Is This Dangerous...?

[GodsThespianChic]

Ok, here's the way I see it. Feel free to disagree.

You can study a religion other than your own with teh intention of just learning about it, and possibly arming yourself with more knowledge to help make people see the Truth of the Church. If you have even a doubt in your mind that you will be swayed by any new knowledge, don't do it. Just to strengthen your faith while learning about the other religion, though, study up on your own. Study the Catechism and the Church's teachings so that you won't become confused. BUT others are right about it being dangerous. Just be careful.

[nikkan_hanil]

:D Aiight, thanks alot.

[GodsThespianChic]

No problem...I may be wrong, but I think it's all a matter of opinion.

[Joyful]

I'm currently a religious studies major and I find many religions fascinating. One thing that you should be aware of is that there is a HUGE difference between studying a religion and searching for a new religion. I study a religion the same way someone would study history. On the few occasions that I've gotten confused, I've gone straight to my spiritual director. This has really worked for me!

Good luck and be safe!

[nikkan_hanil]

One thing that you should be aware of is that there is a HUGE difference between studying a religion and searching for a new religion. I study a religion the same way someone would study history.

Good luck and be safe!

That's what I've been doing. Thank you all for your concerns. :)

[Theologian in Training]

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

I think everyone has told you what you needed to hear. At the same time, it is important to be familiar with other faiths, and not just Muslim's and Jewish. Many people today are so confused that they have no idea what they are doing wrong, or what they even believe. So, the minute they see something interesting like Paganism, Wicca, Zen, or the like they wholeheartedly embrace it. I find in studying other beliefs like that, it is always good to pray before and afterwards, consult a spiritual director, preferably an exorcist, or authority on the occult or New Age, and to approach with caution.

We sometimes seem to forget that though there are many Christians, there are also a lot of Gnostics, Agnostics, Atheists, and Pagans, among others, that, in their search, have stopped along the way. Sometimes it helps to be familiar with what they believe, why they believe, and what it is they find appealing in it to find, a "common starting point."

Be careful...Ask the Intercession of St. Michael, and if it gets a little too glamorous, or intriguing, then put the book down, and pick up the Bible or the Rosary.

God Bless

[Katholikos]

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.

Doesn't Santeria require animal sacrifice? So I've heard and seen on TV. I ditto the dangerousness of it.

Thomas W. Case, author of Moonie Buddhist Catholic, tells how easy it was for him to get sucked in -- it seemed so "logical" and good and alluring -- and what a struggle it was to find his way out and into the arms of the Church.

You need to be a little like the Yaqui Indians of Mexico and the U.S. During their Easter Ceremonies, they wear a special Rosary around their necks, and when they portray the part of those who opposed Christ, they at all times hold the crucifix in their mouths.

Tread softly, new e-friend, and carry a big Catechism.

JMJ Likos