Teresa Yanaros explores the Catholic perspective on altered states of consciousness and warns against modern spiritual distortions.
Altered States of Consciousness in Modern Spiritual Movements
In this episode of Faith Under Fire, Teresa addresses the growing fascination with altered states of consciousness in modern spiritual practices, particularly those associated with the New Age and New Thought movements.
These movements often promote techniques that promise spiritual enlightenment or healing but are not grounded in Christian spirituality. Teresa warns that these practices can lead to false spiritual experiences and outlines the Catholic Church’s stance on altered states.
In this Faith Under Fire episode, Teresa warns against New Age altered states of consciousness, promoting self-reliance over genuine spiritual growth through Christ.
What Are Altered States of Consciousness?
Teresa explains that an altered state of consciousness refers to any mental state that significantly differs from the normal waking experience of reality. These states can be achieved through meditation, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, and even psychedelics.
Some people experience them naturally through dreams or deep contemplation. While altered states can lead to heightened awareness or relaxation, Teresa stresses that the Catholic Church views them with caution, especially when they are induced through non-Christian methods.
Modern Distortions and New Age Beliefs
A key theme of the video is how modern spiritual movements, particularly New Age and New Thought, distort the use of altered states of consciousness. Teresa highlights several practices that these movements promote, such as:
Meditation and Visualization: These techniques aim to alter the mind to connect with higher realms or spiritual experiences. However, they often emphasize personal empowerment rather than divine revelation, which is a concern from a Catholic viewpoint.
Psychedelics: Teresa discusses how some circles advocate for the use of substances to induce altered states and access universal truths. She warns that relying on these experiences is idolatry and can lead individuals away from God.
Energy Healing: Practices like Reiki or crystal healing are described as occult methods that manipulate energy fields. Teresa points out that the Church sees this as an attempt to control outcomes, which distracts from genuine spiritual healing that comes from God alone.
Catholic Concerns About Altered States of Consciousness
From a Catholic perspective, Teresa emphasizes that while altered states of consciousness can occur in Christian spirituality (e.g., during deep prayer or contemplation), they must always be Christ-centered. The Church warns against pursuing these states for personal gain or spiritual enlightenment outside of God's grace.
Catholic theologian Peter Kreeft, mentioned by Teresa, argues that altered states achieved outside of Christ can lead to spiritual confusion. Individuals may mistake psychological experiences for divine encounters, leading them away from the truth of the Gospel.
The Dangers of Self-Reliance in Spirituality
A central point of Teresa’s video is the risk of self-reliance in many modern spiritual practices. Movements like New Thought promote affirmations and positive thinking, where individuals believe they can reshape their reality through mental and emotional states.
Teresa critiques this as a distortion of spiritual truth, noting that while positive thoughts can foster hope, true transformation and healing come from God, not human effort alone.
She underscores the Catholic teaching that trusting in God is essential for true spiritual growth. Manifestation, a popular concept in New Age practices, is seen as an attempt to control outcomes without surrendering to God's will, which the Church views as a form of pride.
Authentic Catholic Practices and Spiritual Growth
In contrast to the modern spiritual techniques that rely on altered states of consciousness, Teresa encourages practices rooted in Christian tradition, such as prayer, the sacraments, and meditative contemplation. These practices may involve deep focus or a form of altered consciousness, but they are always Christ-centered, aimed at deepening the relationship with God rather than seeking personal spiritual experiences.
In particular, Teresa highlights Catholic contemplative practices like Lectio Divina and the Rosary, which focus on meditating on scripture or the mysteries of Christ to draw closer to God’s will.
Conclusion
In summary, Teresa’s video offers a thoughtful exploration of altered states of consciousness and the potential spiritual dangers when they are sought through non-Christian means. While these states can occur naturally or in Christian practices, the Catholic Church teaches that any spiritual experience should always be rooted in God’s grace and aligned with the teachings of Christ. Practices that prioritize self-reliance or seek enlightenment outside of this framework can lead to spiritual deception.
For more insights into the Catholic response to modern spiritual distortions, stay tuned for Teresa’s upcoming lessons on dismantling occult meditation and the deeper aspects of Christian contemplation.
ABOUT TERESA YANAROS
Teresa Yanaros, a degreed journalist and devout Catholic, is dedicated to exposing occult deceptions and upholding the truth of Christ. Raised Catholic, Teresa's path led her through new age and occult beliefs after straying from the faith in college, which she explored in a book reconciling these beliefs with Catholicism (spoiler: they don’t). After a transformative deliverance experience from occult bondage, she now coaches Christians transitioning from the new age to faith in Jesus and teaches Catholics how to best minister to and reform ex-newagers. Through SpiritSanctified.com, Teresa offers resources on occult bondage, deliverance, and spiritual warfare. Her YouTube channel, with a global reach, provides insights into spiritual warfare and occult traps in media. Teresa has attended seminary classes, continues ongoing research, and conducts workshops to help Catholics understand their personal stories and maximize their impact through online ministries.
ABOUT SPIRIT SANCTIFIED
Spirit Sanctified educates Christians on spiritual warfare through multi-media productions and products. We comprise advocates and creators who work together to help Christians stand against occult worldviews by purifying their beliefs and practices.
The above article may contain affiliate links. You are not required to use these links, but if you use any of them to make a purchase, Spirit Sanctified makes a small monetary return at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Some of the elements of information are curated through the use of AI technology.
This article appeared first on Spirit Sanctified. This article (Exploring Altered States of Consciousness: A Catholic Perspective) on Spirit Sanctified is free and open source. You have permission to share or republish this article in full so long as attribution to the author and Spirit Sanctified is provided.