes belief in God. We believe it is the same God as yours, only manifested differently at times and manifest the same as well. There are some Christians who would argue it’s a different God. We would argue that it is not. Hard to explain without getting too much into mysticism and metaphysics, but we do believe in God.

Your friend,
Sufjon

Thanks Sufjon. I have always found people I meet from India to be very kind and intelligent and respectful of others.

I did not know that people who practice Hinduism believed in the same God as Christians, because I thought that Hinduism had a variety of gods who had different powers. In fact, it seems like there are some very destructive gods in Hinduism, which Christians would equate with Satan (or demons at least).

 

[Credo_in_Deum]

Thanks, but I am still a little confused about relics. I know they are holy, but do they have special powers?

Relics do not hold special powers but are merely instruments that God uses to convey His power. They would be like what a favorite brush is to the Artist. The brush cannot paint of its own power but from the power of the Artist. Relics are recognized as some of Gods favorite brushes.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Relics do not hold special powers but are merely instruments that God uses to convey His power. They would be like what a favorite brush is to the Artist. The brush cannot paint of its own power but from the power of the Artist. Relics are recognized as some of Gods favorite brushes.

Thank you!

 

[Credo_in_Deum]

Thank you!

No problem…same analogy goes for Saints.

 

[Sufjon]

Thanks Sufjon. I have always found people I meet from India to be very kind and intelligent and respectful of others.

I did not know that people who practice Hinduism believed in the same God as Christians, because I thought that Hinduism had a variety of gods who had different powers. In fact, it seems like there are some very destructive gods in Hinduism, which Christians would equate with Satan (or demons at least).

Hi Christine: Thank you for the kind words. Actually, Hinduism has what are different manifestations of the same God. We have a Trinity, which we actually call the Trimurti. More pertinent to everyday life, we have Avatars, which modern computer users use with a different meaning altogether. Avatar is actually a very ancient Sanskrit word that pertains to incarnations of God in human form. That concept might sound familiar to you, in that Jesus was God in human flesh. We simply think He was one of several of these, starting from thousands of years before Jesus to current times. We don’t worship them in the way Christians worship Jesus. It is more of an adoration. Anyway, it’s a long story, but I do thank you for the kind words.

BTW- my avatar (above) is an Avatar. )

Your friend
Sufjon