Tuesday 12 January 2010

Catholic Science


I was researching Reiki yesterday.

In March 2009, the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a decree halting the practice of Reiki by Catholics, including Reiki therapies used in some Catholic retreat centres and hospitals. The conclusion of the decree stated that; "Since Reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centres, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy."

I was under the impression that the whole of Catholicism was contrary to scientific evidence; after all, they investigate reported miracles with all the rigour of astrologers or alchemists. Should Catholics therefore stop practising?


8 comments:

Steve Borthwick said...

19th century Australian nuns cure cancer from beyond the grave all the time CB, why so sceptical? Actually, I think the government are relying on this "fact" in the next round of NHS budget cuts..

What I'd really love to know is why "God" never heals amputees, any ideas?

Chairman Bill said...

Steve: Nor Alzheimer's or MS. I suppose it's because they're incurable, whereas supposed miracles only have an effect on diseases that have a record of spontaneous remission without miraculous intervention.

Alan Burnett said...

Yes

Fletch said...

Had to look it up (research it). That's a sad admission from a Trivial Pursuit fanatic!

In answer to your question, perhaps it is a good thing that Catholic priests are to be restrained from 'Laying on of hands'!

Chairman Bill said...

Alan: You want an argument!

Fletch: I hear the pope has forgiven all those who were abused by Catholic priests.

Fletch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fletch said...

(got it the second time around ...)

But who will absolve the Pope?

"Suffer little children to come unto me." is taking the scriptures too literally, methinks!

A Woman Of No Importance said...

A dear friend of mine is a Reiki Master (or Mistress?!) I always found her ministration to be energy giving, but would not recommend it to heal tumours... However, neither did Saint Therese, et al, non?

Pourquoi am I no longer in your blogroll, Sire? Have we fallen out, and I've not noticed??! I had to ask, I harbour grudges, or 'grudge harbours, something like that...

Dobbed you in over at Eddie Bluelights for a 'Sunday Roast' on why you blog, etc... Hope that's okay? Fhi x