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Spirituality & Faith in Recovery

Hello Father Martins and Ryan, My question relates to your recent case file episode, *The Awakening*. Many recovery and mental health programs use yoga and meditation to help individuals find spirituality, similar to the emphasis on a higher power in 12-Step programs. The *12 Steps and 12 Traditions* book suggests that while the goal is often to reconnect with one's religious roots, having some form of faith can be helpful, especially for those who are agnostic or atheist. It's common for people in recovery to return to Catholicism, Christianity, or they go the other route where they feel their spirituality stems from within by following the Buddhist principles through Dharma Recovery. So my question is for the individuals struggling with addiction or alcoholism, do you think finding faith in something other than the one true God makes them sinners, even if they eventually return to their Catholic or Christian roots? Additionally, for those former Catholics or Christians struggling with addiction who feel a resentment towards God due to their struggles in life, how would you suggest they release that resentment and rediscover their faith? Thank you

Spirituality & Faith in Recovery

Hello Father Martins and Ryan, My question relates to your recent case file episode, *The Awakening*. Many recovery and mental health programs use yoga and meditation to help individuals find spirituality, similar to the emphasis on a higher power in 12-Step programs. The *12 Steps and 12 Traditions* book suggests that while the goal is often to reconnect with one's religious roots, having some form of faith can be helpful, especially for those who are agnostic or atheist. It's common for people in recovery to return to Catholicism, Christianity, or they go the other route where they feel their spirituality stems from within by following the Buddhist principles through Dharma Recovery. So my question is for the individuals struggling with addiction or alcoholism, do you think finding faith in something other than the one true God makes them sinners, even if they eventually return to their Catholic or Christian roots? Additionally, for those former Catholics or Christians struggling with addiction who feel a resentment towards God due to their struggles in life, how would you suggest they release that resentment and rediscover their faith? Thank you

Speaking in Tongues

I am curious about the gift of speaking in tongues because there are many different opinions even within Catholic circles. I have heard other well known exorcists say that people should not seek out the gift of speaking in tongues and that there have been cases of people becoming possessed by doing so. So I am truly curious as to what the truth is. If Father Martins could provide some clarification on this it would be greatly appreciated.

Yoga in Nursery

Father I have a question. My 5 year old is under observation for ADHD and he is an extreme picky eater and barely eats anything. When he was 3 years old, his nursery teacher did Yoga with him without our knowledge. Is there anything we should be worried about? He is quite violent with his younger brother (2 year old). I would be really grateful if you could let me know. Thanks Jackson

Venial VS Mortal Sin???

You've converted that mortal sin can be a gateway to the demonic, but where is the line between venial and mortal? For example, I imagine divorcing/abandoning ones wife and children is mortal, but what about divorce between people with no kids who decide separate for convenience? What if a spouse cheated and the other divorced said spouse? At what level of severity would this example be considered an annulment of the effect of baptism?