lukewarmness

[TravisandJill]

I am confused about the topic of lukewarmness. I know that the Bible says that the lukewarm will be vomited out of Gods mouth but need to know what qualifies as lukewarm. What about the person who is lukewarm but in the state of Grace?

 

[Bookcat]

The reference you refer to comes from the Book of Revelation…and it then says that and that they are neither hot or cold - for you say I am rich, I have prospered and I need nothing…(RSV CE)…

The city being referenced was opposite the hot springs of Hierapolis which were nausea provoking when tepid (Orchard).

 

[Bookcat]

(note your reference above in Scripture is using the term “lukewarm” in that very specific context)

As to the “lukewarmness” as a condition or as a sin -I would say there would be degrees.

The CCC notes: It “is hesitation or negligence in responding to divine love; it can imply refusal to give oneself over to the prompting of charity.”

scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm

If a person is in a state of grace -they are in life.

Lukewarmness is certainly something to fight against - by turning to the Lord and his love.

I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you, Lord Jesus! And I know you love me and that in you is true life!

 

[mikekle]

Lukewarmness refers to those who are only christian in name only, they may go to mass every week, say they are christian people, but the beliefs and faith is not a big part of their life in the real world, they basically ‘put in’ their one hour per week, and thats where it ends.

I like the term ‘fair weather christians’, those that claim to be christian ONLY when its good or beneficial in some way for them, when times get tough or its not too popular to be in that group, they will deny it.

A good example would be a killer going around asking people if they are christian or not, and killing those who answer yes, Jesus warned us such things would eventually happen, many would be arrested, tortured, imprisoned due to his name, but when a ‘lukewarm’ person is asked this question under threat of death, they would answer no or refuse to answer (basically the same thing as a no)…yet they do not realize how huge this is, they have denied God, no coming back from that imo.

I think the bible actually mentions entire churches that are lukewarm, by looking around in modern times, its fairly easy to spot ‘lukewarm’ churches

 

[CRATUS]

Basically, when someone only follows their faith when it is convenient. Honestly, I have seen that tendency in myself sometimes. Plenty of people are lukewarm.

 

[E_7]

Basically, when someone only follows their faith when it is convenient. Honestly, I have seen that tendency in myself sometimes. Plenty of people are lukewarm.

Myself included. And this is what happens to the lukewarm (Gospel of John):

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but
will not be** strong enough**. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say
to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank
in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know
where [you] are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’

Of that group, the lukewarm caused Him the most intense pain, because they were so
close – they had all they needed right at their fingertips – they more than their associates
in the society of the damned had a REAL chance at salvation – but they did not love Him
ENOUGH. It should be a deep source of sorrow for faithful Catholics to look around the Church these days and see among our fellow Catholics, lay and clergy, the lukewarm.
They do inestimable harm to souls, their own as well as others and they are the source of
searing pain to Our Lord in His agony.

Says someone we know. And I agree.