Father Thomas Keating

I was disturbed to see that Logos will be including Fr. Keating's works on prayer. Although he seems to be well-intentioned and has acquired a large following over the years, his ideas are not regarded as orthodox or safe by spiritual directors who are grounded in authentic Catholic spirituality. There is a distinct New Age influence within his teaching.

I implore everyone who is interested in this author to first get some perspective from other reliable Catholic sources, such as Catholic Answers (www.catholic.com) or Dan Burke at Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction (www.rcspiritualdirection.com). Father Thomas DuBay was adamantly opposed to the practice of Centering Prayer as unsafe and opposed to authentic advancement in prayer.

According to these sources, following Fr. Keating's methods will at best bring hamstring a soul in her quest for spiritual union with God; other more ominous problems can arise.

I hope that Logos will consider withdrawing these unsound writings from its library.

Jim

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Butters

Hi James,

I personally agree with you; but there are many resources here, nominally Catholic and otherwise, about which I would say something similar.

However, I see it this way: just as Amazon or a "brick and mortar" bookstore would carry most things, thereby letting the customer decide, Logos seems to be making an effort to be as comprehensive. .

Of course, there is a danger in this that people read and absorb heretical ideas unwittingly; and are thereby harmed. But that would be possible in any bookstore.

This, of course, is why Christians (of all denominations) need to get better at not only discerning true from false doctrine, but of being able to convey and teach that discernment.

Also, sometimes one does need to read and study heresy; remember, heresy has been one of the great advancers of true doctrine in the Church, broadly considered.

May God Bless you.

In Christo Rege,

~Butters [:)]

kentuckyliz

They are also issuing Richard McBrien's Catholicism, which the CDF called out for its errors. I suppose commenting/linking on the product page might be a way to share some cautions with potential purchasers/users of products with issues. However, offering these things heightens my buyer-beware antennae.

Butters

They are also issuing Richard McBrien's Catholicism, which the CDF called out for its errors. I suppose commenting/linking on the product page might be a way to share some cautions with potential purchasers/users of products with issues. However, offering these things heightens my buyer-beware antennae.

As it ought to, and that is a good thing!

McBrien is just remarkably off-kilter, and that is being polite about it.

One is sorely tempted to start rattling off alternative volumes that are nearly priceless in their value to Catholics in particular; however, I also know that once I get going down that road, I won't be able to stop; an avalanche of suggestions will follow, with no end in sight, lol.

~Butters [:)]

James D Savage

Hi Butters,

I understand your point. Definitely agree that studying heresy as such can help us better understand authentic Christian truth (I'm not saying that Fr. Keatings writings are heretical, btw). But if one reads error not knowing that it is known to be error, he risks falling into it and then the Church has to go back over what had been settled ground. Hence the re-warmed Gnosticism of Dan Brown that confused unsuspecting people a few years back.

It would be helpful for Logos to put some kind of warning label on stuff like this so that people will be aware that they are approaching what many wise minds would characterize as a diversion from the sure path into a pool of quicksand. There are Catholic parishes out there who are sponsoring Centering Prayer workshops, leading unsuspecting people to believe this has been accepted broadly by the Church when it has not. Surely Logos would not want to contribute to the confusion by failing to at the very least point out that the writings are controversial?

Maybe a sign that says "Danger: Quicksand" and a link to the Catechism?

Blessings,

Jim

James D Savage

Butters,

Rattle away!! Those writings you mention could fill a swimming pool. I want to dive in and never reach bottom! Just keep going deeper.

Jim

kentuckyliz

Or a link to the Vatican statement, "Jesus Christ, the Water Bearer of Life: A Christian Reflection on the New Age"

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html

There isn't an explicit mention of "Thomas Keating" or "centering prayer" in the document, but it wrestles with the issues in the content of the teachings of Keating and others.

kentuckyliz

and/or the Irish Theological Commission statement from 1994 - A New Age of the Spirit? Catholic Response to New Age Phenomenon

http://www.spiritual-wholeness.org/churchte/newage/bishops.htm

Sleiman

Agree with all. However I view that the addition of such books as a good thing. Most of Logos users are well read and resources with heterodox views are useful in any research library for a variety of reasons. It's important to always check how things are intended to be understood from the author's point of view, not second hand: from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Hence we urge people who misunderstand Catholic teachings to check the actual teachings in the Catechism or encyclicals or sources of Catholic dogma, etc... rather than online articles and opinions.

In the same manner, as an example, for a Catholic apologist, some resources are indispensable such as Luther's or Calvin's works etc.

Sleiman

It would be helpful for Logos to put some kind of warning label

I don't think that's possible since Logos has no interest (and no business really) to dictate to its readers what stuff is dangerous. That is probably contrary to their interest in selling the books and probably the publishers and authors (not to mention many readers) will object.

There was a long winded thread by a fellow who wanted to label Catholic resources as dangerous! (http://community.logos.com/forums/t/65414.aspx). Bob also chimed in twice to say why it's not possible.

Bruce Dunning

Logos has taken the position of offering a wide variety of resources and theological perspectives and leaves the user with the option/responsibility to carefully decide on their own. Actually, I have purposefully chosen to include resources in my library that I think hold incorrect theological positions so that I can refer to them, better understand them and quote them first-hand. I have also made a number of personal books from key "sacred" books from other religions for the same purpose.

Deacon Steve

I hope that Logos will consider withdrawing these unsound writings from its library.

Hi Jim,

Welcome to the forums. I appreciate your perspective on the subject resources. However, its not in keeping with the Forum Guidelines to try and work through the various theological points. I realize that it may run counter to your instinct, especially on this subject. Be that as it may, I think you will find that many of the Logos users who are from the Catholic faith tradition are already aware of your points. Those that are from other faith traditions have heard your arguments now. Everyone will make their decision based on reading and study preferences.

Logos is simply providing access to the materials. A tremendous blessing in its own right.

Don't worry! It's all good!

Again, welcome. Looking forward to your participation in the Logos Forums.

[:)]