Biblical basis for apparitions?

[TAS2000]

I heard a “protestant” radio show last night where the host was saying how we should not buy into apparitions (specifically Marian apparitions) as there is no biblical basis for them. Then he said there was an exception for someone (I think Samuel) appearing in a dream. First of all, I don’t think appearing in a dream counts as an apparition, but aside from that was he right? Is there no biblical basis for apparitions? If not, then where is the basis for them? And as an aside anyway, I didn’t think we were bound to believe or follow apparitions, even if they were “approved” by the church. I thought it was a mater of individual choice. Can anyone offer any help?

 

[nobody]

I never thought about this before - there not being “biblical basis” for apparitions - but this sounds like a “sola scriptura” reason, which doesn’t acknowledge traditions of the church. So even if there wasn’t any biblical basis, I wouldn’t use it as a reason not to believe in the apparitions.

I can think of some biblical “apparitions”: the angel appeared to Mary in the Annunciation (Luke).

Stephen appeared to have the face of an angel before he was martyred (Acts).

There are more angel apparitions, though I can’t think of them now - I’m sure someone else will contribute.

In the Old Testament, it seemed like every other day God was appearing one way or another and talking to the Isrealite leaders (Moses and the burning bush). (I tend to exagerate)

What you said about not being required to believe in (even church approved) apparitions is true. But the church does put a lot of emphasis on some of them, like Fatima, so I don’t know how to reconcile that in my mind.

Interesting question. I Hope this was helpful.

 

[Lisa4Catholics]

You can believe them or not,you are not bound by the Church to believe even approved ones.But to say there is no biblical basis for apparitions is unfounded.After the crucifixion saints were appering to people, when St.Peter saw Jesus transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah,what would they consider that?The annunciation,when Gabriel came to Mary,there are so many it is rediculous to argue that it is not scriptural.They have a problem with Mary,based on a deep seeded paranoia of the Catholic Church.God Bless

 

[TAS2000]

I think they were trying to use a very narrow definition of apparition, such as dead people appearing to others and telling them what God wants them to do. In any case it wouldn’t shake my faith, I just thought that it seemed like a really bold claim, and I couldn’t think of any specific examples, but I was sure it would probably be pretty easy to refute. I was trying to give equal time to the VCY station as I am engaged in talking with a former catholic at work who listens to this stuff. I listen to Relevant radio.

 

[Lisa4Catholics]

TAS2000:

I think they were trying to use a very narrow definition of apparition, such as dead people appearing to others and telling them what God wants them to do. In any case it wouldn’t shake my faith, I just thought that it seemed like a really bold claim, and I couldn’t think of any specific examples, but I was sure it would probably be pretty easy to refute. I was trying to give equal time to the VCY station as I am engaged in talking with a former catholic at work who listens to this stuff. I listen to Relevant radio.

When St. Paul talks about discernin revelations,he would be talking about words of Knowledge,Apparitions and everything.Why if there were no Apparitions would he warn that even if an angel appeared and said something contrary to the Word of God you were not to believe it.That is why apparitions are studied and investigated so thoroughly.The first need to find out if it is a hoax,they need to find out if it is supernatural in origin,then if it is from God or a diabolical source.God Bless

 

[Tom]

Interestingly enough, there have been many apparitions to Non-Catholics. It isn’t just a Catholic thing.

 

[MaggieOH]

There is an obvious New Testament basis for apparitions. It is in Acts of the Apostles and concerns the conversion of Saul the Pharisee on the road to Damascus. Jesus appeared to Saul as an apparition. He could not be seen by the witnesses.

When I read about various apparitions, this is the thing that is mostly consistent about them. The witnesses do not see anything but the face of the person receiving the vision is that of an ecstatic.

MaggieOH