Defending the Holy Spirit, Defending the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement

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Again, I’m not saying that they are automatically right. That would commit two logical fallacies - argument by authority, and argument by majority. But I am saying that it is a point in its favor. For instance. The majority of people in the world have always believed in some sort of a God. Does this prove that there is a God? No. But it is a point in favor of their argument for a God. So if a whole bunch of otherwise incredibly good and orthodox people in the Church support this movement, does that automatically mean it’s orthodox? No. But it is a point in its favor.

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By that exact same line of reasoning the simple fact that Arianism was supported by the overwhelming majority of clerics in its day, including influential leaders, should be a point in it s favor as well.

Or am I missing something here?
 
Well, you mentioned that a Pope supported this, and I’d want to see evidence of that. I don’t think that’s so.
Well, it would be speculation, but, Pope Liberius has been accused of such (although I reject this theory), also the Anti-Pope Felix II, fully embraced Arianism. I think the point is though, that the majority of Catholics and clergy had been mislead at other points in our history, and it was left to a remnant - whom had a orthodox opinion on the matter - to lead the faithful back to the true faith. (whether this is traditional Catholicism or those whom are charismatic - or maybe, a grey area in-between - remains to be seen)

I think a more creditable comparison would be the case of Pope Honorius I.
My purpose with calling Arianism a blatant heresy is that, according to the Church’s own teaching, it totally contradicts the whole message of salvation. Jesus had to be both God and man, or else He couldn’t have been the Savior. This totally contradicts Church teaching, and the whole point of their even being a Church or Christianity at all.
I am not sure that it was such an obvious error during the era of the Nicene Councils, remember those whom held the orthodox position of the recent council were the minority for some time after said council.
The charismatic movement (at least, in general) doesn’t contradict Church teaching, and the Church supports it. Through our own reasoning, through personal experience, and most especially in submission to the pastoral authorities of the Church, we can easily conclude that this is fully orthodox and teaches nothing heretical and conclude that definitively. Just as we can conclude through our own reasoning and through Church teaching that Arianism is very heretical, and conclude this definitively. That’s why the Church, and her pastors, have authority.
I think it is obvious where the contradictions are vardaquinn, the question is, whether or not these extraordinary gifts should be sought after, and/or promulgated as the CCR has done. As to it being fully orthodox, I think this is obvious too, although, there are some things that may happen that are indeed orthodox, there are plenty of heterodox practices that the CCR has adopted form the protestant Pentecostals that is far and away anything from decisively Catholic orthodoxy. It is certainly not black and white, and it all needs to be addressed in an extraordinary and universal way. imho.
 
Let us take an order like the Legionaries which had lots of support from right up to the Pope. And that was an actual order which is a big deal compared to CCR.
I think it would behoove you to read the thread. An Apostolic Society also has the same process, and these have been approved, as well as charismatic religious communities.
So I think there is certainly a chance that at some point CCR will have to be overhauled and be reformed.
People are always in need of Reform, and the purpose of the Magesterium, among other things, is to keep the faithful on track. Therefore, all overhauls and reformations should be received with trust and gratitude by the flock.
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But in definition, seeking the guidance of the holy spirit is not heretical or immoral. What might be problematic is this explicit seeking for signs.
The CCR does not promote “explicit seeking for signs”. There is a big difference between being open to, and yielding to the charisms of the Spirit, and “seeking for signs”.
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Any Catholic can pray the Holy Spirit novena at home and ask for guidance by the Holy Spirit. Do they need to be part of a CCR movement?
Indeed they can, and should. You are right, a “movement” is not necessary. Many of us have found it helpful because when we were brought up Catholic we never learned there was such a thing as a novena to the HS, or about the charisms, or how to implement them in our daily lives. We learned these things through the Life in the Spirit seminars.

Of course there are a majority of Catholics that don’t have a need for these types of catechesis, because they were able to learn how to live a Spirit filled life in other ways.
 
Second, you as well as the other supporters of the CCR who have decided to crucify me in PM’s have totally missed the point.
I am sorry to hear that this happened.
The point was, if the majority of the Clergy, Bishops,Priests,Brothers as well as the laity could be so wrong then and for so long, how can you say with any authority, that now they are automatically right? Remember it took two councils to finally resolve the Arian problem and even then it still survived for hundreds of years more.
For what it is worth, Mike, I see your point, and I agree with it. 👍
 
I think it would behoove you to read the thread. An Apostolic Society also has the same process, and these have been approved, as well as charismatic religious communities.
I apologize for I have indeed not read the entire thread. It would probably take me months to read through 900+ posts.

My point however was that support for a certain group does not mean automatically that it is a good idea. The example was the Legionaries.
People are always in need of Reform, and the purpose of the Magesterium, among other things, is to keep the faithful on track. Therefore, all overhauls and reformations should be received with trust and gratitude by the flock.
For sure.
The CCR does not promote “explicit seeking for signs”. There is a big difference between being open to, and yielding to the charisms of the Spirit, and “seeking for signs”.

Indeed they can, and should. You are right, a “movement” is not necessary. Many of us have found it helpful because when we were brought up Catholic we never learned there was such a thing as a novena to the HS, or about the charisms, or how to implement them in our daily lives. We learned these things through the Life in the Spirit seminars.

Of course there are a majority of Catholics that don’t have a need for these types of catechesis, because they were able to learn how to live a Spirit filled life in other ways.
It is here that I find some things confusing.

You agree that same degree of holiness could be attained by a Holy Spirit novena and other more ‘traditional’ forms.

But you also seem to insist a need for a ‘charismatic movement’ which isn’t necessarily limited to just educating the un-catechized with Catholic ways of praying to the Holy Spirit. Why?

In essence, what I am asking is, what do you receive from a charismatic movement that you do not receive through ‘traditional’ Catholic prayer and worship to the Holy Spirit?
 
And right, as you say, it’s an actual order. The CCR can almost not even be classified as a “movement” per se. It has no specific leaders, founders, structure… It’s a bit nebulous, which is good, because it’s not supposed to be its own entity. …, it cannot simply exist as it is now. It’s purpose isn’t to be its own entity, and it needs to be absorbed into the structure of the Church.
I don’t think this is entirely accurate, Varda. It is true that the movement of the HS is “as the wind blows”. However, the Holy See has taken all necessary actions to provide structure and authority over the CCR. It has been put under the direction of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, to whom any leaders in the movement are responsible. The Vatican has decreed the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services for organizing and forming leadership.

These steps are how the Holy See “absorbs” lay movements into the structure and authority of the Church.

I think what you are trying to say is that the experience of living the Spirit filled life of prayer and service need not be a “movement” but a normal Catholic experience?
 
It is here that I find some things confusing.

You agree that same degree of holiness could be attained by a Holy Spirit novena and other more ‘traditional’ forms.
No, that was not what I agreed to at all. The charismatic gifts are not given to persons of great holiness, sanctity, or maturity. On the contrary, they are given to novices and those who are weak and immature in the faith.
But you also seem to insist a need for a ‘charismatic movement’ which isn’t necessarily limited to just educating the un-catechized with Catholic ways of praying to the Holy Spirit. Why?
I don’t “insist” on any such thing. My research shows me that the HS acted on lay persons in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, praying that they might be open to the work of the HS in their lives (a novena was part of that preparation). They shared their experience, and other lay Catholics prayed, received charisms, and this continued to grow and spread until it reached international proportions. I believe this to be an answer to the prayer of Pope John XXIII for a “New Pentecost” in the Church. If the Spirit wishes to move this way upon His people, then I receive it. I can only conclude that the HS finds a “need” for it. That is way above my pay grade. 😃
In essence, what I am asking is, what do you receive from a charismatic movement that you do not receive through ‘traditional’ Catholic prayer and worship to the Holy Spirit?
Through the Renewal I have learned:
how to pray spontaneously (I only knew memorized prayers)
Lectio Divina, how to pray and apply the Scriptures to my daily life
How to share my needs with other Catholics and ask them for prayer
How to share with others how God is working in my life on a daily basis
How to recognize and use the charisms that were given to me in baptism

I am not saying a person cannot learn these things through “traditional” Catholic practices. I did not. I did not even know where to look to learn these things, and wandered away from the faith into Protestant communities, until the Renewal brought me back to the Sacraments. I am now a oblate postulant in the nearby Benedictine monastery (which also happens to be a Charismatic community).
 
Just want you to know that I am reading these posts to learn, and not simply “lurking”. Quite a discussion going on here. I have just gotten back into charismaticism after a long absence. I was confused and sort of turned off by those who seemed to be pinning medals of holiness on themselves and each other. I think one really has to turn the reins over to the Holy Spirit, and get out of the way. A prayer I use is to let the Spirit know I am willing, and that it is not me, but the Spirit through me. Give God the Glory.
 
I don’t “insist” on any such thing. My research shows me that the HS acted on lay persons in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, praying that they might be open to the work of the HS in their lives (a novena was part of that preparation). They shared their experience, and other lay Catholics prayed, received charisms, and this continued to grow and spread until it reached international proportions. I believe this to be an answer to the prayer of Pope John XXIII for a “New Pentecost” in the Church. If the Spirit wishes to move this way upon His people, then I receive it. I can only conclude that the HS finds a “need” for it. That is way above my pay grade. 😃
I am not sure I understand. Are you saying the spirit was not moving in the church prior to this?

You do realize that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Through the Renewal I have learned:
how to pray spontaneously (I only knew memorized prayers)
Lectio Divina, how to pray and apply the Scriptures to my daily life
How to share my needs with other Catholics and ask them for prayer
How to share with others how God is working in my life on a daily basis
How to recognize and use the charisms that were given to me in baptism

I am not saying a person cannot learn these things through “traditional” Catholic practices. I did not. I did not even know where to look to learn these things, and wandered away from the faith into Protestant communities, until the Renewal brought me back to the Sacraments. I am now a oblate postulant in the nearby Benedictine monastery (which also happens to be a Charismatic community).
This is good. But what I am saying is that all of the things you listed above are things you would ideally be taught by your parents, Sunday school and Personal reading.

When one says “Charismatic movement” it also does not represent a teaching enterprise that deals with simply conveying the knowledge you mentioned above to the faithful.

So what exactly is the difference, if any? Because I am sure no one is objecting to something called a movement of which its sole purpose is to educate and catechize people. There must be something else that those who call themselves ‘traditionalist’ find objectionable in Charismatic practices. Or am I understanding this wrong?

Now from what I have heard, the main emphasis of these events is the gifts. Specifically those that manifests themselves through speaking in different tongues, prophecy etc. It is here that I think we go back to my original question. Is it right to seek such things?
 
I am not sure I understand. Are you saying the spirit was not moving in the church prior to this?

You do realize that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

I am glad you emphasized this point. We actually are asking for the release of the gifts of the Spirit when we are “Baptised in the Spirit”. Most of us were not helped to develop those gifts following confirmation. We continued to be catichized. Probably the fact that we are Confirmed at about age 12 had something to do with that. I would hope that life in theSpirit seminars are offered in diocese several times a year to assist adults to further develop their Charisms.
 
Thanks Guanophore…too funny, I missed the Pentacost you were talking about by 2,000 years…yes…I will definitely get myself up to speed, there’s a whole lot of concepts intertwined with this conversation…so I will get back shortly…

Cheerz and Blessings

|Trickster
 
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I am not sure I understand. Are you saying the spirit was not moving in the church prior to this?
Not at all.
You do realize that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Do you realize that if you read the thread, or even any small part of it, you would know the answer to this? 😉
Code:
This is good. But what I am saying is that all of the things you listed above are things you would ideally be taught by your parents, Sunday school and Personal reading.
Ideally.
When one says “Charismatic movement” it also does not represent a teaching enterprise that deals with simply conveying the knowledge you mentioned above to the faithful.
No, and that was not meant to be an inclusive list of what I learned.
So what exactly is the difference, if any? Because I am sure no one is objecting to something called a movement of which its sole purpose is to educate and catechize people.
Actually, if you ever do read the thread, you will find that this is exactly the case.
There must be something else that those who call themselves ‘traditionalist’ find objectionable in Charismatic practices. Or am I understanding this wrong?
No, I don’t think you are wrong. Most people object to their erroneous imaginings.
Now from what I have heard, the main emphasis of these events is the gifts. Specifically those that manifests themselves through speaking in different tongues, prophecy etc. It is here that I think we go back to my original question. Is it right to seek such things?
Yes, that misconception seems to be quite prevalent. It seems to be held by people who have not been to prayer meetings.It is appropriate to seek the Giver, and to be open and yielding to whatever He may bring to us.
 
passer_by;8453505:
I am not sure I understand. Are you saying the spirit was not moving in the church prior to this?

You do realize that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

I am glad you emphasized this point. We actually are asking for the release of the gifts of the Spirit when we are “Baptised in the Spirit”. Most of us were not helped to develop those gifts following confirmation. We continued to be catichized. Probably the fact that we are Confirmed at about age 12 had something to do with that. I would hope that life in theSpirit seminars are offered in diocese several times a year to assist adults to further develop their Charisms.
Quote from above post:

“I would hope that life in the Spirit seminars are offered several times a year to assist adults to further develop their charisms.”

Ohana, I found a website that describes the booklet which is used for the life in the spirit seminars, and apparently it’s a Protestant publication. Here’s part of the description of the Life in the Spirit community and their guidebook:

"They call themselves an “ecumenical, charismatic, missionary Christian community - Christians from many different church backgrounds – Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists”; they are the “Word of God” community from Ann Arbor, Michigan. This syncretistic community produced a little guidebook called, “Finding New Life in the Spirit.”

This booklet has been the course outline for every Catholic ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminar ever since. Is "Finding New Life in the Spirit’ a Catholic guidebook? It can be as Catholic as the ‘Word of God’ community is with Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Baptist ministers. The guidebook is not so Catholic that it has been used for Protestant seminars!

Naturally it contains no doctrinal statements, there is no reference to the Eucharist, to Mary, to the Rosary, or to the saints. In fact there is no reference in the guidebook to being Catholic at all."

Link to description:
charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/life-in-spirit-seminar.html
 
Quote from above post:

“I would hope that life in the Spirit seminars are offered several times a year to assist adults to further develop their charisms.”

Ohana, I found a website that describes the booklet which is used for the life in the spirit seminars, and apparently it’s a Protestant publication. Here’s part of the description of the Life in the Spirit community and their guidebook:

"They call themselves an “ecumenical, charismatic, missionary Christian community - Christians from many different church backgrounds – Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists”; they are the “Word of God” community from Ann Arbor, Michigan. This syncretistic community produced a little guidebook called, “Finding New Life in the Spirit.”

This booklet has been the course outline for every Catholic ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminar ever since. Is "Finding New Life in the Spirit’ a Catholic guidebook? It can be as Catholic as the ‘Word of God’ community is with Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Baptist ministers. The guidebook is not so Catholic that it has been used for Protestant seminars!

Naturally it contains no doctrinal statements, there is no reference to the Eucharist, to Mary, to the Rosary, or to the saints. In fact there is no reference in the guidebook to being Catholic at all."

Link to description:
charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/life-in-spirit-seminar.html
Charismatic heresy. Clearly there’s no bias at all at that website. Someone also better tell the Pope he’s into heresy.

Denise, I’m pretty sure that there’s Catholic versions of Life in the Spirit seminars that are very Catholic, using resources and books that are very Catholic. The ones I’ve participated in were very Catholic, complete with Eucharistic Adoration and the teaching of several devotional practices.

Actually, a quick Google check leads be to several references of a Catholic Edition of a couple of books. Sort of like we have Catholic Edition of Bibles, which are also known as complete Bibles. The Catholic Edition of these Life in the Spirit books/manuals are the completed versions.
 
Denise1957;8454437:
Charismatic heresy. Clearly there’s no bias at all at that website. Someone also better tell the Pope he’s into heresy.

Denise, I’m pretty sure that there’s Catholic versions of Life in the Spirit seminars that are very Catholic, using resources and books that are very Catholic. The ones I’ve participated in were very Catholic, complete with Eucharistic Adoration and the teaching of several devotional practices.

Actually, a quick Google check leads be to several references of a Catholic Edition of the same book you just posted. Sort of like we have Catholic Edition of Bibles, which are also known as complete Bibles. The Catholic Edition of these Life in the SPirit books/manuals are the completed versions.
So this Protestant group who produces the booklet decided to make a Catholic version?
 
Yes, that misconception seems to be quite prevalent. It seems to be held by people who have not been to prayer meetings.It is appropriate to seek the Giver, and to be open and yielding to whatever He may bring to us.
I think you are being genuine here but you might be missing an important point.

IF the charismatic movement does not go after these special manifestations, then the movement is actually pretty Catholic and there is nothing objectionable in it.

You state that people who have been to prayer meetings would know the truth. Sure, but it depends on which prayer meeting you attend and who runs it. Some of the prayer meetings do indeed seek these special manifestations of the gifts. That is actually warned against by the Church and many of its saints.

So what I mean to say is that while the Church has approved the idea of CCR, it is NOT some kind of blanket approval for every CCR movement. Some of them do contain problematic practices. Some of them might start to tend toward problematic practices later on.

It is this that most ‘traditionalist’ fear against. We have a movement that contains a lot of tendency for abuse. We also have our traditional prayer. So the question becomes, why don’t we just teach our young people our traditional prayers and worship instead of putting them in a situation where they could go astray?

The church has done its part by saying the idea behind CCR is true and valid. After all, there is nothing wrong with praying to the Holy Spirit or if the gifts just happen to manifest themselves.
What people object against are those who use this approval to further specific CCR movements themselves which are not very Catholic anymore and looks a lot like Pentecostal.
 
I found a website that describes the booklet which is used for the life in the spirit seminars, and apparently it’s a Protestant publication. Here’s part of the description of the Life in the Spirit community and their guidebook:

"They call themselves an “ecumenical, charismatic, missionary Christian community - Christians from many different church backgrounds – Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists”; they are the “Word of God” community from Ann Arbor, Michigan. This syncretistic community produced a little guidebook called, “Finding New Life in the Spirit.”

This booklet has been the course outline for every Catholic ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminar ever since. Is "Finding New Life in the Spirit’ a Catholic guidebook? It can be as Catholic as the ‘Word of God’ community is with Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Baptist ministers. The guidebook is not so Catholic that it has been used for Protestant seminars!
That is the whole point of having missionary spirituality, Denise, to reach out to those who have departed from the One Faith. Is there any document that is “too Catholic” to be used for evangelization? All the believers in these other ecclesial communities also extensively use that famous Catholic book called the “Bible”. They read and use this Catholic book, even though they come from many different backgrounds.
Naturally it contains no doctrinal statements, there is no reference to the Eucharist, to Mary, to the Rosary, or to the saints. In fact there is no reference in the guidebook to being Catholic at all."
What doesn’t? The website? The book description? The LISS? If you are referring to the latter you are in error. It is intended to be used with the Catechism, so it does not repeat the doctrinal statements made there.

What is it about the LISS you think is heretical?

Have you ever considered attending one?
 
That is the whole point of having missionary spirituality, Denise, to reach out to those who have departed from the One Faith. Is there any document that is “too Catholic” to be used for evangelization? All the believers in these other ecclesial communities also extensively use that famous Catholic book called the “Bible”. They read and use this Catholic book, even though they come from many different backgrounds.

What doesn’t? The website? The book description? The LISS? If you are referring to the latter you are in error. It is intended to be used with the Catechism, so it does not repeat the doctrinal statements made there.

What is it about the LISS you think is heretical?

Have you ever considered attending one?
Quote:

“Have you ever considered attending one?”

Oh, heck no! I’m a Catholic, and as such have no need of such foolishness.
 
So this Protestant group who produces the booklet decided to make a Catholic version?
The Word of God Catholic Community in Ann Arbor is under the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

They don’t receive “protestant” groups.

The new version/ update brings more concentration for Catholics on the relationship of the Life in the Spirit with the Sacramental life.The Life in the Spirit Seminars were developed by the Word of God Community in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the early 1970s. They have been offered to millions of Catholics from a variety of spiritual backgrounds and countries. Their focus is a vital appreciation of the Scriptural proclamation, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

The New Life in the Spirit Seminars: Team Manual is a suitable evangelistic tool to introduce people to a fuller experience of life in the Spirit. It explores the intimate relationship between “baptism in the Holy Spirit” and the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It brings together important insights from Fanning the Flame: What does Baptism in the Holy Spirit Have to Do with Christian Initiation?, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the restoration of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The revision of the manual was first designed to serve the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York and then offered nationally.

As all lay movements, revisions, reforms, and updates have been necessary to keep the teaching close to the Church.
 
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