What is the deal with bashing the CATHOLIC Charismatic Renewal?

[thomasf]

I just received an email from a friend in the music minsitry for the CCR in New Orleans…

SRC in New Orleans. **The Catholic Charismatic Renewal made a big comeback this year with crowds more than double the previous few years.

Glory to God!!!
**

Does that have anything to do with the parishes that are being closed down and/or consolidated in New Orleans? I heard an interesting interview about how the diocese in NO is closing many parishes because of the loss of population following Katrina, just last week.

 

[thistle]

Unfortunately the only Catholic charismatics I have encountered are hung up exclusively on speaking in tongues which Paul not only said was the least of the gifts but said does NOT build up the community of the Church.
It might be there is more to the Charismatics than this but not with any I have met.

 

[Pani_Rose]

Does that have anything to do with the parishes that are being closed down and/or consolidated in New Orleans? I heard an interesting interview about how the diocese in NO is closing many parishes because of the loss of population following Katrina, just last week.

I read that 19 of them have been closed since hurricane Katrina, but it may have been a sit up and pay attention notice. I know a lot of folks went from here in B’ham including some priests. So, I would say it is drawing from all over.
2theadvocate.com/news/17450244.html

 

[Pani_Rose]

Unfortunately the only Catholic charismatics I have encountered are hung up exclusively on speaking in tongues which Paul not only said was the least of the gifts but said does NOT build up the community of the Church.
It might be there is more to the Charismatics than this but not with any I have met.

I apologize for that Thistle. God’s mercy is great and his love is everlasting and that is desire for us all, to grow closer to him. He provides many paths for that to happen. I have often heard it said God draws a straight line with a lot of right and left hand turns. So too, with his charisms, he uses them in many ways and forms. Paul says tongues is the least of these, yet at the end he says he would have everyone pray in tongues. But above all to our Lord is a heart contrite and humble before him.

I ask our Lord so send those to you that are walking in his mysteries through the CCR that will allow you to see the fullness that he has in store for us.

 

[drafdog]

The best thing that can be said about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is that it is still Catholic. Holiness movements like this in other denominations have ended in the reformers either forming a new denomination or being made unwelcome by their parent congregations. The greatest glory of Catholicism is its ability and willingness to accept and foster a broad range of spiritualities. Charismatic renewal is relatively high profile, but as far as I can tell, no more so than Cursillo, another style of spirituality within the Church. Be glad that the Spirit finds expression in all the children of the Father.

Matthew

 

[steve99]

CCR is not a homogenous movement. It has no (human) founder, it has no structure, no membership, no leaders with authority over anyone in the movement in the sense that say Focolare, or Neo-Catechumenate and similar do. Because of this you cannot say “CCR says this” or “CCR does that”.

What happens is that some people in CCR do certain things that others disapprove of and then they try & tar the whole of CCR with their objections. It is not really a particular spirituality either. People in CCR may have very different spiritualities.

 

[Godlovestrength]

CCR is not a homogenous movement. It has no (human) founder, I agree with that in that it is “I AM”
it has no structure, no membership, I cannot agree with this since God is the creator of all things made and so they have some form of structure, which can be seen in the actions of reactions by people through and with people

no leaders with authority over anyone in the movement in the sense that say Focolare, I can not agree with this either since scripture tells us that all people of the spirit are in the authority of God, and since the CCR is the Holy Spirit born into this world then there is the only TRUE leadership on this world in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit.

or Neo-Catechumenate and similar do.
Because of this you cannot say “CCR says this” or “CCR does that”.
I agree here in that it is in the authority of the church that the spirit speaks, although NOT always what the church would wish to hear.

Godbless

What happens is that some people in CCR do certain things that others disapprove of and then they try & tar the whole of CCR with their objections.

It is not really a particular spirituality either. People in CCR may have very different spiritualities.

 

[byers]

Is it a seasonal thing around here or what? Seems there is rash of threads putting down the CCR. From some posts one would think they are forgetting these people are CATHOLICS too!

Well, I don’t think it’s so much “bashing” the catholic charismatic renewal, as it is a concern that those in this movement often seem to think their movement has a monopoly on charisms or have rediscovered them or have rediscovered the Holy Spirit.

They do not seem to understand that the church has always had charisms of all kinds but what they consider charisms today are something usually seen only in movements like the pentecostals and the kinds of things they are doing have not been common throughout most of church history even among canonized saints.

It is a very emotional movement and often seems like some are trying to create an elite church within the church kind of thing.

There are many problems involved with this ‘movement’ including the deceptive ‘history’ of it that they try to present.
They are also many many dangers involved in this speaking in ‘tongues’ as you have no guarantee that what you are saying is of the Holy Spirit. If not mature and well-grounded in the faith you could easily be deceived.

Here is an interesting blog site of a woman who was very involved in the charismatic movement for decades and she explains many of the problems. Sometimes it helps to look at both sides of issues. Even if you disagree with her you might find it helpful to see what she has to say.

charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/introduction.html

 

[Schultzz]

Because some people feel good when they attempt to make others feel bad.

Wow. Good point.

So I’ll make mine. I am not comfortable with the CCR. I do not think it is for me. But I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. I admire those who show their “feel good” attitude when praising the Lord. Heartfelt love for Jesus expressed outwardly is natural. For those who compare this movement with the Protestants. So what? Protestants can be holy people too. To criticize how a person worships is tantamount to the Pharisees. How could you possibly read a man’s heart? Only Jesus can do that. So I do not find any fault with Charismatics, I just don’t feel called to be one.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I am not into speaking in tongues myself. But I will say that the charismatic Catholics I know are extremely faithful to the Magesterium of the Church and quite devoted to the Holy Father. Definitely nowhere near being “Cafeteria Catholics”.

 

[steve99]

Well, I don’t think it’s so much “bashing” the catholic charismatic renewal, as it is a concern that those in this movement often seem to think their movement has a monopoly on charisms or have rediscovered them or have rediscovered the Holy Spirit.

They do not seem to understand that the church has always had charisms of all kinds but what they consider charisms today are something usually seen only in movements like the pentecostals and the kinds of things they are doing have not been common throughout most of church history even among canonized saints.

It is a very emotional movement and often seems like some are trying to create an elite church within the church kind of thing.

There are many problems involved with this ‘movement’ including the deceptive ‘history’ of it that they try to present.
They are also many many dangers involved in this speaking in ‘tongues’ as you have no guarantee that what you are saying is of the Holy Spirit. If not mature and well-grounded in the faith you could easily be deceived.

Here is an interesting blog site of a woman who was very involved in the charismatic movement for decades and she explains many of the problems. Sometimes it helps to look at both sides of issues. Even if you disagree with her you might find it helpful to see what she has to say.

charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/introduction.html

I haven’t read her blogs, but from her introduction she seems quite neurotic. Unfortunately there are people who seem to overboard with some religious experience, whether it is CCR, Medugorje, Fatima, their favourite “seer” etc. becoming fanatical about it and appearing losing any proper discernment.

I took a quick look at her entry on Focolare, wondering that had to do with CCR, but discovered it was just more rant.

She may have some valid points, I don’t know, but I don’t feel inclined to wade through masses of rant to find them.

 

[Godlovestrength]

Well, I don’t think it’s so much “bashing” the catholic charismatic renewal, as it is a concern that those in this movement often seem to think their movement has a monopoly on charisms or have rediscovered them or have rediscovered the Holy Spirit.

They do not seem to understand that the church has always had charisms of all kinds but what they consider charisms today are something usually seen only in movements like the pentecostals and the kinds of things they are doing have not been common throughout most of church history even among canonized saints.

It is a very emotional movement and often seems like some are trying to create an elite church within the church kind of thing.

There are many problems involved with this ‘movement’ including the deceptive ‘history’ of it that they try to present.
They are also many many dangers involved in this speaking in ‘tongues’ as you have no guarantee that what you are saying is of the Holy Spirit. If not mature and well-grounded in the faith you could easily be deceived.

Here is an interesting blog site of a woman who was very involved in the charismatic movement for decades and she explains many of the problems. Sometimes it helps to look at both sides of issues. Even if you disagree with her you might find it helpful to see what she has to say.

charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/introduction.html

ANd now you will tell us that you have much information bassed on your having been or being involved with how the Holy Spirit works in that realm. OR, that you are a member of the CCR and have been in touch with a priest/Biship who are free of siding for or against the CCR.

Godbless

 

[Coreopisis]

Because some people feel good when they attempt to make others feel bad.

So I’ll make mine. I am not comfortable with the CCR. I do not think it is for me. But I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. I admire those who show their “feel good” attitude when praising the Lord. Heartfelt love for Jesus expressed outwardly is natural. For those who compare this movement with the Protestants. So what? Protestants can be holy people too. To criticize how a person worships is tantamount to the Pharisees. How could you possibly read a man’s heart? Only Jesus can do that. So I do not find any fault with Charismatics, I just don’t feel called to be one.

Very good point I totally agree. No one can judge what is in a mans heart, and no one can say that the whole renewal is bad because of a few bad apples.

 

[byers]

ANd now you will tell us that you have much information bassed on your having been or being involved with how the Holy Spirit works in that realm. OR, that you are a member of the CCR and have been in touch with a priest/Biship who are free of siding for or against the CCR.

Godlovestrength.
I’m having trouble understanding your post. I am not the author of this blog nor do I know this person and I wouldn’t presume to know how ‘the Holy Spirit works in that realm’.

Someone sent me this link a while ago and I found it helpful because it pointed out some of the problems with, not the people, but the ‘movement’ so I thought to post it as there are many who know nothing about this renewal other than what they learn from the enthusiam of those involved.

It is always helpful for a clearer perspective to see both sides of an issue and there are indeed some problems with this movement that give one cause for concern for those involved.

Hope this helps.

 

[Godlovestrength]

Godlovestrength.
I’m having trouble understanding your post. I am not the author of this blog nor do I know this person and I wouldn’t presume to know how ‘the Holy Spirit works in that realm’.

Someone sent me this link a while ago and I found it helpful because it pointed out some of the problems with, not the people, but the ‘movement’ so I thought to post it as there are many who know nothing about this renewal other than what they learn from the enthusiam of those involved.

It is always helpful for a clearer perspective to see both sides of an issue and there are indeed some problems with this movement that give one cause for concern for those involved.

Hope this helps.

While I can agree that as with all groups they seem at times to sway a little in the wind, wheather it be the Holy Spirit in positive guiding, or it be their own thoughts they seem to believe is from God but is not. Tthe writing you posted ( from some other source) seems very one sided, yet you say quote: It is always helpful for a clearer perspective to see both sides of an issue and there are indeed some problems with this movement that give one cause for concern for those involved. end of quote.

The writing you posted above, I believe is not open, it has a slant of finding fault only, in the CCR. And yet to my knowledge you say you have no knowledge of the CCR having not been a part of it. So, don’t you think that you might be being a little if not more ignorant about the good sides of CCR.
Interesting!
Godbless.

 

[byers]

While I can agree that as with all groups they seem at times to sway a little in the wind, wheather it be the Holy Spirit in positive guiding, or it be their own thoughts they seem to believe is from God but is not. Tthe writing you posted ( from some other source) seems very one sided, yet you say quote: It is always helpful for a clearer perspective to see both sides of an issue and there are indeed some problems with this movement that give one cause for concern for those involved. end of quote.

The writing you posted above, I believe is not open, it has a slant of finding fault only, in the CCR. And yet to my knowledge you say you have no knowledge of the CCR having not been a part of it. So, don’t you think that you might be being a little if not more ignorant about the good sides of CCR.
Interesting!
Godbless.

You’re right I’ve been following this movement for decades and know that many charismatics are very good catholics.

Yet I have also run across those who have suffered in the extreme from their involvement. Many have become severely depressed to the point of needing medication. Others have been troubled with demonic experiences, manifestations and voices that would not stop - for years. Many of these have been told to drop out of this movement by their priests because of the awful experiences.

So, yes, after seeing these things I am a bit jaundiced and feel people should seriously know that when you open yourself up to things in the supernatural realm you need to be cautious indeed. That’s why I said it is good to hear from people on both sides. Don’t you agree?

 

[dan]

Is it a seasonal thing around here or what? Seems there is rash of threads putting down the CCR. From some posts one would think they are forgetting these people are CATHOLICS too!

As I’ve learned here on these boards, if you’re not Catholic exactly the same way that* I’m* Catholic, than you’re not a *real *Catholic. like *I *am. [/sarcasm]

 

[Mary_ann_R]

As I’ve learned here on these boards, if you’re not Catholic exactly

the same way that* I’m* Catholic, than you’re not a *real *Catholic. like *I *am. [/sarcasm]

How true!

 

[Dorothy]

Well, I don’t think it’s so much “bashing” the catholic charismatic renewal, as it is a concern that those in this movement often seem to think their movement has a monopoly on charisms or have rediscovered them or have rediscovered the Holy Spirit.

They do not seem to understand that the church has always had charisms of all kinds but what they consider charisms today are something usually seen only in movements like the pentecostals and the kinds of things they are doing have not been common throughout most of church history even among canonized saints.

It is a very emotional movement and often seems like some are trying to create an elite church within the church kind of thing.

There are many problems involved with this ‘movement’ including the deceptive ‘history’ of it that they try to present.
They are also many many dangers involved in this speaking in ‘tongues’ as you have no guarantee that what you are saying is of the Holy Spirit. If not mature and well-grounded in the faith you could easily be deceived.

Here is an interesting blog site of a woman who was very involved in the charismatic movement for decades and she explains many of the problems. Sometimes it helps to look at both sides of issues. Even if you disagree with her you might find it helpful to see what she has to say.

charismatic-heresy.blogspot.com/2006/11/introduction.html

I and others have seen that blog before and were stunned at the total negativity in it. Anyone who is not familiar with a positive experience in the Catholic Charismatic movement can be easily led to believe that it is evil by that blog.

 

[byers]

I and others have seen that blog before and were stunned at the total negativity in it. Anyone who is not familiar with a positive experience in the Catholic Charismatic movement can be easily led to believe that it is evil by that blog.

Well Dorothy that is a matter of opinion as I found her blog to be very truthful, realistic and honest. To me, negative and positive, are not the issue. The issue is truth. Could you explain to me what you mean by the “positive experience” of the movement? Do you mean positive feelings? Thanks.