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Reiki practioners take issue with their bishops
Apr. 19, 2009
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Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF versionThe U.S. Catholic Bishops last month advised Catholic chaplains, health care facilities and retreat centers not to promote or support Reiki therapy, a Japanese alternative healing practice.
The practice of Reiki, the bishops’ said, "finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief."
"A Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition," the bishops said.
The statement, issued by the bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, can be found on the U.S. Bishops’ web site.
After its publication, NCR asked two Catholic women who have been practitioners of Reiki to share their experiences. Both said it has enhanced their spiritual lives. Neither sees it as conflicting with their Catholic beliefs.
Lauri Lumby Schmidt tells her story. She is a Reiki Master. She says it has allowed here to continue the healing ministry of Jesus.
Maureen Griffin tells her story. She has been a Reiki practitioner for nearly six years and says it has been an invitation to hear God's answers.
Here's NCR's first story on this issue: Reiki: good health, spirituality - or only superstition?
The NCR takes a fascinating
The NCR takes a fascinating stance in this controversy: Science? Eh! Christian doctrine? Not determinative. What matters supremely is personal experience--a good personal experience, in this case of Reiki, is what determines right or wrong!
Perhaps the NCR will next apply this method to astrology? The "Prosperity Gospel"? Indeed, how far can we go, in "resolving" so many difficult issues we face as Catholics, where the Gospel confronts our times--materialism, quest for power, idolatry of choice, or the age-old retreat from reason itself--by simply applying this method: empirical evidence is not important, nor is the rule of Faith, but merely personal experience! Why, we need never have called the Council of Nicea.
Father, don't discount
Father, don't discount personal experience. When all is said and done our aggregate personal experience in encountering God, despite and not because of the workings of the Roman Catholic Church and its oftimes heavy handed doctrinal positions, is the most enduring proof of the existence of God. By the way, personal experience really is the only way to judge the truth of Astrology as well. There is no doctrinal proof either way - except for the fact that the Magi were likely astrologers and found Christ based on astrology and not some heavenly apparition.
The doctrinal issues for Reiki and Astrology are about an adult approach to what could be paganism. The objection to paganism in the Torah was about not being taken advantage of by a class of pagan priests and cultists who did unsavory things, like sacrificing children to Baal. There is none of that in either Astrology or Reiki. Paganism is not likely even a part of Reiki (don't know, haven't been through the ritual to unleash the ability). Paganism in astrology shows more about the origins of paganism than astrology. Unless you are willing to concede that there actually is a pagan pantheon on Olympus, the reality is that astrology and human archtypes probably had more to do with creating the pagan gods - in that way paganism, including its eastern form, Hinduism - is about understanding human nature. Call it proto-natural law if you will.
We don't have the first three commandments for God's sake. God is perfect and has no stake in the game. We have these commandments for our own sakes. Our highest worship, which is sung, is refrigerator art - and the songs of the angels are slightly better regrigerator art - when compared to the harmony of the Divine Being. To think one's religiousity is essential to God is to repeat the sin of Lucifer, who thought himself more important to creation than the Christ. Let's not make that mistake, shall we.
The Prosperity Gospel is definitely a matter to look at doctrinally, since it has a moral element rather than a strictly personal one. It has to do with greed on the part of preachers and a justification for ignoring the poor. It is much the same as Brahmanism in that respect. It can be denounced for both doctrinal and practical reasons.
It'd be great if the Catholic
It'd be great if the Catholic Bishops would try Reiki- maybe it'd help what ails them
I think the U.S Bishops need
I think the U.S Bishops need to stop trying to micromanage the lives of Catholics and start setting good examples by modeling the behavior of Christ, by loving rather than condemning. Instead of making more and more laws, lets do a little fulfilling of the law. I have experienced Reiki and received quite a bit of pain relief from it. I did not turn away from my faith because of it. Why don't the Bishops go to the drug companies and tell them most of their drugs are not based on pure science, but manipulated science. Belief in much of so-called "modern medicine is just as superstitious as Reiki. I go to the Arthritis doctor and what happens. He tells me to live with it and take pills that cause heart attacks. This kind of stuff has to stop or the bishops will continue to lose more and more credibility until no one will listen to anything they say at all.
I agree. It reminds me of my
I agree. It reminds me of my trip to Scotland. While on a bus tour in Edinburg, the guide proudly showed us a bronze statue of the inventor of anesthesia who was from Scotland. He told us the that church promptly came out w/ the statement that Catholics could not use anesthesia b/c it was unnatural.
As always, this has more to
As always, this has more to do with ignorance, arrogance and fear of a loss of authority and/or control. I've heard similar drivel my fellow priests about Yoga, however I have practiced the positions and meditations along with Pilates from an instructior at our local Community College. She, in order to ameliorate the prejudice calls the clas "stretch for mature active adults. Its done wonders for a large number of seniors and they wouldn't give it up for any reason, but , if it was called Yoga it would be thought by many "to be against their religion."
Anaesthesia was invented (or
Anaesthesia was invented (or rather, reinvented in modern times) by Ugone da Lucca in the 12th century, in Italy. Specifically, he used a drug called "mandragora", developed from the mandrake root. More recently, Sir Humphrey Davy of Cornwall (read: Wales) first suggested the use of nitrous oxide around the year 1800, and nearly killed himself experimenting with impure gases (containing nitric oxide, which is toxic). Michael Faraday, of London, proved that inhalation of ether had similar effects to nitrous oxide in 1818. This was all mostly a novelty until Horace Wells, a dentist in Hartford, Connecticut extracted a tooth while his patient was under the influence of nitrous oxide in 1844.
I assume that the statue you saw was of Sir James Young Simpson, who discovered that chloroform had similar properties to nitrous oxide and ether in 1847. It seems a bit of a stretch to say that he "invented" anaesthesia, though.
The twist to Simpson's work was that he first used it to ease childbirth pains. The idea that this was opposed by religious people (i.e. Catholics) is a myth that was debunked back in 1983 in the journal The Annals of Science by A. D. Farr, of Scotland. To quote Farr:
Despite considerable opposition to obstetric anaesthesia upon medical, physiological, and general moral grounds, evidence of genuine religious opposition in contemporary sources has proved to be virtually non-existent. On examination, this particular 'conflict' appears to be an artifact of historiography based upon a contemporary defence prepared against an attack which never materialized.
In other words, your tour guide was spreading false anti-Catholic propaganda.
While now finding Farr's
While now finding Farr's sentence structure certainly reaches far into that labyrinth in which yes might easily become no ("considerable opposition" yet no "genuine religious opposition?"), I too earlier had wondered at the religious bias of the tour guide, or rather at the biases he sought to entertain in order to elicit greater tips from those already at least mildly bemused by the sampling visits to the single malt factories.
Thanks for sharing, Kyle.
I think the Cardinals and
I think the Cardinals and Bishops already have lost credibility and their reaction to losing their power is to strike out at us with all this petty little crap. I agree with you, all they do is micromanage and they are ruining the church. Cardinal George has taken one of the best parishes in his archdiocese and is in the process of destroying it. He will not give the pastor whose vision has built this parish another parish nor will he give him a place to live. The Cardinal should have this pastor teaching the other pastors how to build what has been an incredible successful parish. But, no, instead he has manipulated this destruction through lies, subterfuge, back room deals, etc. The parishioners came up with a win-win plan and the newly named pastor couldn't speak to those parishioners about it but instead ran right to one of the Cardinals henchmen, Cardinal Rassas, who responded with a "no way" and the pastor to be told the current pastor that he could be no where near this parish! Why? Because this pastor has spoken out about the lies of the heirachy,the creeping Vatican I rituals, the destruction of Vatican II teaching by many in the heirachy and the continued authoritarian rule of the heirachy. This parish was named one of the top 10 parishes in the United States in Paul Wilkes book. But our dear Cardinal always knows better. It is a 21st century parish but this Cardinal wants it to be in the late 1800's. And if we leave the church, that's ok because he would rather have a more obedient, smaller church. And we would rather have a heirachy that are not felons who protect other felons but we don't have that do we? The priests are demoralized but I wish they would get it together and stand up to this sorry excuse for a cardinal let alone,priest. He will be sorry that he ever tried this transfer at this parish. The adult community will not stand this kind of behavior anymore. The peasants have been educated and there is no going back!
I would like to know if the
I would like to know if the research from the bishop's team or such included any "hands on" experience with Reiki, or if they interviewed people that give, receive, or teach Reiki. Such as doctors, nurses, nuns that give Reiki, or Hospice patients and their families.
The bishop writes, "A Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition," This statement may come back to haunt him, as Reiki in the very near future may be covered by medical insurance. Currently many medical insurance companies cover other alternative care methods such as reflexology, chi gong, acupuncture, and more. And, nurses can take Reiki classes for CE credits.
His article saddens me on a personal level (and I am not alone), as since I started my Reiki work I have never felt more connected to God, Jesus, Mother Mary, the Saints, and a profound spiritual connection to other people in general. My Reiki volunteer work through Hospice and other groups along with my non-volunteer Reiki work has proven to be most comforting and beneficial.
On a lighter or maybe a heavier note regarding the bishop's article, wouldn't it be wonderful to know "What Would Mother Teresa Do?"
Please send prayers and love for our brothers and sister that teach and give Reiki Session. Remember they are providing compassion, understanding, and comfort as Reiki volunteers with many wonderful hospitals, hospice, and other organizations. And, many are small business owners providing and teaching Reiki in their communities.
It isn't fair to judge all Reiki teachers and practitioners based on a few "bad apples" out there. Remember, every spiritual group or organized religion has their share of "bad apples". And the "bad apples" need our love and prayers too!
This is a tough area as I
This is a tough area as I have seen the good and the ugly with Reiki practitioners.
The Bishop has valid points and I support him. To many weird people crossing the line with their own philosophy about what the church is and not, no following the law or Bishop's etc. I had a horrible experience as people claim to be mystics, practice in new age ideology.
Anonymous, As with our
Anonymous,
As with our western medicine and even with our Catholic Church, there are good and bad experiences. From what I can see the good in this method probably out weighs the bad. Western Medicine still does not know why acupuncture works. I think this is just another example of poor quality in our leadership that try to micromanage the lives of the laity and also religious women who have been using this technique with some success. The Bishops once again are proving their irrelevance. It is a shame because humanity sorely needs better leadership. Perhaps each time these guys come out with something outrageous, we could put it in a book entitled "The Sins of The Bishops."
Peace and understanding,
R. Dennis Porch, MD
Well...that was a hateful
Well...that was a hateful comment!
No, just a realistic
No, just a realistic observation that recognizes that the RCC leadership has become synonymous with corruption and deceit. Those of us who have been around just a bit longer than you have recognize the RCC Leadership are masters at deceiving the laity. You are a perfect example of their work.
The problem that the RCC Leadership has is that the more educated the laity becomes, and with the greater and faster global communications, they can no longer hide the depths of their depravity and corruption. Their motives are extremely clear, their deceit is exposed for everyone to see. Whitewashed tombs is an excellent metaphor to describe them.
The one thing that we cant count on the RCC Leadership to do, is to do the wrong thing. That list is endless and keeps growing.
You are a medical scientist
You are a medical scientist and a physician. How do you think Reiki works? Something more in the realm of mind/body/spirit interaction, or being touched by someone with an intent to heal?
It isn't fair to judge all
It isn't fair to judge all Reiki teachers and practitioners based on a few "bad apples" out there. Remember, every spiritual group or organized religion has their share of "bad apples". And the "bad apples" need our love and prayers too!
The bishop writes, "A Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition," This statement may come back to haunt him, as Reiki in the very near future may be covered by medical insurance. Currently many medical insurance companies cover other alternative care methods such as reflexology, chi gong, acupuncture, and more. And, nurses can take Reiki classes for CE credits.
His article saddens me on a personal level (and I am not alone), as since I started my Reiki work I have never felt more connected to God, Jesus, Mother Mary, the Saints, and experienced such a profound spiritual connection to other people in general. My Reiki volunteer work through Hospice and other groups along with my non-volunteer Reiki work has proven to be most comforting and beneficial.
On a lighter or maybe a heavier note regarding the bishop's article, wouldn't it be wonderful to know "What Would Mother Teresa Do?"
Rose, FYI Pam PS These
Rose,
FYI
Pam
PS These Bishops are not representative of the Catholic church even though they think they are.
And neither are you or anyone
And neither are you or anyone in this website representative of the Catholic Church. The Bishops are much MUCH closer to representing it than you Pam.
Go to the Catechism and see what it says about putting things like astrology in your life. Learn your faith.
Submitted by Anonymous (not
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Apr. 23, 2009.
"And neither are you or anyone in this website representative of the Catholic Church. The Bishops are much MUCH closer to representing it than you Pam.
Go to the Catechism and see what it says about putting things like astrology in your life. Learn your faith."
1) You are on this website---so you are not representative of the Catholic
Church either.
2) Everything in life that people encounter is NOT covered in the CCC---life
is much broader than that. Astrology not in the Church? Think again.
When do we celebrate the Blessed Virgin's birthday? In September---the
month of Virgo, the Virgin. The Church doesn't really know when Mary
was born--but the Church assigned Mary's birthday to this month. The
Magi were astrologers/astronomers---who knew the astrological signs of
the birth of a King---shown in the ascendency of Pisces---the
astrological sign of Israel.
3) The Bishops are showing the same stupidity that their predecessors had
shown with Galileo. The bishops then, had their academic and scriptural
studies (which stated that the sun, moon, and stars revolved around the
earth). But they did not bother to study Galileo's work---which was
emperical and supported by the earlier studies of Copernicus. The
Bishops now---have not bothered themselves to actually study the results
of Reiki---they are just condemning it---because their reality can only
occur within a very narrow scope (CCC, their weak academic studies of
Reiki, their micromanagement of people's lives without knowing anything
about those lives). Bishops, representative of the Catholic Church---
God forbid!
The interesting thing is that
The interesting thing is that if Catholics actually "learned their faith" as you suggest, the majority would cease to be Catholic. This is why the majority of Catholics do not even read the Bible.
As for the Bishops, I find it amusing that they compare Reiki with superstition, when that is all religion is.
Sadly a lot of small business
Sadly a lot of small business people will be affected by this, however a friend of mine who is also in the Reiki business told me that she is well aware of practioners who are non-catholic and tend to really emphasize a "spiritual" side. Some who often invoke "spirits" and "souls" of the past. She soes not agree at all with such practices. And she is aware that some continue to do so without the person receiving the treatment even knowing. I have received the treatment from my friend, but would advise caution since eve people who profess to be "catholic" or "christian" can harbor other beliefs as well. That is why I agree with the Bishop's caution. I feel sorry for my friend because its her only source of income...
I'd suggest that the American
I'd suggest that the American bishops also go after the doctors, the psychologists, the psychiatrists, all kinds of counsellors, social workers, psychotherapists, etc., etc. There are weirdo's among them all, and maybe, the bishops would take the time to weed them out, or at least issue some more cautions because we lowly lay men and lay women are not smart enough to discern what's right or wrong, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, etc.
Henk Gal, I would prefer they
Henk Gal, I would prefer they started with in their own ranks.
You are right in stating that
You are right in stating that there are many "wierdos" among mental health professionals. In fact, you could say that about any profession. However, the methods used by most reputable mental health professionals (i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy, family systems thereopy, etc.) have been scientifically proven effective in treating a wide variety of mental health issues. Reiki does not have nearly the same amount of credible research to support it.
"Reiki does not have nearly
"Reiki does not have nearly the same amount of credible research to support it." Agreed, but neither does making the sign of the Cross over somebody, or sprinkling somebody with Holy Water, etc., etc. These rituals are in the realm of faith: they are only meaningful when people have faith in them.
The U.S. Catholic Bishops
The U.S. Catholic Bishops apparantly don't have all that much to do do they? Other then investigating the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Religious Congregations in the United States, what are they doing during this month of April, proclaimed by our President Barack Obama as Child Abuse Prevention Month? Are they unaware that the problem of sexually abusive clerics continues? Thay can't really think it is "now behind us" as Wilton Gregory stated so emphatically some years back, can they? Don't forget that there is a big rally in Albany, New York tomorrow about the Markey/Duane Childhood Sexual Abuse Bill which includes a one year window for past crimes and sins.
What ever happened to the two or three reports about the rape and sexual molestation of women religious specifically in the African countries but around the world? Nothing has been heard about them since they were shelved in the late 1990s.
Dear Bishops,
Did you ever even begin an investigation or did you just decide that it wasn't so, said it wasn't so and so it never existed? I suppose, like the question of the ordination of women in the Roman Catholic Church, it is similarly not to be discussed.
Who fiddled while Rome burned?
Are the bishops losing it
Are the bishops losing it entirely? Nothing to say about nuclear weapons, etc. but they can take a position on Reiki? What's next? A condemnation of the killer whale?
My first thought about the
My first thought about the bishops' concerns about Reiki is that they do not have any experience with Reiki. The stories written by Lauri and Maureen describe the benefits from their experiences and practices of Reiki. I'm glad they shared. Mary
The bishops' experience with
The bishops' experience with Reiki is that a lot of WOMEN administer it; ergo, it must be bad, evil, full of witchcraft stuff, etc.
If the practice was offered by only men, or primarily men, it probably would have never been discussed.
And thanks to the poster for aligning the curia with Nero. Excellent analogy. I fully expect to hear from them eventually that female circumcision practices in Africa might not be such a bad thing...
Amen, sister. You are so
Amen, sister. You are so right!
Promulgation of this document and policy is sign of great systemic dysfunction in the Conference, and sadly points to exactly how out of touch these men are with the faithful, with the average person trying to live a Christ-like life in today's world. I am ashamed that in this day and age with so much healing needed within the Church and the world, our Bishops go after Reiki! It boggles the mind. What's next on their agenda: Yoga? Acupuncture?
I have lost faith in the Bishop's credibility. Some of our great spiritual leaders from their midst such as Bernadin and Untener must be turning over in their graves!!
Clearly, and I say this lovingly, you Bishops could use a Reiki session.
Oy Vey....Senility has
Oy Vey....Senility has struck. Any hope left that the "people" will take back their church from these misguided souls?
I left the convent years ago because I realized "change" would not come from within. Each year the Church seems to take a step backward into the middle ages. This borders on the ridiculous.
Reiki is merely another
Reiki is merely another subject the Vatican knows nothing about. It joins the long list of authoritarian mandates fostered by or directly attributable to Benedict XVI. There is no logic behind the pronouncements from the Vatican and it all seems to be power moves to intimidate the entire church. Even the best priests simply "cave in" and don't comment from the pulpit about what is happening. It becomes increasing difficult to celebrate the liturgy (or are we supposed to say "hear Mass"?) when the clergy is pretending that nothing unsettling is coming from Rome!
Thank you. This is a
Thank you. This is a perceptive comment. There is a loss of trust and communion at the parish level when the parish staff have to pretend so much in order to avoid retaliation.
I experienced the benefit of
I experienced the benefit of Reiki last October when I underwent a bilateral mastectomy following my third cancer diagnosis. There is no way I could have gotten through the surgery and recovery without reiki. My practitioner was Catholic and we called upon the angels for healing and protection. They were there for me and I definitely experienced their presence. I would love to tell the bishops my story; they need a reality check.
When we had the priest
When we had the priest scandal, the bishops reverted to new regulations for the Liturgy. Now that they are taking on Reiki I wonder what issue they are trying to avoid or cover up. Personally I think they do not have enough to keep them busy.
From where I sit, if
From where I sit, if Christians practicing Reiki are abandoning the philosphy/religion that goes with it i.e., all the stuff about "controlling a life energy" of some sort, but rather they remain in Christian prayer during the use of touch, then they have stumbled upon a variation of "charismatic healing." From the descriptions that I have seen of effective "Christian Reiki," Christian practitioners would do well to search the work done, especially during the late 1960s through the early 1980s, on healing in the Charismatic movement. The effects such as heat and relaxation appear to me to be the same effects extant in praying over people for healing and in people who are "slain in the Spirit." Christian practitioners ought to abandon the "Reiki" philosophy/religion and name and instead investigate what Christianity has to offer. My best guess is that certain patterns of touch are helpful in Christian healing prayer and that is where if they team with a good theologian, current "Chritian Reiki" practitioners will find their true ministry.
In other words if they
In other words if they sugarcoat their practice to exclude words or origins the bishops don't like they can practice Reiki? Because it's now different because new words are being used? God's energy is God's energy. That's like saying Allah is not God which is not true - God is God no matter what you call him. I think the Jews had it right when they realized they could not call God by name and the same goes with His healing through the laying on of hands - let's just go by the fruits of the work as the bible says rather than the words or names.
I guess that I was not clear.
I guess that I was not clear. From where I sit, there are two things going on.
1. There is already legitimate, extant, Christian practice that appears to be what is happening when a "Christian Reiki" practitioner works. It is not "controlling life force," which is wrong, but rather, in partial ignorance, a kind of Christian Charismatic healing. That's why I said "stumbled upon."
2. Unlike what I have come across in past reading (and it's been quite awhile and I was not what you'd call an expert), these "Christian Reiki" practitioners "may" have a better developed sense of how touch can be used in Christian Charismatic healing. Charismatic Christians who pray over people will quite often pray over including touching the particular part of the body that is ailing rather than just generally over the whole person, but I have not seen any well-developed theology on this. Here I am ignorant, but for some experience. I also know from the Scriptures that Christ did all sorts of things to the people he healed: Mud paste on eyes, poking fingers in ears, etc.
Thus, I believe the most effective approach is to abandon the Reiki philosphy/religion and terminology altogether and to delve into Christian (Charismatic) healing prayer and the use of touch in such prayer. Therein, I believe, likely is the truth. And, as the delving gets done, so will new and proper Chirstian terminology be developed.
Practice, warts and all, pretty much always comes before theory i.e., theology. We are always called to discern. The bishops have discerned problems and rightfully warned against them. Yet, God also appears to be genuinely at work here: People have been healed. Let us not throw out the baby with the bath water.
Just as their are some
Just as their are some approaches to Christianity whose beliefs and practices are not part of Catholicism, nor aligned with the church, there are, of course, simiar divisions in Reiki, and some, indeed, may not be compatible with the Church. But to universally reject all of Reiki because of this would be the same as rejecting all of Christianinty due to the beliefs/practices of "some" Christians. I have been a Reiki practitioner for ever 20 years, and a practicing Catholic for nearly 70, with a degree in Theology from a Catholic university (University of San Diego) and have never seen a conflict between the two.
I believe the bishops need to re-evaluate tehir position and offer an apology to Catholic users and practitioners of Reiki.
Perhaps next their Eminences,
Perhaps next their Eminences, Graces, and Excellencies can investigate the doctrinal and scientific bases for Osteopathic medicine and Chiropractic, or simply pharmacology, especially psychiatry, which have proved so helpful in the past.
Committee meetings should be investigated next.
The bishops know as much
The bishops know as much about Reiki as Reiki practitioners, and the recipients of Reiki treatments, know about theology: damn little.
I agree, having just read
I agree, having just read their statement. It is riddled with loopholes and illogical thinking, as uaual. And as for "scientific reasoning," they seem totally ignorant of current discoveries in quantum physics. The Catholic hierarchy in general, from the pope down, remind me of a parade of pompous emperors walking about without a stitch on, who feel an uncomfortable draft and wonder where it's coming from. Here's a possibility: the fresh wind of the Spirit, which often blows sweetest from beneath them, where the untitled and unentitled faithful live.
I'd write more of this silly stuff, but I'm off to find a good Catholic Reiki practitioner. God bless us all.
Well said except for the
Well said except for the appear to "quantum physics." Do you follow the Copenhagen School, the Many Worlds School, or some other interpretation? If you know what I'm referring to, you may have some passing familiarity with Quantum Mechanics (which is what physicists call it). If not, have a look at the article on Wikipedia. Not always a very good place for accurate information, but its an okay place to start looking:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics
Sorry, but humans operate in an entirely Newtonian world of concrete cause and effects. The stuff described and predicted in extreme conditions, where Special & General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and more exotic things like GUTs (Grand Unification Theories) are operative are, thankfully, not operative at the "human" scale.
If Reiki had some quantum aspect it should be measurable. Sorry, but there's no reference to this in the peer-reviewed, non-crank, scientific literature. That said what might be operative is an appear to Kurt Godel's incompleteness theorems, where something can be true, just not provably true within a given axiomatic system. Quoting a description of the theorems (again from Wikipedia): "any self-consistent recursive axiomatic system powerful enough to describe the arithmetic of the natural numbers (Peano arithmetic), there are true propositions about the naturals that cannot be proved from the axioms."
I may start sending a copy of the foundational works on quantum mechanics to Catholic religious who refer to it. Unless they are working physicists their knowledge is sorely lacking.
Are you sure about that,
Are you sure about that, Mark? Check Ardel's comment - she has a degree in Theology. Do you know of any bishops who are seriously trained in Reiki?
"degree in theology" - heh.
"degree in theology" - heh. What does that really mean any more? I openly question whether anyone with a "degree in theology" these days is seriously trained in theology.
Now it is officially
Now it is officially documented. For the bishops, and therefore all Catholics, touch is to be feared and avoided, Reiki or not. We are back in the unhealthy regressed old days: fear of the "particular relationship", fear of the body, fear of That Dangerous Other - Woman. The JP2 and B16 - style Bishops, having abandoned true care of souls and people, have given yet another example of their only concern: doctrine and its worship. I suspect that they have not spoken once with a serious practitioner nor with a person who has experienced Reiki in a most beneficial way. I have received a few Reiki sessions myself, to great benefit and consolation/confirmation, at a time during which I struggled with a major decision in my life. Desperately wanting to leave the child abuse scandals behind them (I agree: anything but healing touch there!), the bishops now want to root out all touch. They issue a statement on Reiki, and mean: Thou Shalt Never Ever Touch Anyone!! The exception is, of course, the permitted and ritualized minimum touch awkwardly "administered" according to liturgical rubrics. So, how am I to deal with this latest fruit of execrable pastoral wisdom? Here is my suggestion: when you meet your bishop, hug and kiss him (not only his ring) abundantly. On both cheeks! And smile at him.
When I read the article on
When I read the article on Reiki, I simply said, "What next"?
I cannot believe the Bishops have time to write such material when they have
said little about the Iraqi war in the past several years. I hope they read
these responses in NCR but I doubt that any of them will see them. God help
us all.
My experience of Energy
My experience of Energy Healing began more than 30 years ago, in a Caregivers Workshop on Healing Touch, which I was encouraged to attend by my Pastor, who was and still is a forward-thinking advocate of Vatican Council II. The "light/energy" described by the RN, PhD facilitating the workshop for some 400 attendees, immediately became for me, the "Christ-Light". Practising this gift for more than 30 years, with the past 12 years, as Reiki Practitioner and Master/Teacher, has become a continuation of my ministry as a Eucharistic Minister. Are we not all called to be the Hands of Jesus?
I have opened a Healing Center where we offer several complementary healing modalities, and teach Christian Reiki. Nothing has contributed to my spiritual growth and realization of unconditional love and compassion more than this tool. Perhaps the American Bishops and Clergy should review the ways in which Jesus taught and healed, and recognize a correlation between our Church Hierarchy today and the Pharisees of Jesus' time. Did Jesus not say that in His Father's House there are many mansions? With Blessings of Gratitude, Light and Love,
Reiki has a long and public
Reiki has a long and public tradition that combines to make it controversial. In its essence, Reiki is very close to the Christian healing practice of laying on of hands accompanied by devout prayer for the person's healing. After all, this is what Christ did.
I believe the bishops and all of us should promote "prayerful laying on of hands" to bring about healing and a return to harmony in the ill person's body. It would be a little "edgy" especially for the conservative bishops but it is needed to counteract the impersonalism of this age; and it is after all what Christ did.
I am a Hospice nurse. I've
I am a Hospice nurse. I've seen the tremendous benefits Reiki can bring to the terminally ill. Reiki practioners can touch people in ways that pain meds cannot. I think the Bishops need to rethink their position on this, seriously. Do they really think they can regulate healing?
If it wasn't for personal
If it wasn't for personal experience, who would have heard of Jesus? The Good News is all about personal experience rather than dogma.
Isn't there a story in the
Isn't there a story in the gospels where the disciples ask Jesus if they should stop some others from performing good/healing works because they are not of their company? And Jesus tells his 'worried' disciples to let the others alone; to let others continue their good works, too?
And for the bishops who feel such a heavy load/responsibility to 'shepherd/guide/lead' --- take it to the LORD, JESUS, the One True Shepherd, whose love/longing/prayer for all others, even 'not of this flock,' continues today. Leave the burden with him, whose 'yoke is easy, and burden light.' Stop trying to make yourselves into 'another' "JESUS," and let JESUS be JESUS -- to ALL peoples.
To Martin Fox - based on your
To Martin Fox - based on your note, I suppose that accupuncture should be condemned. The AMA has approved it and yet they freely admit that they don't know why it works. It just does. When talking with some accupuncurists, they will tell you it is the universal life force focusing through the needles. Do I belive that - no. Does that make accupuncture worthless - no. Does that mean we understand accupuncture - no. In this case, science falls flat. And yet, science does show us that accupuncture works! Perhaps the same can be said about Reiki. What I found almost unforgivable in the bishop's stand on Reiki is that they read a few books and articles and then made their proclamation. They did no research or talk to any practitioners. Their stance is not rationally based - it is based on fear. The same fear that allows voodoo to cast its 'spell'. Be not afraid - Jesus is Lord1
No need to add another to
No need to add another to these incisive and hilarious observations. I invite readers to my blog at www.godisnot3guys.com for alternative Catholic thought. Be sure to check my blog index.
Gee wouldn't it be nice if
Gee wouldn't it be nice if these new age frauds would actually preach authentic Catholic teaching just once, say a Rosary, Station of the Cross oh I guess that would be too much to ask these hippies. I pray that an Iron Fist will crush these frauds throw them and their followers out of the Church Forever
thank you for that "loving
thank you for that "loving compassionate response". The Bishops would be proud!! However, i'm wondering how Jesus would view that statement. I'm a craddle catholic and say the rosary daily along with my "Reiki Meditations". I am a Reiki Master Teacher and consider my practice of Reiki "prayer" and hands-on-healing after the example of Jesus. No need to try to convience you otherwise, obviously you have made up your mind. So I will simply say "God Bless you" and wish you many blessings. (again after Jesus' example "bless those who curse you" - and "Father forgive them for they know not what they do.)
Many Blessings
Roberta+
AMEN, Canisius!!!!!! Well
AMEN, Canisius!!!!!! Well said!
My, my, my Canisius! What a
My, my, my Canisius! What a loving and Christian attitude you have! I don't believe that you really know authentic Catholic teaching, because it comes from Christ. Jesus taught us to love God with our whole heart, our whole mind, our whole soul, and our whole body. And we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Praying that an Iron Fist will crush people and throw them out of the Church, is not a very authentic Catholic attitude. If this is how you would treat others after you get done praying the Rosary, or making the Stations of the Cross, or praying the Chaplet of Mercy-----I can just imagine what you'd be like if you didn't carry on with these pious practices. A regular devil incarnate, right?
It's like way hard to do
It's like way hard to do healing touch with iron gloves on. It interferes with the energy.
Haven't you read the New Testament? Jesus was thoroughly castigated for his healing touch. Mostly by people who couldn't do it. They said it was the devil's work. Poor Jesus got their iron fist and He was certainly thrown out of their church. Thank God. Now we're all saved.
CANISIUS! Those who live by
CANISIUS! Those who live by the sword die by the sword. If you would have just stopped at hippies., you would have been ok.
But because you mentioned it, that Iron Fist does need to clean house a bit. Just not crush them. We want them to live, be converted, repent and believe in the Gospel taught by the True Church....or leave.
Ideologically, the dissidents/heretics have been kicking our behinds because we are the ones who have been wearing kid gloves. Well take those ideological kid gloves off - and let them have it with your Roman Catholic Church formed truth! Just don't physically beat 'em up.
Be Not Ashamed - Rome has the keys to Home!
As for reiki, it has many things going against it. First off, it originated in the Orient. Unlike acupuncture, which is Church approved, there is a more spiritual nature involved with it. 'Channeling Energies' - of any sort - by the mind, opens the practitioner and the participant up to all sorts of spiritual activity - BUT - in order to believe that, you have to be humble enough to believe that the Church knows what She's talking about in regards to this. If you don't, then I am sure it won't stop those Catholics who want to do it anyway no more than Humanae Vitae stops them from contracepting. Because they FEEL like doing it and it FEELS right, then just do it. That by definition translates into HIPPY. Good word choice. It also consequently, was the same way Eve felt before she took a bite of that forbidden fruit. Some have to learn the hard way though.....
I just love you guys, and I
I just love you guys, and I mean it, I really do. Your passion is commendable even if your expression isn't.
Here's a true story. This agnostic with stage four cancer dies, except he has a two and a half hour near death experience. In his travels he's shown the truth about God and he's overwhelmed. When he realizes he's going to live, he asks the incredible being who was with him in his travels, what religion he should practice? Good question for an agnostic. The being laughed and told him God did not care what religion the newly converted agnostic practiced, only that he cared about the religion he practiced.
Apparently God is happy that all of us care about Catholicism as much as we do. Now we need to learn to care about each other because that's what this whole Catholic religion is supposed to be based on.
As to Eve, well at least she wasn't afraid to make a decision on her own.
Oh crikey! Reiki? Have the
Oh crikey! Reiki? Have the bishops gone mad? Take an ave atque vale, gentlemen....
I expect that if Galileo and
I expect that if Galileo and Copernicus were here today, they would be in trouble with the RCC for whatever new ideas they could come up with.
RJ
In am not clear as to why the
In am not clear as to why the Bishops chose Rieki therapy for their disapproval. I know what they said, but why now, why with such certitude?
I have never seen it as any more or less scientific than other alternative therapies imported from the east. It seems based on an integrated view of the body and spirit. How is that bad? That it is part of some reteat experiences would seem healthy.
This whole flap comes out of no where, but seems to be another arrow slung at women religious (who run retreats that feature Rieke). Many questions raised here.
With respect to "scientific
With respect to "scientific evidence" I would be very interested in hearing what the Vatican's criteria was. As one example of what is considered very credible "scientific evidence" in the health care field, please see: So, PS, Jiang Y, & Qin Y, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008 (4)for an important article on touch thereapies, which included Reiki. In the health care world, Cochrane Review is a gold standard for evaluating research.
Dorothy M. Corrigan, D.Min., MSN, RN CNP (Board Certified Gerontological Nurse
Practitioner & Clinical Member, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education)
Psychiatrists use ECT
Psychiatrists use ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) to treat types of severe depression when medications alone do not work. ECT is effetive in many cases. Doctors don't know why it works, but it does. If Reiki therapy seems to help someone and is done with full knowledge on the part of the patient what harm is there in that?
Hawkeye, As a psychologist,
Hawkeye, As a psychologist, I have to say that you are mistaken in your evaluation of ECT. Thanks to advanced imaging systems, we now know how and why ECT works. Furthermore, because of advances in psychotropic medications, which we do know how and why they work, ECT is rarely used any more. The fact is that there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Reikki compared to placebos. The Bishops are in fact using good science to make their decisions.
You say "the fact is that
You say "the fact is that there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Reikki compared to placebos." It is a fact that there is no scientific evidence for the INEFFECTIVENESS of Reikki either.
You also say "The Bishops are in fact using good science to make their decisions." How can you justify that the Bishops are "in fact using good science to make their decisions?" The Bishops made their decision by not fully investigating the facts.
The Bishops are in fact acting more like Pharisees than they are in fulfilling their priesthood as representatives of Jesus Christ. If they were truly like Jesus Christ they would be healing, and be teaching us how to heal, but they are not and that is a fact. Jesus Christ healed many.
Now, support the FACTS of Jesus Christ's healings with science. Does science prove that Jesus healed anyone?
Annonymous, I doubt Reiki
Annonymous, I doubt Reiki practitioners will ever ever be faced with the kind of class action law suit that Pfizer was for their psychotropic medication Zyprexa. Unlike Zyprexa, Reiki has no debillitating side effects.
ECT was used for decades before advanced imaging systems and psychiatry freely admitted they didn't how it worked.
I have to chuckle about the placebo effect. Isn't that the whole reason pharmaceutical companies do double blind studies on their 'miracle' drugs-- to rule out the placebo effect? So they can prove their medications are more effective than the mind's ability to heal itself?
Scientific Proof !!! Yikes...
Scientific Proof !!!
Yikes... since when are any of our beliefs based on scientifc proof.Come on now....if we examine the doctrine taught by the Church....well I guess that we just take it on faith.
In my Reiki training I was taught that Reiki was NOT a religion and that universal energy was whatever your personal belief system dictated. I believe the power (energy) of the universe comes from God. How does that put me in conflict with the Church ?
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