OCCULT CATHOLICISM, IS THERE SUCH A THING?
QUESTION?
I’ve been listening to you on Dr. Taylor Marshall’s show, and on your radio program and had a serious inquiry I think you need to see. Online I found a group called “Occult Catholicism” and it made my skin crawl looking at how they’re bringing in people to the occult and disguising it to low information Catholics. There is a Facebook group called “occultcatholicism” and a YouTube channel called “Agostino Taumaturgo” claiming the rosary, candles, and other catholic practices are magical systems that can give you powers. I’ve also seen very similar but less explicit examples of this among other Catholic and Protestant groups online as well. I’ve also seen other reports of Catholic retreats having been infiltrated by occult practices like energy readers, yoga, eco-spirituality, etc.
I’m a young catholic that converted from a Protestant family background, and I have no point of reference to avoid what might or might not be occult teachings. Is their any resources you can recommend me that will show me the hallmarks or signs of occult/heretical infiltration? I just want the most traditional catholic life possible and to join groups that you think will help me in regards to learning about and growing in the faith.
ANSWER!
Welcome to the Catholic Church, founded by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I just did a little research on Agostino Taumaturgo, he claims to be an Ex -Traditional Catholic Priest and Bishop who is now trying to integrate magic with Catholicism. This is called the sin of syncretism.
The definition of Syncretism: the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion.
He has written four books, here are two titles:
1. Christian Candle Magic: The Magical Use of Candles in the Christian Home Sep 1, 2015 by Agostino Taumaturgo
2. Christian Spiritual and Magical Rituals Paperback – April 18, 2016 by Agostino Taumaturgo
Stay away from Agostino Taumaturgo, he is a wolf in sheeps clothing and he has "made a shipwreck of his faith" (1 Tim 1:19-20).