When Strangers Come Knocking---Part 16

 

This is the next installment of my series to be published the first Monday of each month.

There are members of false sects, like Jehovah's Witnesses, that come knocking door-to-door hoping to convert you. Instead of ignoring them, it is we who should try and convert them. In 1 Peter 3:16, our first Pope writes, "But in thy hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks thee to give the reason for the hope that thou hast. But do this with gentleness and respect,..." Before the Great Apostasy, the Church would send missionaries to the ends of the Earth to make as many converts as possible. 

Those in false religions don't always come (literally) knocking at your door. It may be a Hindu at work who wants you to try yoga. It could be a "Christian Scientist" who lives next door and invites you to come to their reading room. Each month, I will present a false sect. Unlike the Vatican II sect, I do not see them as a "means of salvation" or possessing "elements of truth" that lead to salvation. That is heresy. They lead to damnation, and the adherents of the various sects must be converted so they may be saved.

In each month's post, I will present one false sect and give an overview of:  

• The sect's history
• Their theology
• Tips on how to share the True Faith with them

Taoism and Holistic Medicine

Many people get taken in by the pagan religion of Taoism by means of "Holistic Medicine." Tens of millions of people in the Western world have been exposed to or use holistic  health methods (i.e., methods claiming to treat the “whole” person, mind, body and soul). Promoters of holistic health techniques prosper by offering patients simple solutions to complex diseases as well as practices and remedies that are said to be free of side effects. Today, even thousands of medical doctors and nurses have bought into these methods and use and/or recommend them. 

Let me say at the very outset that I'm not opposed to any medical method whose safety and efficacy has been established. My problem is with the widespread promotion of methods which have either not been proven, or are questionable (even dangerous) on theological grounds. For the most part, holistic methods reject what is known about how the human body works and are generally opposed to a scientific approach to health care. Let me quickly add that there is much wrong with traditional medicinal treatment, and in turn, that has directly contributed to the rise of Holistic Medicine. 

This post will examine the pagan religion of Taoism and the pagan/occult ideas that flow from it which permeate two common holistic medicinal practices; reiki and acupuncture. Without realizing it, someone can be duped into using an alleged "health practice" which has them accepting false and heretical ideas. 

The Wrong Way

The sect of Taoism is traditionally held to have originated in China with a man named Lao Tzu or "Old Master" (604-517 B.C.), whose very existence is called into question by many scholars (See Huston Smith, The World’s Religions [1991], pg. 197). Legend has it that that Lao Tzu, “saddened by his people’s disinclination to cultivate the natural goodness he advocated," decided to head west and abandon civilization. As he was leaving, the gatekeeper asked if he would write down his teachings for the benefit of society. Lao Tzu consented, retired for a few days, and returned with a brief work called Tao Te Ching, roughly translated as “The Classic of the Way and its Power.” It consists of 82 chapters. (Ibid).

The term Tao is typically translated into English as “way.” According to religious studies scholar, Huston Smith, Taoism is divided into three main "schools:" philosophical, religious, and "vitalizing." Philosophical Taoism has as its chief object "... to live in a way that conserves life’s vitality by not expending it in useless, draining ways, the chief of which are friction and conflict.” They should take no action contrary to nature which shows the "way." “Vitalizing” Taoists have a different approach to life. Rather than attempting to conserve vitality by taking no action contrary to nature, “vitalizing” Taoists desire to increase their available quota of vital energy, which they refer to as chi. “Vitalizing” Taoists have sought to maximize chi, or vital energy, through nutrition, breathing exercises, meditation, and "energy manipulation."

Religious Taoists attempt to use magical rites to harness occult powers for humane ends in the physical world. There is overlap between Zen Buddhism and Taoism, due to the fact that Taoism has embraced many doctrines from other sects. As a result, some Taoists worship "gods" while denying there exists anything besides "The Tao" or "ultimate reality," into which all is absorbed when death occurs. Some accept reincarnation, while others seek physical immortality by energy manipulation. Taoism can correctly be described as pantheistic (God is the universe) and which allows for a pagan syncretism.

The Taoist "yin-yang symbol," pictured at the top of this post, is a perfect sign of the sect's inherent absorption of all kinds of philosophical and religious ideas, even those that are contradictory.

According to The Ancient History Encyclopedia:

The principle of Yin and Yang is that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, for example, female-male, dark-light and old-young.(See https://www.ancient.eu/Yin_and_Yang/). The same could be said of "good-evil" as portrayed in the pagan Star Wars franchise where there had to be "balance in the 'Force.'" 

Reiki: An Evil Force

Reiki comes from the Japanese words Ki, (chi in Chinese---which is alleged to be a "universal life-force energy" that everything supposedly possesses) and Rei, which means "higher power."  Reiki claims that everything in the universe is made up of  this "higher power life-force energy" – even humans.  Thus, when someone is feeling depressed, or sick in any way, it is an indication that their energy is "out of balance."  Therefore, it is the function of the Reiki practitioner to "channel positive energy into the person," bringing them back to "balance and wholeness." The founder of this practice is generally considered to be the Buddhist monk, Mikao Usui, who claims he developed mystical power on a pagan retreat. Reiki energy entered his "crown chakra" (i.e., his head), and enabled him to heal people.

According to www.Reiki.org, Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Here is the pagan mumbo-jumbo: The source or cause of health comes from the Ki that flows through and around the individual rather than from the functional condition of the physical organs and tissues. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them and therefore is responsible for creating a healthy condition. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.

An important attribute of Ki is that it responds to ones thoughts and feelings. Ki will flow more strongly or be weakened in its action depending on the quality of ones thoughts and feelings. It is our negative thoughts and feelings that are the main cause of restriction in the flow of Ki. All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki. Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some Western doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.

It must be understood that the mind exists not only in the brain, but also through-out the body. The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also. It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura. Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind/body as the mind and body are so closely linked.  (Emphasis mine).

Reiki, while having Buddhist and Japanese roots,  has been largely appropriated by Taoism.  Here's what's wrong with Reiki therapy:

1. There is no soul as the animating principle of the body, but some impersonal "Ki/chi energy."

2. Ki nevertheless can respond and be manipulated by thoughts and feelings, yet there is no explanation as to how or why this is known/proven.

3. The claim that "some Western doctors" (not even naming one) state "98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind" is not only completely unsubstantiated, but terms are not even defined. What does it mean that an illness is caused "indirectly by the mind"?

4. It states the existence of some "aura" which is "known" to exist without any citations to a single relevant medical or scientific source.

5. The concept of Rei as the invisible source of all being and of Ki or Chi as the Universal Life Force are completely at variance with the Catholic belief in God as Creator and Heavenly Father. Reiki claims to be independent of any religious belief systems but Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist influences can be clearly identified. Reiki "healers" or therapists often have strong New Age associations, many using crystals and tarot cards. 

Acupuncture: Needles with a Bad Point

Acupuncture is a method of applying stimulation to specific points on the body. Based on the occultic religion of Taoism, acupuncturists claim to be able to stimulate the flow of ki/chi energy through alleged invisible channels or “meridians” in the body (much like "chakras"). When body organs or systems are supposedly deficient in a proper supply of chi energy, imbalance is allegedly produced, resulting in disease. Restoring the flow of  energy through the meridians is believed to revitalize the body organs and systems, thereby curing illness and maintaining health.

Some scientists have claimed that acupuncture is effective for certain ailments and that it works on the basis of as yet unknown principles. However, the latest scientific research is not supportive; studies have yet to demonstrate acupuncture’s effectiveness. For example, an exhaustive analysis of research published in The Clinical Journal of Pain (June 1991) concluded that acupuncture was at best a powerful placebo (See also Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 1990, Vol. 43, pp. 1191-99). When Western scientists attempt to separate acupuncture from its underlying occultic philosophy or practice and merely engage in an unspecific needle stimulation, these methods tend to lose their efficacy.

In 2014, when pharmacologist David Colquhoun at University College London was asked, "Why is it so hard to figure out whether acupuncture works or not?" He responded, "There is a lot of money at stake for those who sell acupuncture—and a certain amount of fascination with New Age thinking. There are excellent controls such as retractable needles. Almost all experiments show no difference between real and sham acupuncture." (See https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5-scientists-weigh-in-on-acupuncture/). 

While the minority of scientific practitioners of acupuncture avoid the occult, most traditional practitioners do not. Classical acupuncture involves the practice of an ancient pagan medicine inseparably tied to Taoism. In addition, Eastern meditative programs or other occultic practices may be used in conjunction with acupuncture therapy. I was witness to an acupuncture session where the "practitioner" was assisted by four others whose collective job was to "impose their hands over the patient" (much like a bishop at Confirmation imposes hands over all those to be confirmed) and were saying "whoosh!" over and over while the needles were being put in the person's back. Afterwards, I asked what they were doing and I was told they were "projecting their chi energy into the patient for maximal healing." Someone actually paid for this garbage. 

The Vatican II sect actually gets it right...

Proving the old aphorism, "Even a broken clock is right twice each day" true, the Vatican II sect "bishops" condemned the practice of Reiki in 2009, four years before Bergoglio was elected "pope." The document entitled Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy, has this to say in paragraph #9:

The difference between what Christians recognize as healing by divine grace and Reiki therapy is also evident in the basic terms used by Reiki proponents to describe what happens in Reiki therapy, particularly that of "universal life energy." Neither the Scriptures nor the Christian tradition as a whole speak of the natural world as based on "universal life energy" that is subject to manipulation by the natural human power of thought and will. In fact, this worldview has its origins in eastern religions and has a certain monist and pantheistic character, in that distinctions among self, world, and God tend to fall away. (Emphasis mine).

Their conclusion:

Reiki therapy finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief. For a Catholic to believe in Reiki therapy presents insoluble problems...In terms of caring for one's spiritual health, there are important dangers. To use Reiki one would have to accept at least in an implicit way central elements of the worldview that undergirds Reiki theory, elements that belong neither to Christian faith nor to natural science.

Without justification either from Christian faith or natural science, however, a Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition, the no-man's-land that is neither faith nor science. Superstition corrupts one's worship of God by turning one's religious feeling and practice in a false direction.(See https://www.usccb.org/resources/evaluation-guidelines-finaltext-2009-03_0.pdf, paragraphs 10 and 11; Emphasis mine. The term "Catholic" is meant to denote a member of the Vatican II sect).

...But Bergoglio Gets It Wrong 

According to CBS News:

 He [Bergoglio] believes in alternate medicine. Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh says in 2004, the Pope, then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, began treatment with a Taoist monk named Liu Ming.  Regular sessions of massage and acupuncture helped Bergoglio conquer symptoms of diabetes and gallbladder problems. (See http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/09/20/pope-francis-five-facts/amp/; Emphasis mine).

Liu Ming is a Reiki practitioner. The fact that Francis believes in, and uses Reiki, exposes his connection to pagan, demonic forces and teachings. In its October 2013 issue, the Spanish language Argentinean magazine TAO ran a story on the association between Bergoglio and Ming. We learn of some additional facts about Ming and Bergoglio. Ming:

• Practices divination, which is the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of demonic powers

• Claims Bergoglio will live to be "140 years old"

• Told Bergoglio there is no difference between the Tao and the God of Catholicism

• Manipulated Bergoglio's "life-force" (Reiki)

As a result of Ming's "treatments," Bergoglio claimed he was cured, no longer takes medication, and continues to practice what Ming told him. The then "cardinal" from Argentina gave Ming a Spanish copy of the I Ching, a pagan book also known as the "Book of Changes," which is an ancient Chinese divination text.

Remember, this began before Bergoglio's "election" as "pope." According to canonist Coronata:

III. Appointment of the office of the Primacy. 1. What is required by divine law for this appointment: … Also required for validity is that the appointment be of a member of the Church. Heretics and apostates (at least public ones) are therefore excluded. (Institutiones 1:312; Emphasis mine).

By willfully subjecting himself to pagan Taoist practices and giving them credence, Jorge Bergoglio rendered himself incapable to be elected to the papacy in the first place. (That in addition to the heresies of the Robber Council itself). Moreover, reiki was condemned by his own sect. Another blow to the "recognize and resist" crowd.

Proselytizing Taoists

You most likely encounter a Taoist (an actual member or an adherent of the underlying tenets) if you go to an acupuncturist or reiki practitioner. Sadly, there are "priests" in the Vatican II sect that practice reiki (I knew one). Under no circumstance should you submit to reiki. Acupuncture is unlikely to have any real value and should be avoided, even if the practitioner is not Taoist or an occultist.  

Focus the Taoist on the pantheistic idea that is the basis of the sect. For a refutation, use what I wrote under Buddhism, in my third post of this series: introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2019/11/when-strangers-come-knocking-part-3.html. In addition, an argument from a personal God and morality may get him/her thinking.

If ultimate reality is impersonal, as Taoism suggests, significant questions are raised. What becomes of morality? Can an impersonal force be the source of objective moral values? Can an impersonal force distinguish good from evil, or can such distinctions be made only by personal beings? If opposites are ultimately united, how can you escape evil, and why would you want to do so? Next, read from the 62nd chapter of Tao Te Ching:

Why did the ancients so treasure this [T]AO? Is it not because it has been said of it: “Whosoever asks will receive; whosoever has sinned will be forgiven”? Therefore is [T]AO the most exquisite thing on earth.

The Taoist immediately finds himself in a conundrum:

First, doesn't sin imply an objective moral standard has been broken? However, if good and evil are intertwined how can there be any moral proscriptions? On what objective basis is something a sin? 

Second, forgiveness can only be sought from a personal agent. However, if the Tao is impersonal, how can an "it" forgive anyone?

Conclusion

Taoism is "the way"--the wrong way to seek God and salvation. Holistic medicinal practices using mystical energy is often an open door to spiritism under another name. It is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish the use of “energy” manipulation and transference in many holistic health treatments from the manipulation of “energy” found among occultists in their various practices.

Is it a surprise that Jorge Bergoglio submits to pagan beliefs and occult practices? He's the perfect syncretism product arising after Vatican II, and truthfully expressed it when he said, "I believe in God, not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God." Those of us who still hold to the One True Faith realize that Jesus Christ alone is our "Tao." Only He could say, "... I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father, but by Me." (St. John 14:6; Emphasis mine).