Charismatic Catholics.

[guanophore]

See my thing with this is that the gifts of the Spirit have always been with the Church. Saints and lay Catholic’s prayers have been the mediums for healing and miracles throughout the ages. So what exactly is the jumping around and making random sounds adding? The gifts of the Holy Spirit are old hat for the Church the Charismatic movement however is new. Why is it necessary?

I think it has been necessary because so many of the clergy and laity have not experienced the gifts for centuries. Yes, they have always been there, and operating, but have not been prominent in the daily lives of Catholics as we see them demonstrated in the book of Acts. Every day is meant to be filled with the supernatural interventions of God. For many of us, we lapse into “gutting it out” and forget that we are even plugged into such grace.

I’m a former protestant and while I’m not necessarily putting Catholic Charismatics in the same boat as the evangelical version. I can attest to the fact that nothing good has come from Azusa Street. The fruits of the Pentecostal movement are con men, dangerous theology and theatrical one upmanship. Since this is the ultimate origin of all Charismatic movements I just find it hard to believe that any of it is of any value.

Fortunately you are wrong about the origin of Pentecost. It does not come from Azusa Street. Although I can agree with your sentiments about the Pentecostal movement and the abuses, God pours out His Spirit wherever He is sincerely sought, and many have authentically recieved the opening of the charismatic gifts despite some of the abuses.

Again I realize that Catholic Charismatics are much more theologically disciplined than the evangelical equivilent. So I know you guys aren’t going to get into the typical Charismatic pitfalls like prosperity and such and that’s good. I’m not accusing Catholic Charismatics of anything, I’m not even saying that the Holy Spirit isn’t present with you. I just happen to think He would have been there with or with mumbling and rock’n’roll praise music is all.

You are right, of course, from the moment of baptism. Unfortunately, many Catholics are wired for electricity since that time, but have never turned the switch, and don’t realize the power that is available.

Edit: In addition I would also like to add that I’m glad that Charismatics are excited by Church and worship and like to take an active roll in things.

I am glad about this too. One change I have noticed in the Charismatic Renewal in the last 20 years is that most of the participants have moved into parish ministies, which was part of the whole point in the first place.