Charismatic and Traditional

[Lady_Love]

These experiences are not signs of heavenly election, nor should people who have these experiences judge those who have not had similar experiences as “less spiritual” or not in close relationship with Christ. I say this, because I have met many Pentecostal Protestants (from whom much of Charismatic Catholicism has borrowed terminology and mindset) who sincerely believe that if you haven’t been “baptized in the Holy Spirit” you have not truly been converted. .

As life long Catholics we undergo a series of conversions and there is always room for deeper intimacy. No matter how good a Catholic there is always room for conversion and we can always make more room in our hearts for God to come and dwell.

 

[Evania]

Again, I’d just like to say that the sacramental life is the primary means of sanctification of the Christian. Chasing after things like “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” or “speaking in tongues” to the neglect of the sacramental life is doing the Devil’s work for him. Satan would love it if you prayed for deliverance, cast out demons, spoke in tongues, and felt the Holy Spirit…but you never go to Confession. Such a soul will go before their Lord ill-prepared on their last day.

These experiences are not signs of heavenly election, nor should people who have these experiences judge those who have not had similar experiences as “less spiritual” or not in close relationship with Christ. I say this, because I have met many Pentecostal Protestants (from whom much of Charismatic Catholicism has borrowed terminology and mindset) who sincerely believe that if you haven’t been “baptized in the Holy Spirit” you have not truly been converted. Beware this import from those outside the fullness of the Faith who are trying to piece together Christianity from a Bible-only perspective.

Learn the faith. Live the faith. Share the faith. It’s a faith that has guided souls for 2,000 years successfully to Heaven. Don’t feel you have to re-invent Catholicism. If these spiritual experiences are given to you - great. If not, don’t worry that you are not truly Christian. Seek after Christ, pray daily, learn the doctrines that saints and martyrs lived and died for. That will get you to Heaven.

Thank you for your guidance and concern. I totally understand what you’re saying, and I’m completely on the same page. I’m just asking questions.

God Bless you

 

[Evania]

As life long Catholics we undergo a series of conversions and there is always room for deeper intimacy. No matter how good a Catholic there is always room for conversion and we can always make more room in our hearts for God to come and dwell.

I wholeheartedly agree!

 

[judynurse]

I agree that living as a faithful Catholic is the most important part of your Spiritual life, and certainly takes precedence over any “Baptism” of “Infilling” of the Spirit. The latter experience is IN ADDITION TO your Catholic daily life. It is a blessing to me, but in my case, it has been a private thing, which adds to the beauty of my faith, not primary and certainly doesn’t take the place of the Sacraments or living out my Catholic faith.

I am glad to have experienced this, but it is not something I think about much, I just thank the Lord that at the time it occurred it was very essential to me, as I was in a bad situation, and the Lord used His leading of me to this as a way to bring me to a closer relationship with Him. It may have even saved my life at the time. However, in the years since, it has been only a private thing between me and my Lord, for which I am grateful. I’ve known a great many Catholics who are certainly very faithful and have been a wonderful example to me who either felt no need to explore this or who even don’t believe in it as an experience separate from Confirmation or that It can happen. Doesn’t make them less Catholic, or less of an example of living a holy life.