Mormon view of Catholic private revelation and miracles

[Catholic20064]

Mormons often fault traditional Christ groups for denying new public revelation. And yet Catholics have a rich tradition of private revelation. Many saints spoke of receiving revelation directly from Christ. There are famous Marian revelations (Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima) to name a few. Some of these revelations were accompanied by evidence that seems to me to be quite strong. Additionally, miracles have never ceased among Catholics – they are continually present from the apostolic age to the present. Mormonism arose in a Protestant milieu that rejected miracles and Mormons rightfully criticized Protestants for their lack of such evidence. But these things have always been present among Catholics so the Mormon criticism of Protestantism does not seem to apply to Catholicism. That to me is strong evidence for the Catholic position.

 

[Todd520]

I think any criticism of Catholics is aimed at their apparent lack of use of this powerful gift.
I was raised Catholic, and understood revelation was something that happened to Saints instead of normal people like me

I think the Catholic Charismatic Movement is fantastic in reintroducing the power of the Holy Ghost to laymen and women.

 

[Catholic20064]

I think any criticism of Catholics stems from their apparent lack of use of this powerful gift.
I was raised Catholic, and understood revelation was something that happened to Saints instead of normal people like me

I think the Catholic Charismatic Movement is fantastic in reintroducing the power of the Holy Ghost to laymen and women.

As a Catholic you never understood that God could answer your prayers and reveal Himself to you through his Holy Spirit? That seems to me to be basic Catholic doctrine – just because you never received it as a Catholic doesn’t mean there aren’t hundreds of thousands of Catholics receiving such revelation for themselves. I’m sure I’ve received it, and my guess there are hundreds of people in my large parish who have as well. Just receiving the understanding that Jesus is the Christ is a form of private revelation that I am sure most faithful Catholics have experienced, but that is only one example of such revelation.

 

[Todd520]

Catholic20064,
You are 100% correct, I knew to pray and ask for help but i was not taught to listen carefully for the holy ghost to reply (private revelation). My mother introduced this concept to me subsequent to her participation in the Charismatic Movement some 30+ years ago.

I agree any criticism of Catholics on personal revelation is unfair/inappropriate.

 

[LongJourney]

Mormons imitate Catholicism. Actually, Catholicism takes a place between Protestant and Mormon belief in miracles and revelation. The Catholic Church carefully and rigorously authenticates miracles, LDS do not. In Catholicism, private revelations are personal, and even they must be checked by the individual, to make sure that the flesh is not what is speaking. Even private revelations to the Pope must be checked and doublechecked against doctrines and top theologians. Revelations in LDS become public if the individual’s position in the church is regarded as holding “prophet” status.

 

[Catholic20064]

Catholic20064,
You are 100% correct, I knew to pray and ask for help but i was not taught to listen carefully for the holy ghost to reply (private revelation). My mother introduced this concept to me subsequent to her participation in the Charismatic Movement some 30+ years ago.

I agree any criticism of Catholics on personal revelation is unfair/inappropriate.

So what is your view of the various Marian revelations that have been approved by the Catholic Church, especially Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima – hoaxes or real?

 

[Todd520]

So what is your view of the various Marian revelations that have been approved by the Catholic Church, especially Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima – hoaxes or real?

I’ve never witnessed a miracle but believe they happen. I also believe there are hoaxes and fakes perpetrated across the different religions. I have no real knowledge of the Catholic approved miracles and refuse to comment.

 

[zerinus]

Mormons often fault traditional Christ groups for denying new public revelation. And yet Catholics have a rich tradition of private revelation. Many saints spoke of receiving revelation directly from Christ. There are famous Marian revelations (Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima) to name a few. Some of these revelations were accompanied by evidence that seems to me to be quite strong. Additionally, miracles have never ceased among Catholics – they are continually present from the apostolic age to the present. Mormonism arose in a Protestant milieu that rejected miracles and Mormons rightfully criticized Protestants for their lack of such evidence. But these things have always been present among Catholics so the Mormon criticism of Protestantism does not seem to apply to Catholicism. That to me is strong evidence for the Catholic position.

Mormons do not deny the right of other Christians to receive private revelations for their own benefit according to their faith; it is precisely in the area of public revelation, and the ability to add to the canon of scripture, that the LDS Church claims superiority over the traditional churches.

 

[Mark77]

Mormons do not deny the right of other Christians to receive private revelations for their own benefit according to their faith; it is precisely in the area of public revelation, and the ability to add to the canon of scripture, that the LDS Church claims superiority over the traditional churches.

i fervently disagree with your assumption that a group founded by a mere man, Joseph Smith, is “superior” to the Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior?

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

mark

 

[Todd520]

Mark,
Obviously you’re Catholic and disagree. We participate in this forum to share information rather than “convert you” to LDS.

Just to be clear, Jesus Christ is the head of the LDS church - that’s why it’s called The Church of JESUS CHRIST of the Latter Day Saints