I was guessing this phenomenon began in Protestantism about 200 years ago. I find it funny that people equate things like babbling, being ‘slain in the spirit’ and singing rousing hymns to what happened to the Apostles.
Well, first thing the Apostles did at Pentecost was what you call “babbling”. It didn’t begin in Protestantism. It began at Pentecost. Some charisms became less common at times, but ultimately they were still present in the Church. In fact, I’d wager they’re even present in your own life. Unfortunately, you’re confusing and mixing a lot of things together.
Question 176 and Article I and II of Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica and Saint Augustine’s 6th Homily on First Epistle of John can not be reconciled with the modern Charismatic movement. The gift of tongues was a 1st century manifestation that is no longer needed because the Church is capable of communicating to the entire world.
Perhaps they cannot be reconciled with your false perception of the movement. St. Thomas Aquinas’ (and many theologians’) understanding of the gift of tongues was simply limited to preaching the Gospel in unknown languages. St. Augustine recanted his position later in his book Retractions, after having witnessing so many miracles and charisms active in his ministry as bishop.
First of all, you’re totally contradicting the facts. The fact is, the gift of tongues never did die away. Many many many saints, well after the 1st century, have received the gift of tongues (referring to what Aquinas is talking about). St. Dominic, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis Xavier, Bl. John Paul II… Obviously it didn’t die away with the 1st century. Bl. John Paul II, in his book “Rise Let Us Be On Our Way” notes that we should pray for the gift of tongues (specifically the ability to preach the Gospel in languages we do not know).
But you must understand that there are different forms of the gift of tongues, as seen both in Scripture and contemporary experience. There is the form we have just mentioned. There is also the form you call “babbling”. The latter form is more evident in Scripture than the other. This is when the Holy Spirit prays through the person, and he prays in languages he does not know. Read the Acts of the Apostles. Certainly, for instance when Paul baptizes the people at Ephesus, they’re not preaching the Gospel! And St. Paul speaks specifically about “praying in a tongue”.
The fact is, this gift is prevalent once more in the Church today. To deny this is simply ridiculous. The Church has affirmed the validity of this charism, I don’t see why you should contest it.
Your thinking is very Protestant. Luther and Calvin proclaimed that the “age of miracles” was over, and they did away with the sacraments of confirmation and anointing of the sick. The Church has never affirmed this, read the above quotes from the documents of Vatican II. Your standpoint is NOT the standpoint of the Church. I’m sorry but… are you aware of what is happening today? Do you think we don’t need these special charisms to preach the Gospel today? May I point you to the DRAMATIC rise of Pentecostalism through out the world. In the Catholic Church, in many places (for instance in Europe), the places where the faith is alive are among charismatic communities. I invite you to read the illuminating book “The Catholic Church at the End of an Age” by Ralph Martin.
Who coined the phrase ‘slain in the spirit,’ anyway? It’s not in Scripture, but it’s a phrase that Pentacostals have been using for quite some time.
I don’t know, does it matter? The event happening in Scripture happens all the time, even in the Old Testament.
… that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.” (2 Chronicles 5:14)
“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.” (Revelation 1:17)
“So I arose and went out into the plain, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, like the glory which I saw by the River Chebar; and I fell on my face.” (Ezekiel 3:23)
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.” (Numbers 22:31)
“Then He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell on my face.” (Ezekiel 44:4)
This is what is called an “ecstasy”. What St. Catherine of Siena experienced (and many other saints) was this form of ecstasy of being prostrate and unaware of your surroundings. One time there were men who were cleaning the church, and assumed she was dead and they threw her out onto the street. Another time, when in Avingon, some nobles poked her with a needle to see if it was really genuine. She did not react to it, until she came out of the ecstasy.
I don’t condone praying for this. It is a special phenomena that may occur. If it happens, great. If not, no matter. It’s not a sign of great holiness.
