The Counsel of Trent

#1101 - How Christians Fall for This "Unlucky" Sin

Nov 26, 2025
This discussion delves into how common Catholic superstitions can actually be sinful. Trent breaks down the difference between irrational beliefs and true superstition, citing modern studies. He critiques practices like burying St. Joseph statues and emphasizes the proper use of prayer and relics. The dangers of astrology and psychic phenomena are also explored, highlighting their misleading nature. Ultimately, Trent encourages a faithful approach to devotion while cautioning against treating rituals as magical guarantees.
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INSIGHT

Superstition Is Nearly Universal

  • Superstition is an irrational belief that unrelated actions influence outcomes, and it's widespread across nearly everyone.
  • Trent Horn cites a 2024 study showing 97% of people engage in some superstition, often as 'half-belief.'
ADVICE

Don't Treat Prayer Like A Formula

  • Avoid treating prayers, sacraments, or devotional acts as magical formulas that guarantee results.
  • Trent Horn warns that attributing efficacy to mere external performance is the sin of superstition per the Catechism.
ANECDOTE

From Pagan Amulets To Scriptural Charms

  • Early Christians replaced pagan amulets with Bible verses inside charms, which the fathers warned bordered on idolatry.
  • Trent Horn notes modern parallels when people treat scripture like a magic eight ball or rely on scapulars as talismans.
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