I would definately go! I don't consider myself religious but I do consider myself very spiritual. I completely believe that energy cannot be "killed" and only transformed into something else.
No offense to your brother, but one of my issues with religion is being told what to believe and what NOT to believe. I think it's too personal.
As far as being a phonie, I wouldn't go to a neighborhood "psychic" unless I had a recommendation. I believe that people who have come so far as to be a "recognized" expert in this field probably has the street cred.
I LOVED John Edwards too! But of course my favorite was the Pet Psychic!
Enjoy and go with an open mind and heart.
Claudia