Charismatic Movement

[TeresaBenedicta]

(Purely personal opinion!)

I think that the charismatic renewal can very much be an instrument of grace leading individuals into a deeper relationship with God- teaching one how to pray and providing an authentic and powerful experience of God. I also, think, however, that there is perhaps more danger in this particular instrument of grace to cling to the instrument when it's time to let go and let God. This is a natural tendency in the spiritual life in general- to cling to or to value the "experience" of God more so than God Himself. And it would seem to me that, given the nature of the charismatic renewal, that tendency or temptation might be slightly stronger, especially without a strong spiritual director to help guide the individual.

[dominicansoul]

[quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1319556768' post='2326851']
(Purely personal opinion!)

I think that the charismatic renewal can very much be an instrument of grace leading individuals into a deeper relationship with God- teaching one how to pray and providing an authentic and powerful experience of God. I also, think, however, that there is perhaps more danger in this particular instrument of grace to cling to the instrument when it's time to let go and let God. This is a natural tendency in the spiritual life in general- to cling to or to value the "experience" of God more so than God Himself. And it would seem to me that, given the nature of the charismatic renewal, that tendency or temptation might be slightly stronger, especially without a strong spiritual director to help guide the individual.
[/quote]


I wholly agree that the charismatic movement is part of God's plan within the Church, to go forward with a deeper sense of His Presence and His Gifts. There is nothing against being Charismatic and Catholic. I think we would benefit greatly if all of us had a charismatic soul. But...without a devoted and orthodox spiritual director, doors are open to all sorts of unorthodox practices and looney-bins stuff...

I have a group of friends I hang out with from time to time, we study Scripture together, have dinner once in a while, travel to prayer meetings, etc. They are from various charismatic groups in our area. Some have a grasp of the authentic charismatic spirituality, others tend to boasts of their gifts and prophesy without any direction. As with all things in the Church (not just for charismatics,) all must be guided with orthodoxy and obedience to the Church...

[i<3franciscans]

[quote name='dominicansoul' timestamp='1319557905' post='2326859']


I wholly agree that the charismatic movement is part of God's plan within the Church, to go forward with a deeper sense of His Presence and His Gifts. There is nothing against being Charismatic and Catholic. I think we would benefit greatly if all of us had a charismatic soul. But...without a devoted and orthodox spiritual director, doors are open to all sorts of unorthodox practices and looney-bins stuff...

[/quote]
I totally agree with this. There is nothing wrong with being charismatic, but some people take it too far and that is where the movement gets its bad name. There are bad/boastful uncharismatic Catholics too... We have to be careful to avoid rash judgment on all Catholics...

[Noel's angel]

[quote name='i<3franciscans' timestamp='1319456918' post='2326190']
This was just wonderful! I had to give it props.

Noel, like I said, everyone has their own opinions, but please don't turn this into a debate. If you would like a debate go to the Debate Table. I don't want anyone to be hurt so please be mindful of other peoples backgrounds whether you like with them or not. We all have to respect each other. Thanks!
[/quote]


I wasn't starting a debate. I was offering my opinion based on my experiences. If you don't like that, it's not my fault. I was simply saying why a lot of people do have a problem with charismatics (or rather so-called charismatics, 'cause I'm sure the genuine ones are fine). As I also said, if it's fine with the Pope, it's fine with me. I really wish people would actually read what other people write: it would save a lot of problems. I feel like I must end with a ! and just to prove how nice I am...

[i<3franciscans]

[quote name='Noel's angel' timestamp='1319665679' post='2327445']


I wasn't starting a debate. I was offering my opinion based on my experiences. If you don't like that, it's not my fault. I was simply saying why a lot of people do have a problem with charismatics (or rather so-called charismatics, 'cause I'm sure the genuine ones are fine). As I also said, if it's fine with the Pope, it's fine with me. I really wish people would actually read what other people write: it would save a lot of problems. I feel like I must end with a ! and just to prove how nice I am...
[/quote]
Yes now I am assured that you are quite nice. I suppose I was just a little edgy in trying to stop anything that might start a debate. I find it frustrating when people don't read what has been written from your own point of view. Sometimes I swear we are so caught up in ourselves that we don't actually [i]see[/i] what is written we only see what we choose to see. I am sorry I didn't quite get your message the first time. I am glad there are no hard feelings.