I had an interesting phone exchange yesterday. I was visiting with an acquaintance about my current homemaking in the future Rose residence here on Turtleback Lane, and she mentioned that she subscribes to principles of fung shui in her home decorating, because of the way that “they promote positive energy in a room.”
 
Energy? Hmm.
 
I questioned her about the superstitions that I am told are part of fung shui philosophy, such as the notion that if one’s staircase directly faces the front door, it will be the cause of poverty, as all one’s money goes our the door. My acquaintance agreed that there are these notions but said in return, “But, we’re Catholic and have as many of the same superstitious beliefs. It’s the same thing.”
 
Catholic superstitions? Hmm.
 
It made me feel sad because surely, if my friend truly knew the tenets of her faith, she would know that it is the most reasonable/super-reasonable and natural/super-natural Reality there is. Lord, please help me to know how to present the Gospel in an attractive way. YKC!
 
On a side note, I find it interesting that folk superstitions like fung shui are perpetuating in this country. Father Richard John Neuhaus points out the curious connection between atheism and superstition, citing, for example, Hollywood stars who wear various charms and Nazi officers who used to swear by their talismans. Hmm.