Thursday 8 March 2018

The Mindful Catholic Finding God One Moment at a Time - Dr. Gregory Bottaro

The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time
ISBN 9781635820171
eISBN 9781929266463
ASIN B0792H55KT


Reading the beginning of this book was great, I loved the introduction, by Dr. Peter Kreeft. I appreciated the first chapter. But then when it came to the first exercise, and I stopped immediately. I immediately stopped reading. I felt a check in my spirit and reached out to a spiritual director I really respect, he confirmed that this would be a spiritually risky read. I would recommend anyone interested in this book check out A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness by Susan Brinkmann if this is a topic they are interested in.

A few years ago I wrote a piece for The Maccabee Society called Yoga Not Worth The Risk. And this book brought up the exact same uneasiness that had developed around the practice of Yoga. So I did not finish this book and stepped back from it. Peter Kreeft in the introduction says "Try It. You'll like it."  But that is the same thing drug deals say when they offer the first hit free. 

There are many great books on Christian or Catholic meditation. This is not one of them. It is the first book from Beacon Publishing, and Dynamic Catholic that I have not finished. It is the first book by them that I did not enjoy. It is the first book in a long time that I wish there was a way to give 0/5 stars when writing a review. 

I will state it again, this book is just not worth the risk! 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

You can read my review of A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness by Susan Brinkmann.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you for your discernment! I bought the audio version of this book and, like you, enjoyed Dr. Kreeft's Forward, and Dr. Bottaro's Introduction. I haven't progressed too far into the book. Like many baby-boomers, life experiences have manifested in my thinking, emotions and behaviors producing distorted thinking I want to change. It's a huge challenge to change our "auto-pilot" reactions into Christ-like behaviors and healthy thinking patterns. I am devoutly Catholic grateful to live in this day and age where apologetics and Catholic teachings are so easily assessible. I've learned much and have along way to go. I was excited about this book and thought it would be a great tool... but NOT if it's going to draw me deeper into myself. That's exactly what I want to get away from!! Like John the Baptist, I want to look OUT and see "Behold the Lamb of God..." not IN or DOWN. I also read your review on Susan Brinkmann's "A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness." I'm scheduled to begin counseling at our local Catholic Charities next week and will share with them your insights. We will have to pursue other avenues for treatment.

THANK YOU!! I believe the Holy Spirit led me to you...
~ Renee