nikkan_hanil Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 Studying different beliefs was always a big interest for me. I always would take the oppurtunity to look over an unknown religion if I had the chance. I'm now however, wondering if this is dangerous for me because most of the beliefs I study are more underground beliefs like cults and such. I've heard people advising me against learning such stuff and I'd like to know y'all guys input. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seatbelt Blue Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 It all depends on how strong your faith is; can you avoid being sucked in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkan_hanil Posted November 18, 2003 Author Share Posted November 18, 2003 Yes, I can avoid that. I just see a lot of views and stuff that others hold pretty sensible. My parents are usually on me about studying these things and a lot of people once said to that studying the more "feared" religions are bad for the soul. :blink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
God Conquers Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 I tgink as long as you judge your faith to be strong, then it can be a GOOD thing to do. Makes you more sensitive, better able to understand people and views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p0lar_bear Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 This could be dangerous, particularly if you are studying in depth or are looking into satanistic-type cults, Vodoo, Wicca, Santeria, any cult that worships demons, vampires, etc. There is a lot of really dark stuff out there and you have to be very careful and vigilant not to be sucked in. This isn't just about differences in beliefs, but about the work and influence of demonic forces. It's not just a matter of knowing your faith, but also of being prepared to fend of the attacks that are likely to come. If you do decide to look into these things, get a spiritual advisor and let them know what you are doing. This could help in three ways. One: you have an intercessor praying for you. Two: you have someone to help keep you in check. Three: by no means the least important, you are working on your person spiritual life, which can make you more aware of problems and prepare you to handle attacks. If you are going to get really into it, you might contact the diocesan exorcist for advice on a spiritual director If you are doing a more cursory investigation or are looking into cults such as the Jim Jones one or Branch Davidians, there is less danger. Many cults are based more on a charismatic person who has the ability to draw people in and convince them of his ideas. Understanding these types of cults is more about sociology and psychology than theology. More "mainstream" cults like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormans, Seventh-day Adventists (I'll probably offend some people by categorizing these as cults, but...) pose little danger so long as you know the true Faith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkan_hanil Posted November 18, 2003 Author Share Posted November 18, 2003 This could be dangerous, particularly if you are studying in depth or are looking into satanistic-type cults, Vodoo, Wicca, Santeria, any cult that worships demons, vampires, etc. D'oh! :mellow: Never heard of Santeria though... :huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 I'm with P0lar_Bear. Even Thomas Merton was influenced by Eastern Mysticism when he studied it...What you open your mind to, seeds will be planted. Why plant weeds among the wheat? It's nice to be understanding of others and all, but it's a slippery slope, and your eternal soul is a pretty large price to pay... Pax Christi. <>< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 D'oh! :mellow: Never heard of Santeria though... If I'm not mistaken(and if I am, feel free to correct me), people who practice Santeria practice "black magic" and ask demons for power or insight. I know some hispanic people who practice it. I'm sure there are others who practice it also. Regardless of who is doing it, it's very dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkan_hanil Posted November 18, 2003 Author Share Posted November 18, 2003 Sounds like some sorta freak crazy Carribean hoodoo. :blink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Huether Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 "Having an open mind is nothing" "the object of opening the mind," "as in opening the mouth," "is to eventually close it again", "upon something solid. (G.K. Chesterton)" ). Once you know the Truth, why open your mind to lies? If it's purely for recreation, I would seriously suggest finding another "sport". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkan_hanil Posted November 18, 2003 Author Share Posted November 18, 2003 Something interests me in these things... <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 Polar Bear's on the money. What harm to do this investigation under the guidance of a spiritual director? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norseman82 Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 Ditto to p0lar_bear. Make sure you are strong in your faith first. It is commendable that you are courageous to venture into "enemy territory" in engage in "intelligence gathering" in order to help the "fight of faith". Stay safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.SIGGA Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 (edited) If I'm not mistaken(and if I am, feel free to correct me), people who practice Santeria practice "black magic" and ask demons for power or insight. I know some hispanic people who practice it. I'm sure there are others who practice it also. Regardless of who is doing it, it's very dangerous. Santeria is a religious following in the Carribean that combines traditions from the indiginous West Indian religion and the West African religions that uses Roman Catholic Imagery - it's similar to Vodu and it's not devil worship or demon worship, just a non-European form of ancestor worship/animistic paganism. If you are spiritually sound, it is ok to study other religions - but if you seeking something outside Christ than you will probably get drawn into whatever you are studying. Learn about other religions almost as a philosophy instead of a spiritual truth, and don't be afraid of being well rounded and knowledgeable - only you know your own capability. Remember the one true faith is in Jesus Christ. God Bless. Edited November 18, 2003 by M.SIGGA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmjtina Posted November 18, 2003 Share Posted November 18, 2003 Why plant weeds among the wheat? It's nice to be understanding of others and all, but it's a slippery slope, and your eternal soul is a pretty large price to pay... Pax Christi. <>< ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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