Wow, that’s a lot of questions. I’ll answer as best I can:
- The OP had asked for a book that combined all the Marian Apparitions. ***This one does. ***
That can make a book dangerous. Unless an author stresses the difference between approved and unapproved/“pending” ones, he`s playing fast and loose. Quoting from condemned ones, including those condemned by the local bishops (eg Garabandal and Medjugorje), is playing with fire, and leading people astray.
I didn’t say I agreed with all Dr. Bowring’s findings. As a matter of fact, I was probably a thorn in his side as several times I found that the conclusions he’d drawn seemed to be a stretch given the references he’d cited and brought up my concerns in class.
The trouble is: the closer falsehood is to the truth, the more dangerous it is. It`s more difficult to see it for what it is.
- Mary speaks of a “Chastisement” in most Apparitions that I’m aware of – even Fatima. Garabandal gives more detail than most of the others. I was not aware that any bishop had condemned Garabandal as much as they had reserved judgment. Can you point me to any declaration which specifically condemns Garabandal?
Condemnation by successive Bishops is a good start. i
m willing to stand corrected on this, but: im pretty sure all of the alleged “visionaries” eventually distanced themselves from it. Can`t remember the source.
Googling would bring up something; but right now, i
m half blind from trying to type up whats already here! Hope you don`t go blind trying to decipher it!
Dr. Bowring acknowledges that Medjugorje has been condemned by the local bishop, but gets around that by saying that the Vatican has taken over the investigation, ***giving the impression that the local bishop was in ***error.
***That
s a blatant lie!!! Its vilification of the Bishop and his predecessor.
*** And if his qualifications are what he claims, he`d know it.
This was actually one of the things that first gave me pause. If I understand the Church’s teachings correctly, there is no wavering of the admonition that the local bishop alone has jurisdiction in such matters. I am no expert in such things, so put that issue aside. I don’t know what the actual investigation by the Vatican means.
As one writer put it: an alleged supernatural phenomenon can
t be given approval while its continuing, ***BUT it can be CONDEMNED while it
s continuing:*** ie the most its promotors can hope for from this Commission is an open mind, and certainly not condemnation of the two bishops. Medjugorje is more than just a Diocesan problem; its worldwide. Hence Rome
s involvement. Otherwise, it would have been left to the Bishops. Theres more than a bit of evidence to suggest that the present Pope is not favourable towards it. Remember, too, that Fr. Tomislav Vlasic is now Mr. Tomislav Vlasic, and that Fr. Jozo Zovko was forced “into exile”… because of his continuing blatant disobedience.
Medjugorje is full of lies and deception. The “visionaries” and their close associates are part of it. If nothing else, they`re guilty of gross disobedience…defying the bishop.
By the way: i used to be 90+% in favour of it.
Dr. Bowring received his pontifical doctorate…
Qualifications don`t guarantee level-headedness and orthodoxy. The Church is full of loons (and dissenters) who have impressive qualifications from impressive Institutions: eg Fr. H Kung
(Shudder!).
He said that Cardinal Vidal was a renowned expert in Marian theology…
So is Fr. Rene Laurentin, and he
s been more than a bit dishonest with some of the facts surrounding Medjugorje. Cardinal Vidal may well have been misled by Fr. Laurentin......and others. The Cardinal may also be biased: Cardinal Schonborns activities re Medjugorje show that a Cardinal can be well-meaning, but still make a mistake…
…and that this is the only book ever published on Marian prophecy which has an Imprimatur.
Big deal! (aimed at Dr. Bowring, not at you).
Did you go to the CUF article about the meaning of Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat? They`e not as awesome as some people would like us to believe.
- I have no idea who Ted Flynn is. Dr. Bowring taught theology at Ave Maria University in Michigan as well as southern Catholic College in Georgia, both schools being ultra orthodox. He’s also been teaching at Pinecrest Academy in Georgia, a private Catholic school run by the Legionaries of Christ.
Ted Flynn
s a blood n` guts apocalyptic “End Times” author.
What he formally teaches, and what he believes privately, and propagates in his books may be far apart.
So, in summary, I was only responding to the OP’s request for a book that brings together all the different Marian prophecies. Dr. Bowring does pull in many Marian prophecies that I’d never heard of – and some of which I couldn’t verify. Again, I’m not in agreement on some things but overall the theme he presents is solid Marian theology ---- pray pray and pray some more; turn your life back to God; etc.
They all say that! On its own, it doesn`t mean much.
The preoccupation with “prophecies” can become unhealthy… and downright dangerous to the soul.
