Kabbalah, is it against Catholicism?

[melensdad]

Simple question, stated in the title, not sure what else to add but the followers of Kabbalah seem to indicate that their philosophy is not one that is in opposition to existing religious beliefs. So is the study or practice of Kabbalah in opposition to the teachings of our church?

[1ke]

Yes, the practice of a non-Catholic religion and/or "philosophy" is against Catholic teaching.

It doesn't matter what "Kabbalah" says about itself in this regard. It is a Jewish mysticism and it is NOT Christian. It is NOT Catholic.

Catholicism is not a religion that teaches indifferentism-- that you can find many paths and they are all equal. The Church teaches that Christ is the Way and the Church is the ONE Church founded by Christ.

[StCsDavid]

Originally Posted by melensdad

Simple question, stated in the title, not sure what else to add but the followers of Kabbalah seem to indicate that their philosophy is not one that is in opposition to existing religious beliefs. So is the study or practice of Kabbalah in opposition to the teachings of our church?

Which specific practices of Kabbalah are you referencing? In general, it appears to be a cult rooted in Jewish mysticism dressed up with enlightened self-interest and made popular by celebrities like Madonna. I'm not sure what the areas of common ground the Catholic Church might have with it other than a shared belief in God.

[melensdad]

Originally Posted by StCsDavid

Which specific practices of Kabbalah are you referencing? In general, it appears to be a cult rooted in Jewish mysticism dressed up with enlightened self-interest and made popular by celebrities like Madonna. I'm not sure what the areas of common ground the Catholic Church might have with it other than a shared belief in God.

I know little to nothing about it, my sister is becoming involved deeply in Kabbalah. She left the Catholic faith at an early age and has no intention of returning.

I've started to dig into it and don't really understand its core beliefs. It claims NOT to be related to Jewish theology from the websites I have found that explain Kabbalah, from the Kabbalah point of view.

[reen12]

I check with Judaic websites, when seeking explanation of Judaic beliefs.

http://www.jewfaq.org/kabbalah.htm

Additional explanation, of Kabbalah, may be found here:

http://www.torah.org/features/spirfocus/kabbalah.html



reen12

[Tsuzuki]

Ramon Llull, 13th century Christian Kabbalist, was beatified by Pope Pius IX, though two earlier popes had formally condemned him. He is currently not yet a saint.

[AMDGtoo]

Originally Posted by Tsuzuki

He is currently not yet a saint.

And without a miracle from God noting his intercession, he won't be.

Kabbalist (or Cabbalist) teachings are occult. The Church condemns all occult practices and systems.

[Tsuzuki]

Originally Posted by AMDGtoo

And without a miracle from God noting his intercession, he won't be.

He's been beatified, so he's only one step away.

[reen12]

A book review that may be of interest.


http://www.wordtrade.com/religion/bi...nkabbalahR.htm



reen12

[AMDGtoo]

Originally Posted by Tsuzuki

He's been beatified, so he's only one step away.

Still needs a "confirmation miracle" from God or his cause goes no further.

[Tsuzuki]

Originally Posted by AMDGtoo

Still needs a "confirmation miracle" from God or his cause goes no further.

He's got plenty of time.

What this means, though, is that one can study the Kabbalah and still be beatified, at least.

[AMDGtoo]

Have you read about him? Here's a wikipedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramon_Llull. NewAdvent has a better article but Iyou'll actually have to go to NewAdvent because I don't have the link right now. And use your search engine to read up about his "cause to sainthood". I found it enlightening--seems to me that there were some questions and a question of repentence as well. (Of course that begs the question: What?)