Hermetic Tradition or Catholic Tradition? A Critique of Sebastian Morello

By Matthew Minerd ( bio - articles ) | Aug 14, 2025

Note from Catholic Culture editor Thomas Mirus: The following essay is considerably longer than what we typically publish in our commentary section. For ease of reading and access to the important footnotes, we have embedded the PDF rather than using our normal article format. Those reading on their phone will want to download the PDF.

This essay, co-authored by Matthew Minerd, Matthew Scarince, and myself, is a critique of Sebastian Morello’s book Mysticism, Magic, & Monasteries: Recovering the Sacred Mystery at the Heart of Reality (2024). The controversy over this book began in June 2025, when a number of writers, including myself, objected to Morello’s promotion of “Hermetic magic” within the Church. Our critique in the present essay addresses that issue far more extensively than my original article did, but also addresses other problems with Morello’s book. Those solely interested in the debate over magic and Hermeticism are directed to pages 2-5, 9-20, and 23-26.

Those seeking, as a complement to this critique, a positive proposal for how diverse theological schools and sources may be unified within the one Catholic tradition, and theological inquiry rooted in the mystical life, are invited to read Matthew Minerd’s essay “Thoughts on Theology Today”, just published at To Be a Thomist.

The authors:

Matthew Minerd is Professor of Philosophy and Moral Theology at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, PA, and managing editor of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology. Information about his academic writing and translation work can be found at MatthewMinerd.com.

Thomas Mirus is President of Trinity Communications and editor of Catholic Culture.

Matthew Scarince is a freelance writer and historical researcher working in western New Jersey.