Does the Holy Spirit lead everyone to the thuth?

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In John’s Gospel Jesus said “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; " (John 16:12-13) Are there any examples of truths that the Holy Spirit led us to after Jesus ascended to heaven? Was this promise meant just for the desciples or for the Church or for each of us individually? My friend Paul thinks he is guided by the Holy Spirit to the truth and I think I am guided by the same Holy Spirit but to a different truth, one that is taught by the Catholic Church.We can’t both be right. I also pray the prayer to the Holy Spirit which says in part " Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit doest instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit we may be made truly wise and ever injoy his consolations.” I also have heard that all revelation from God stopped after the last Apostle died. If this is true what about some of the more recent doctrines of the Church such as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
 
I think the Holy Spirit leads some people to truth. Alas, some of us are ignored by him. Perhaps he ignores prayers of some of us,😦
 
Don_Ross said:
In John’s Gospel Jesus said "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; " (John 16:12-13) Are there any examples of truths that the Holy Spirit led us to after Jesus ascended to heaven? Was this promise meant just for the desciples or for the Church or for each of us individually? ?
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Who is Christ speaking to in this passage? This is one chapter in the Last Supper discourse, so he is speaking to the Apostles, and specifically in the context of having formally ordained them as the first bishops in the fullness of the sacrificial priesthood when he instituted the Eucharist and commanded them to perpetuate this sacrament. This discourse is his last instruction to them specifically in their new role, so it is meant for those he appoints as leaders of the Church.
 
Don_Ross said:
In John’s Gospel Jesus said “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; " (John 16:12-13) Are there any examples of truths that the Holy Spirit led us to after Jesus ascended to heaven? Was this promise meant just for the desciples or for the Church or for each of us individually? My friend Paul thinks he is guided by the Holy Spirit to the truth and I think I am guided by the same Holy Spirit but to a different truth, one that is taught by the Catholic Church.We can’t both be right. I also pray the prayer to the Holy Spirit which says in part " Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit doest instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit we may be made truly wise and ever injoy his consolations.” I also have heard that all revelation from God stopped after the last Apostle died. If this is true what about some of the more recent doctrines of the Church such as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
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While totally agreeing w/ puzzle, I think her post requires some clarification. The Holy Spirit will always lead to the Truth. It is His nature as He is perfect. In addition to the special charism given to the Bishops (esp. the Pope), the Holy Spirit does speak to each of us via our conscience and we are required to open ourselves to this whispering and respond to it. Thus every response we as individuals have to these whisperings is an example of post-Assumption leading to Truth.

In the situation which you mention, when two people claim to be responding to the Holy Spirit and there is an inherent conflict, one is responding less perfectly (most times all of our responses are some degree imperfect as we are imperfect).

But it is in acknowledging that it is still a response that we can minister (be vehicles for hte Holy Spirit) to aid in correction via charitable fraternal correction.

It is correct that Divine Revelation with regard to Scripture ended after John wrote Revelation. However, it does mean that “skins of the onion” isn’t peeled off over time. Encyclicals and Councils are examples of fruits that come from these “peelings.”
 
If the Holy Spirit led everyone to the truth, everyone would agree on the truth. Judging by the variety of opinions, apparently He doesn’t.
 
The Holy Spirit will NOT lead anyone away from the Truth. He is eternally joined in the Trinity, and thus it would be impossible for Him to deceive or divide us.

Some will claim they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they profess a theology different from what the Church (Jesus) has given us. It is not the fault of the Holy Spirit that they are wrong.

Some will be led to the Truth in various ways, including participation in other faith communities… but will eventually be one as “…the Father and I are One…”

Some will be led in those various ways, and will reject the Truth as their hearts harden. Remember, Pilate looked Truth in the face, and asked “Truth, what is Truth?”

I believe that those who are and persist in remaining outside the Catholic Church are simply not led by the Holy Spirit… despite their claims otherwise. They would shudder if they recognized who then is guiding them!

.
 
JimG said:
If the Holy Spirit led everyone to the truth, everyone would agree on the truth. Judging by the variety of opinions, apparently He doesn’t.
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The variety of opinions is not a reflection on the direction of the Leader but on the failures of those being led to properly respond.
 
Orionthehunter said:
The variety of opinions is not a reflection on the direction of the Leader but on the failures of those being led to properly respond.
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Well, obviously. But look at the vast number of religious denominations, each claiming to teach the truth and be led by the Holy Spirit. Yet they are mutually contradictory. I think that puzzleannie is correct in noting that Jesus was speaking to the Apostles–the Church’s initial magisterium–and promising them the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
 
the Holy Spirit leads everyone to the Truth, and cannot do otherwise. Every voice, every interpretation, every inclination, every personal opinion or preference, every emotional response, every insight, however, does not come from the Holy Spirit. Those movements can and do lead people astray.
 
Some resist the Holy Sirit-that is the sin of Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that will not be forgioven in this world or the world to come.
 
I’m pretty convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading me out of the Catholic Church. I feel called away from the church, I know, that as a Catholic, God does Not answer any of my prayers. Perhaps, if I leave and stay away from the Catholic church. The Holy Spirit will lead me to the church he wants me to be in. Peace!
 
sosayi1960 said:
I’m pretty convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading me out of the Catholic Church. I feel called away from the church, I know, that as a Catholic, God does Not answer any of my prayers. Perhaps, if I leave and stay away from the Catholic church. The Holy Spirit will lead me to the church he wants me to be in. Peace!
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And since every denomination teaches different doctrines, how will you know which one is true? If you settle into a particular denomination, will you then know that the holy spirit has led you into all truth, even though others may insist that the holy spirit has led them into a different truth? Does the Holy Spirit contradict himself?
 
sosayi1960 said:
I’m pretty convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading me out of the Catholic Church. I feel called away from the church, I know, that as a Catholic, God does Not answer any of my prayers. Perhaps, if I leave and stay away from the Catholic church. The Holy Spirit will lead me to the church he wants me to be in. Peace!
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I guarantee you the Holy Spirit is not going to lead you away from the Catholic Church.

Where would he lead you, anyway? (John 6:68) Christ founded one Church.
 
The Holy Spirit speaks through the Church to which He was sent on Pentecost. Individuals may indeed feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but without the Church one cannot be part of the Body of Christ.
 
sosayi1960 said:
I’m pretty convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading me out of the Catholic Church. I feel called away from the church, I know, that as a Catholic, God does Not answer any of my prayers. Perhaps, if I leave and stay away from the Catholic church. The Holy Spirit will lead me to the church he wants me to be in. Peace!
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You are convinced of this because God doesn’t answer your prayers? Even if you were a non-Catholic considering converting to Catholicism for this reason I would give the same advice.

Stop. God hears all of our prayers even before we utter them and answers them all, regardless of religion. For you to think such a thing belies a misunderstanding of God and is indication that YOU have placed an obstacle for you to hear the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to your concience. Until this issue is resolved and you remove this obstacle, it is impossible for you to make any faith-based decision that is guided by the Holy Spirit.

Rather than exercising your ego by leaving the Church, it is my suggestion that you exercise great humilty and immerse yourself in the Church via the sacraments and the abundant graces that come from it. Dedicate your mind (reason), heart (will), and soul (prayer) in identifying and removing the obstacle that is preventing you from feeling the great and infinite unconditional love of God for you. To believe that He doesn’t answer your prayers indicates a lack of confidence and experience of this all-encompassing love He has for you.

God is perfect. God is Love. He loves all of Him creation perfectly equally.
 
I amazed at those who don’t get everything they ask for and try to punish God by leaving His Church
 
sosayi1960 said:
I’m pretty convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading me out of the Catholic Church. I feel called away from the church, I know, that as a Catholic, God does Not answer any of my prayers. Perhaps, if I leave and stay away from the Catholic church. The Holy Spirit will lead me to the church he wants me to be in. Peace!
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Point one… Jesus is the Truth, and the Holy Spirit will lead us to the fullness of the Truth… The Catholic Church, originally called The Way (in ACTS) is the only Church founded by the Truth.

Point two… God has answered your prayers… He said NO.

.
 
Yes, he tries to, but some of us have impaired hearing and go off on our own thinking we surely hear his voice.
 
Don_Ross said:
I also have heard that all revelation from God stopped after the last Apostle died. If this is true what about some of the more recent doctrines of the Church such as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin?
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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is actually not a more recent Doctrine. It has been Doctrine of the Church since it happened…at the time of Mary’s end of life on earth. What is recent about the Doctrine is that it was declared Dogmatically. the basic difference between Doctrine and Dogma is that Dogma is when an already existant Doctrine is under some significant confusion or being significantly disputed, it is clearly defined and declared so there can be no dispute as to its validity and is clearly understood.
 
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