Catholic Fanatics!

[David_Zampino]

Hi Liza,

I’m not trying to be combative either – I just don’t want to be misunderstood! No one who knows me would ever suggest that I advocate a “Cafeteria-Catholicism”!

In the first category, I would note those who bind onto others rules, regulations, and restrictions (or beliefs) which are not found either in Canon Law, the Catechism, the dogmatic statements of the Councils, or infallible proclamations by the Pope. If person “A” wants to accept as legitimate the pronouncements of visionary “B” – that’s all well and good. But that person should not look down on person “C” who does not accept said pronouncements, unless the Church has given formal approval. (I hope that makes sense!)

In the second category, I’ll note a personal example. I pray the Rosary much more often than I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Does that give me the right to look down on another Catholic who prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet more frequently than the Rosary? Of course not. But I’ve seen similar things happen, and deal with it fairly regularly. There is a reason a Franciscan is not a Dominican and a Benedictine is not a Jesuit! What I’m objecting to, is the type of Catholic who assumes that if my spirituality is not theirs – then they are somehow more “holy” than I am – or that I am somehow deficient.

This is what I am trying to express.

Blessings,

 

[lizaanne]

Hi Liza,

I’m not trying to be combative either – I just don’t want to be misunderstood! No one who knows me would ever suggest that I advocate a “Cafeteria-Catholicism”!

In the first category, I would note those who bind onto others rules, regulations, and restrictions (or beliefs) which are not found either in Canon Law, the Catechism, the dogmatic statements of the Councils, or infallible proclamations by the Pope. If person “A” wants to accept as legitimate the pronouncements of visionary “B” – that’s all well and good. But that person should not look down on person “C” who does not accept said pronouncements, unless the Church has given formal approval. (I hope that makes sense!)

In the second category, I’ll note a personal example. I pray the Rosary much more often than I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Does that give me the right to look down on another Catholic who prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet more frequently than the Rosary? Of course not. But I’ve seen similar things happen, and deal with it fairly regularly. There is a reason a Franciscan is not a Dominican and a Benedictine is not a Jesuit! What I’m objecting to, is the type of Catholic who assumes that if my spirituality is not theirs – then they are somehow more “holy” than I am – or that I am somehow deficient.

This is what I am trying to express.

Blessings,

So what you are saying is those who try to push their own personal preferences for Catholic worship on others. I get that. But with regard to the OP, I really don’t see anything wrong with telling someone they are in a dangerous cult, or are beliving in something that is heretical. We are called to correct such errors - not with a baseball bat, but with love and patience. But never EVER with watered down delivery or fuzzy footing around the issue to the point of dilution of the Truth to where it no longer resembles itself.

I still maintain that there is never anything wrong with a desire to be “more Catholic than the Pope”. Holiness should have no limits put upon it.

~Liza

 

[David_Zampino]

So what you are saying is those who try to push their own personal preferences for Catholic worship on others. I get that. But with regard to the OP, I really don’t see anything wrong with telling someone they are in a dangerous cult, or are beliving in something that is heretical.

Countering a heretical belief is one thing. Defining all of Pentecostalism as a “satanic cult” (like the acquaintance of the OP) is something else entirely.

We are called to correct such errors - not with a baseball bat, but with love and patience.

Exactly! And I think that this is what the OP was trying to point out.

But never EVER with watered down delivery or fuzzy footing around the issue to the point of dilution of the Truth to where it no longer resembles itself.

To my knowledge, no one suggested this! And we are all called to speak the truth in different ways. St. Francis of Assisi once said “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” Some are called to be apologists; some prayer warriors. (I think St. Paul said something similar! )

I still maintain that there is never anything wrong with a desire to be “more Catholic than the Pope”. Holiness should have no limits put upon it.

~Liza

I’m not quite sure what you mean by this final statement. Yes, we should all strive to increase in holiness. Absolutely. But I’m not sure how one can be “more Catholic than the Pope”, as it is communion with the Bishop of Rome and his successors that is central to our Catholicism.

 

[JustaServant]

Interestingly, during the Azuza Street revival, newspaper accounts called them ‘fanatics’.
But the question is, why?
I think the answer lies in the ‘manifestations’ that are claimed. Can a theology based on subjective emotions or experiences be taken seriously or at face value? If we can look behind the ‘manifestations’ themselves we can see the motivations for them.
Are the people looking to worship?
Or are they looking for a supernatural manifestation?
I believe it was Rodney-Howard Brown, who during the so-called ‘laughing revival’ of the nineties said: ‘Whether it’s God or the Devil, as long as something is happening.’

This is an interesting question I would like to see fellow Catholics answer.
So far this thread has concentrated on those looking for ‘manifestations’ who are across the Tiber, Pentecostals. What about on this side?
The subject would be in keeping with the title of the thread.
Catholics have been called the ‘first charismatics’. So instead of starting a new thread, lets try to expand this one.

What place do subjective emotions or experiences, such as Pentecostals have, have in the Church?
Is it right to seek out supernatual manifestations?