www.vocation.com - How can I fend off new age philosophy in my formation

	Mike asks: I'm in the process of beginning a formation process for a lay ministry program which will also help me discern whether I am to pursue a permanent deaconate later on. One concern I have with the program is that there is a small but vocal minority of people involved in this process who hold ideas virtually identical to some new age philosophies that I rejected in my return to the Church. While I'm not concerned about reverting to these practices, I am not sure how to respond should we encounter these practices in a retreat or workshop. I have several ideas but would be interested in any advice you might offer.
	Dear Mike, First let me congratulate you on your desire to serve Christ as his deacon. As regards those seemingly very new-age ideas you come across, don't be surprised for we live in an age of confusion and many people hold those ideas because it is all they have heard, they have never learnt or been told the truth. I would suggest that you take a personal interest in apologetics, take any question you are not sure how to answer to an apologetics question box (like EWTN.com), and especially, very especially, let love and your concern for the genuine welfare of those who unwittingly hold these opinions be what moves you to give them an answer. God bless


	Type your question here to search the responses in the AnswerBase. If you don't find an answer, send your question to Fr Bannon online...