Is it wrong to believe in psychics, such as those who claim to be able to
help the police find missing persons?
It could be a sinful violation of the first commandment to follow or believe in psychics, because the first commandment forbids us to attribute to creatures qualities which belong only to God. Hence, all forms of superstition are forbidden by that commandment. In dealing with the superstitious practices, the possibility of statistical coincidence and even of diabolic activity can never be forgotten. Also, in some instances, there could be some natural possible explanation possible for some things… such as electric al magnetic fields, which empirical science has not yet been able to discover. Someone once remarked, "I am still waiting for the headline which reads: Psychic Wins the Lottery!"
Reprinted from January 9, 1998
Can Catholics believe in re-incarnation?
No. Sacred Scripture says (Hebrews 9:27), "It appointed unto men to die once and after death comes the judgment…" Reincarnation is a heathen concept incompatible with Christianity. The magisterium (teaching authority) of the Catholic Church teaches that reincarnation is completely untrue.
Reprinted from November 8, 1996
Is the book "Dianetics" by L. Ron Hubbard the teachings of the Church
of Scientology?
L. Ron Hubbard, a science-fiction writer, published "Dianetics" in 1950. Four years later he invented his false religion of scientology. This religious nonsense is based on "Dianetics" with some additional foolishness added. Stay away from anything that has to do with the religion of Scientology, including Hubbard's book "Dianetics." Some countries have declared scientology to be a danger to mental health. Scientologists have filed hundreds of lawsuits against those who oppose their religion. A grand jury once charged 11 scientologists, including Hubbard's third wife, with burglary, wiretapping, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Sometimes scientology people will wear clerical collars and pectoral crosses with other religious garb.
Reprinted from May 1, 1998
Is it a sin to try to reach the dead in seances?
Yes, it is a sin against the first commandment of God. It would be a serious sin for anyone to participate in seances. It would probably be a venial sin to attend one out of curiosity. The so-called phenomena at these "spiritism events" are due either to fraud and trickery or to the work of the devil.