Rejecting the Motu Proprio....at Steubenville?

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Brennan, I do appreciate your commentary and the thoughts of Father Hardon as well - with the notable exception of your concluding words. That is, in no way and at no times has the Church declared its own long history of preparation for all called to the religious state, including the constant striving to be aware of the Presence of God to be (now) “an outmoded spirituality.” On the contrary it is alive and well and flourishing as the growth of the most traditional religious communities proves to all of us every day.
Hi catharina,

The concluding words are Fr. Hardon’s, not mine.

Further, when Fr. Hardon uses the term “outmoded spirituality” he is certainly not describing his own viewpoint, quite the opposite. He venerates the Church’s traditional mysticism and mystical theology. Rather, he is using the term as a pentecostal Catholic might view the Church’s traditional spirituality.
 
Hi catharina,

The concluding words are Fr. Hardon’s, not mine.

Further, when Fr. Hardon uses the term “outmoded spirituality” he is certainly not describing his own viewpoint, quite the opposite. He venerates the Church’s traditional mysticism and mystical theology. Rather, he is using the term as a pentecostal Catholic might view the Church’s traditional spirituality.
Brennan, thanks for the clarification - and naturally, I still disagree. It might have been Father’s experience in surveying the scene of “Pentecostalism” in the Church (a term, frankly, that is unfamiliar to me) but I do think it has to remain clear that the Charismatic movement within the RC Church is quite legitimate. That there can be errors, wrong adaptations and excesses among Charismatics is as certain as the fact that there can be the same among those who adhere to NO or TLM Masses.
 
Brennan, thanks for the clarification - and naturally, I still disagree. It might have been Father’s experience in surveying the scene of “Pentecostalism” in the Church (a term, frankly, that is unfamiliar to me) but I do think it has to remain clear that the Charismatic movement within the RC Church is quite legitimate. That there can be errors, wrong adaptations and excesses among Charismatics is as certain as the fact that there can be the same among those who adhere to NO or TLM Masses.
I don’t know that Fr. Hardon would call the charismatic movement illegitimate. He just seems to think that overall the charismatic movement will not be good for the Church, simply because it tends to replace traditional mysticism with a spirituality colored by Pentecostalism (see his article for an explanation of Pentecostalism). And he gives reasons why people may be turning to a different spirituality (one reason being that the traditional means of sanctification were almost entirely dropped after Vatican II).

I would heartily agree with his article, at least in my experience with the charismatic movement in various forms in Protestantism. The attitude seemed very much to be that if one just opened oneself up to the Gifts of the Spirit one could operate in them fairly quickly. In fact, operating in those gifts seemed to be considered a birthright of every Christian and if you weren’t, something was wrong.

I get the impression with mystical theology and the lives of the Saints like St. John of the Cross that you seek union with God as the all encompassing aim of the spiritual life. If one begins to operate in the Gifts of the Spirit, fine, that certainly has happened in a number of Saints’ lives. Yet those Gifts seemed almost incidental to the goal of union with God. In the Charismatic movement it almost seemed as if they were one of the primary aims of the spiritual life. The term “instant mysticism” that Fr. Hardon uses definitely resonates with me and I think he hits the nail on the head.
 
Let me put this more simply: we are not free to decide that any gift of the Holy Spirit or fruit of the Holy Spirit is not to be used or is ‘not as needed’ today. In deciding those things, we would be contradicting Holy Scripture and “inventing” a new (and erroneous) Chruch Teaching.

Is that clear to you, childofmary?
Yes it is. And on the surface of what you are saying I totally agree with you. However I want to make it clear that I doubt the authenticity of “speaking in tongues” but how “speaking in tongues” is being currently applied to “babel talk” for lack of a better word.

However, if you can cite a Church (Papal or Vatican) document substantiating that speaking like that is indeed “the gift of tongues” then I would very much appreciate that.
 
I don’t know that Fr. Hardon would call the charismatic movement illegitimate. He just seems to think that overall the charismatic movement will not be good for the Church, simply because it tends to replace traditional mysticism with a spirituality colored by Pentecostalism (see his article for an explanation of Pentecostalism). And he gives reasons why people may be turning to a different spirituality (one reason being that the traditional means of sanctification were almost entirely dropped after Vatican II).

I would heartily agree with his article, at least in my experience with the charismatic movement in various forms in Protestantism. The attitude seemed very much to be that if one just opened oneself up to the Gifts of the Spirit one could operate in them fairly quickly. In fact, operating in those gifts seemed to be considered a birthright of every Christian and if you weren’t, something was wrong.

I get the impression with mystical theology and the lives of the Saints like St. John of the Cross that you seek union with God as the all encompassing aim of the spiritual life. If one begins to operate in the Gifts of the Spirit, fine, that certainly has happened in a number of Saints’ lives. Yet those Gifts seemed almost incidental to the goal of union with God. In the Charismatic movement it almost seemed as if they were one of the primary aims of the spiritual life. The term “instant mysticism” that Fr. Hardon uses definitely resonates with me and I think he hits the nail on the head.
Brennan, I do understand the term Pentecostalism, simply I’d never heard it used in reference to any movement within the Catholic Church. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.

The big concern about 20 yrs ago was that Pentecostal religious expression had made enormous inroads in leading Hispanic RCs away from the Church, to the sorrow of all - esp since Hispanics tend to hold the primary place among RCs in North, Central and South America. (Meaning: what a waste to see their faith compromised.) However since the Church in the USA has become far more welcoming of Hispanic RCs, that troubling bleed away from the Body of Christ and the wounds that caused it seem to have been much better addressed in the last decade and to the best of my knowledge, the numbers of RCs of Hispanic origin are ever growing. A hand given in welcome goes a long way.

Did some RC parishes adapt to the charismatic movement in an attempt to find converts or be “more” holy? I’ve no idea - but I know that all of the practices and markers of the older, tried and true spirituality are still in place and valued all over the country. Also, I get your point about what appear to be confusing promises of “instant mysticism” but I strongly believe that God does gift as He chooses and if something is NOT of God, it will certainly die away.
 
Yes it is. And on the surface of what you are saying I totally agree with you. However I want to make it clear that I doubt the authenticity of “speaking in tongues” but how “speaking in tongues” is being currently applied to “babel talk” for lack of a better word.

However, if you can cite a Church (Papal or Vatican) document substantiating that speaking like that is indeed “the gift of tongues” then I would very much appreciate that.
Really, I can do no more than to quote Paul again:

“5
Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up.
6
Now, brothers, if I should come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I do you if I do not speak to you by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or instruction?”

Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues is not necessarily undertandable to everyone - or to anyone without an interpreter to declare what has been said. If Paul’s directness is unclear or insufficient to your need for understanding (what he already quite clearly stated) than I suggest you search for a Papal or Vatican document to inform your conscience more fully. There is no way on earth that I imagine I am qualified to determine what is speaking in tongues and “of God” or otherwise. Simply put, that’s not our job, yours or mine.
 
Yes it is. And on the surface of what you are saying I totally agree with you. However I want to make it clear that I doubt the authenticity of “speaking in tongues” but how “speaking in tongues” is being currently applied to “babel talk” for lack of a better word.
There are two different kinds of “tongues” mentioned in the Bible; the kind that happened at Pentecost, with the Apostles being able to speak and understand every language of the whole world, and also the kind that is mentioned in I Corinthians 14, which is the “babble” kind; the language of the Angels. St. Paul is saying that this kind (the “babble” kind) should be reserved for private use, or at times when someone with the gift of interpretation can explain the meaning. Obiviously, it should never be used at Mass, and those who use it at Mass are not using this gift appropriately. But there is nothing the matter with using it as part of one’s private devotions, or in a gathering of likewise-gifted persons, where an interpretation can be given of this language, or where it can be used in kind of a devotional manner, in a way that is appropriate.

It is, and St. Paul makes this very clear, the least of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; it is better to receive the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, knowledge, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord.
 
There are two different kinds of “tongues” mentioned in the Bible; the kind that happened at Pentecost, with the Apostles being able to speak and understand every language of the whole world, and also the kind that is mentioned in I Corinthians 14, which is the “babble” kind; the language of the Angels. St. Paul is saying that this kind (the “babble” kind) should be reserved for private use, or at times when someone with the gift of interpretation can explain the meaning. Obiviously, it should never be used at Mass, and those who use it at Mass are not using this gift appropriately. But there is nothing the matter with using it as part of one’s private devotions, or in a gathering of likewise-gifted persons, where an interpretation can be given of this language, or where it can be used in kind of a devotional manner, in a way that is appropriate.

It is, and St. Paul makes this very clear, the least of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; it is better to receive the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, knowledge, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Exactly - and St. Paul makes it very clear. We cannot negate something as “not a gift” when we have no idea if it is one or not. Thank you so much for adding to this exchange.
 
Brennan, I do understand the term Pentecostalism, simply I’d never heard it used in reference to any movement within the Catholic Church. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.

The big concern about 20 yrs ago was that Pentecostal religious expression had made enormous inroads in leading Hispanic RCs away from the Church, to the sorrow of all - esp since Hispanics tend to hold the primary place among RCs in North, Central and South America. (Meaning: what a waste to see their faith compromised.) However since the Church in the USA has become far more welcoming of Hispanic RCs, that troubling bleed away from the Body of Christ and the wounds that caused it seem to have been much better addressed in the last decade and to the best of my knowledge, the numbers of RCs of Hispanic origin are ever growing. A hand given in welcome goes a long way.

Did some RC parishes adapt to the charismatic movement in an attempt to find converts or be “more” holy? I’ve no idea - but I know that all of the practices and markers of the older, tried and true spirituality are still in place and valued all over the country. Also, I get your point about what appear to be confusing promises of “instant mysticism” but I strongly believe that God does gift as He chooses and if something is NOT of God, it will certainly die away.
Hi catharina,

I’m not sure what you mean by “markers” but I would say the changes to the liturgy, art, and architecture and the dropping of traditional devotions have had a devastating effect on the devotional and spiritual life of Catholics. I can understand why someone would look to the charismatic movement for some reprieve. Or even why they would become Protestant if they see a stronger devotional life at a local Protestant church.

I also don’t think many Catholics are aware of traditional mysticism or even that it exists. And that might be a reason they turn to Eastern religions and its mysticism.
 
Hi catharina,

I’m not sure what you mean by “markers” but I would say the changes to the liturgy, art, and architecture and the dropping of traditional devotions have had a devastating effect on the devotional and spiritual life of Catholics. I can understand why someone would look to the charismatic movement for some reprieve. Or even why they would become Protestant if they see a stronger devotional life at a local Protestant church.

I also don’t think many Catholics are aware of traditional mysticism or even that it exists. And that might be a reason they turn to Eastern religions and its mysticism.
Maybe you’re correct in your guess. Since I was raised with awareness of it, maybe I tend to think such learning within the Church is free for the taking if one’s motivated to learn about it.
 
Originally Posted by catharina:
but I strongly believe that God does gift as He chooses and if something is NOT of God, it will certainly die away.
I personally don’t think the charismatic movement is nearly as prominent in the Catholic Church as it was when it began. I don’t have the statistics, but a few things to make note of:
  1. The charismatic movement has all but died down at Duquesne University, the place where the Fire is reputed to have begun in the United States.
  2. Even places like Franciscan University, the charismatic successor of Duquesne University, does not have the same emphasis on the charismatic movement as it did 10, 15, 20 years ago. Speaking with students who attended then, the whole campus was very charistmatic. Also, when I was at the school over the summer for the CCC conference, I noticed that nearly all the participants were middle-aged or older. Likewise,when I myself attended a charismatic prayer group back home, nearly everyone was middle-aged or older. I was the youngest, the next youngest person being in his mid 30’s.
 
Oh and PS. Since everyone is so interested, there is a TLM on the FUS campus today at 4PM. It will be packed. Like last time. Like every time.

:rolleyes:
 
Oh and PS. Since everyone is so interested, there is a TLM on the FUS campus today at 4PM. It will be packed. Like last time. Like every time.

:rolleyes:
A TLM or a Latin Novus Ordo? There is a big difference. The last Latin mass on campus was a Latin NO.
 
A TLM or a Latin Novus Ordo? There is a big difference. The last Latin mass on campus was a Latin NO.
Someone told me TLM, and that’s all I’ve heard. The person in question would know the difference. Still, the school does do LNO, and maybe the person was mistaken. I guess I’ll find out at 4.
 
Someone told me TLM, and that’s all I’ve heard. The person in question would know the difference. Still, the school does do LNO, and maybe the person was mistaken. I guess I’ll find out at 4.
I would be shocked if it were a TLM. The university has never offered a TLM on campus (at least since the new mass was promulgated), and those in charge have patently refused in writing to allow one. There is no announcement on their website, no announcement in any of the Facebook groups dedicated to bringing the TLM to campus, and I have heard no one mention it.

If the 4pm mass is the TLM it would be a surprise to many, including me.
 
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