springbreeze:
Some mystical experiences are allowed to happen by God not purely that they may be understood but to confect to the soul change and increase in grace, this is the hidden work of God and can manifest in visions, mystical experiences whether ‘enjoyable’ or not, but always to bring about or to increase sanctity of soul.
Consider this Darin, if everyone with an experience was allowed to teach in the Church on such matters, there would more than likely be severe exposure of the faithful to error. This has to be dealt with prudently by the Church and this does not mean that the Church does not believe you, it means that they, in ALL cases, must be prudent, this is afterall the truth of God they are dealing with, no small matter and must be highly protected.
It isn’t so much that we wish to teach. (If I’m not speaking for Darin as well then please Lord correct me) It is that we wish to break barriers that bind us to the limitations of our cognitive abilities, which by themselves are unable to grasp God, but are plenty able to grasp images of God, conjured by intellectual considerations. We have seen beyond the limits of intellectual study of faith, but have no words to express it because it is treated as a ForbiddenTopic.
It is my belief that Catholics in general are taught from an early age to Fear Greatly whenever they speak something that may not be “mainstream.” Thus, I believe most are so suppressed that they are spiritually dead, simply walking robots trying to be obedient without admitting to anything their God-given brain brings to their consciousness that may be perceived as out of the ordinary.
In every other field of academic endeavor, the best teachers are the ones who help their students discover the truth behind their own thoughts if there is any, or to help them explain them. In contrast, many – not all – teachers of the Catholic faith that my own children have had, become extremely defensive when asked certain questions. They learn quickly to Be Quiet and Sit Up Straight and act pious, or face negative consequences.
Questions are seen as challenges rather than requests for facts, and not only challenges but hostile challenges rather than intellectual debate. A presumed teacher should be up to being challenged by a student, unless the teacher is afraid it is a test beyond the teacher’s ability to endure. Luckily I have trained my kids how to identify the way their teachers want to respond, and if they decide to be honest with their opinions, to do so with my blessing but with my warning they are On Their Own.
What I have found in these forums, especially now that there is hardly any of the vitriole it seemed like we used to have (unless it’s all in my perception) is that the combination of unity of Catholicism and diversity of experience usually ends up with a person getting some really good answers to questions, no matter how silly they seem especially at first.
My point, if I have one, is that I think debate and discussion of individual revelations is healthy, and does not threaten the teachings of the Church unless they are presented as teachings of the Church. Speculation is a way to expand our thinking beyond our present experiences, which can be a Good Thing if we are to be guided by faith in things beyond our understanding.
Alan
Carole
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), to do the unthinkable if it becomes necessary. That would be to go get a job.
