I think, perhaps, a better description for what you describe is imprudent zeal. St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross both speak of it as a common imperfection of those who are beginners in the spiritual life. The problem, of course, is these individuals in no way consider themselves as beginners … and they think they have important things to say that others need to hear. There’s a not so subtle pride lurking behind the thoughts, words and actions of those who fall prey to this imperfection.
I think this is very much true. I’m only 18; I certainly cannot claim to be a ‘master’ of the spiritual life. I am much more mature than many adults, even, or at least I’ve been told, but that’s not the standard. Alas, however, it’s not merely a problem for beginners; I think of Marcel Lefebvre and think of the same problem.
And by their fruit you will know them: a marked lack of charity in what they are zealous about and a method of presentation (intentional or not) that draws attention to themselves rather than the issue at hand. Often this imperfection shines through in the form of argumentation and the mis-application of fraternal correction.
Yes! I’m normally pretty good about this. But I’ve noticed that when I read something attacking the Faith, I myself am deeply offended. Now I know that
that is a good thing, but I agree a lack of charity is certainly prevalent - that’s why I’m writing this post. I would add that moral rigidity is another way in this problem manifests itself, and it’s something that I’m overcoming now; thankfully it’s not that hard to overcome.
And all this is compounded by a common trait of all imperfections: the individual is typically blind to their fault and they would most likely vigorously deny any such wrong doing if confronted. Self-defense is their best friend. And so they make themselves into Saints in their own mind … and give themselves a free pass regarding their behavior through all sorts of self-justification and rationalization.
Alas, how true. I was blind to this fault for about a year before I even gave it a thought. Pride is certainly the root of the problem - vainglory is the primary purpose of their ‘preaching’ rather than actual zeal for souls.
I am, of course, speaking generally and not specifically to the comments of your post. But hopefully it is food for thought. Conscience can be a wonderful guide in discerning such matters. Self-knowledge is the virtue you seek … a good thing to pray for.
Oh no, I recognize this in myself. I have a self-knowledge uncommon for people my age - at least, my spiritual director says - but that’s what happens when you shut yourself off for nearly two years in high school, since the drug problem etc. was so bad. But yes, alas, I see many of these flaws in myself, and I’ve been trying very hard, imposing severe penances on myself at times (which do help, by the way) to rid these pernicious vices from me. Yes, you’ve given me food for thought. I must say that in my case, I don’t know if it’s exactly imprudent zeal, but truly excessive zeal. I can’t exactly describe it, since I’m trying to describe something of the internal forum, but basically it’s overpassion directed rightly but inordinate ‘quantity’ - I hope you (and everyone else) can understand.
I have been on these forums 10 years and, sad to say, there’s an awful lot of imprudent zeal around here. So much so that it’s difficult to even pop in to make a visit.
Unfortunately, it’s not just a beginner problem, as I say. Many even spiritually mature people can fall into this - it’s a perennial temptation for all those who take the Faith seriously. I never forget that God is a lover of youth - there are many quotes about this from Scripture and from the Saints. But this excess of zeal is killing my soul, in a way.
Look, I don’t claim to be all that mature spiritually. Yes, sadly, I’m far more mature than most of my peers, but in today’s world, that doesn’t say much. Obviously I don’t want to kill the zeal, either. I’m proud to be a Catholic, to be Christian and to bear the name of Christ. But, it’s becoming a real problem here, and I see it in myself so clearly. I do know myself well enough that I can feel when God’s love is in me, and when it’s excess/passion etc.
I would appreciate a little more advice on how to combat it when it occurs - since it’s not exactly like other temptations, in that it’s not evil
per se, and so the attacks on the Faith can’t be ignored, but I don’t want to put myself in the occasion of sin. It doesn’t help that, because I’m at a small, conservative Catholic college, where, although there are a number of devout people here, there is still much apathy towards religion, piety etc., they are trying to encourage greater zeal, and as you could imagine, it’s easy to get carried away.
I’m not exactly sure what else to say, because I understand that this is a perennial temptation for those of us who are very serious about the Faith, and who know a bit about the Faith, but not exactly applying it.
Enough said,
Thanks for the thoughts,
Benedicat Deus,
Latinitas
