This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
In this dynamic course with Catholic apologist Gary Michuta, you’ll discover the roots of the New Age movement, why it is antithetical to our faith, and how to evangelize its followers.
Total classes: 10
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Apologetics or other apologetics or philosophy course.
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: ¾ semester Theology or Apologetics. For a full semester, add reading from Mr. Michuta’s optional Church History booklist.
Description
In the 1800’s a new religious phenomenon took root in Protestantism known as the “mind science” movement. Today, the New Age movement is a multimillion-dollar enterprise whose beliefs are promulgated by well-known celebrities. Its strange practices of New Age eastern meditation, use of crystals, and beliefs have become normalized in our society. In this class we will look at the historic and philosophical roots of these beliefs, how they contradict Catholic teaching, and how to evangelize these groups.
Outline
Week 1: Understanding Ancient “New Agers” (Gnosticism, Hinduism, etc.).
Week 2: What is Mind-Science?
Week 3: Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science
Week 4: Myrtle and Charles Fillmore and the Unity Church
Week 5: Hoax Science, Spiritism and other influences
Week 6: Blavatsky and Theosophy
Week 7: Main teachings of the New Age Movement today
Week 8: Why New Age Fails
Week 9: Christ in the New Age Movement
Week 10: Apologetics and the New Age
Materials and Homework
Course materials: The reading and assignments will be provided FREE by the instructor. There is no text to buy. Recommended reading (not required): Catholics and the New Age by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, ISBN-10: 089283756X, ISBN-13: 978-0892837564 (https://amzn.to/3tWIq37)
Homework: Reading and weekly quizzes to reinforce learning. Quizzes are automated for immediate feedback.
