Expert: Charlie B - 1/18/2011

Question
1. Is it proper for Catholics to patronize Feng-shui?
2. Does a person commit a sin in practicing or using Feng-shui in their life?
3. Does Feng-shui affect religion in itself?
4. Can we say that Catholics who practice Feng Shui doesn’t have a strong faith with God?
5. Does the church have a stand about Feng-shui?
6. What will be the disadvantage to Catholic believers who are practicing Feng Shui?

Answer
Winchell,
Thanks for your question.  I've been traveling to Washington DC so it took me a few days to get you an answer.

1.  Is it proper for Catholics to patronize Feng-shui?  My wife would tell you, "no."  It's questionable in its true value, and if you want to get your ergonomics and "spirit" right in your dwelling, I think Jesus and His Church is more effective.  You also save yourself from temptation from other new age types of "I'm God & can control my environment" misguided notions.

2>.  Does a person commit a sin in practicing or using Feng-shui in their life?  Ask your local priest, Winchell.  I'd say 'no' but defer to your local priest.  While you're there, have him hear your confession.  :-)

3.  Does Feng-shui affect religion in itself?   I'm not sure of what you mean by your question.  Look at this way:  if anything takes you (for long) away from God, Jesus Christ and His Church, is that a good thing?   Now, in all honesty, when I was in my early 20's, I looked at a lot of things:  astrology, Rosae Crucis fraternal order, etc BUT I came back to all of my faith and confidence in the Church.

4>  Can we say that Catholics who practice Feng Shui doesn’t have a strong faith with God?  Based on the answers above, yes one could make the argument.  That's what your mother might tell you, and she's be mostly right.  However, if it was temporary, passing and brief interest, that's a different answer in my opinion.  Personally, I don't think God frowns on our little forays into trying to understand the mind, the spirit, and how one works with one another.

5.  Does the church have a stand about Feng-shui?  I found this response on Catholic Answers:
I don't think it's a sect as much as a superstition. The ideas have been used for thousands of years in China.

My grandfather was part Chinese (I think, I know he spoke Mandarin), and even though was Catholic, painted the doors to the houses red. I'm not sure if it's a welcoming sign or a sign to keep away evil. Well, along with the Lady of Guadalupe cards posted on the insides of the doors.

Would it really be any different than burying a statue of St Francis (is he the right one?), in the front yard upside down to help sell a house?

Some ideas of feng shui are quite practical. Keeping areas in front of doors and windows clear of furniture and such.
__________________
Maggie

I searched the Catechism of the Catholic Church turned up this:  http://www.usccb.org/catechism/resource/wuerl.shtml -- the final word!

Thanks again for your question.  Remember please to provide a satisfaction feedback to this post.
God bless you,
Charlie