Thoughts from Von Bathasaar

I found this little quote online yesterday at Rome Locuta Est and it struck me, particularly in light of the posts I've made recently regarding Catholic charismaticism or pentecostalism, Von Balthasaar seems to illuminate something of what I've been leaning towards in my critique of this movement. His reference to 'young people' I think can be broadened to include those who perhaps were young when he wrote these lines and are somewhat older now - those who remain in what is perhaps an immature or 'young' faith.

"A concentration on the Spirit (as the object of worship) only leads to a pietistic “Jesusism” that is so prevalent today in the churches and among young people.  People have the idea than in charismatic circles they can “experience” something of the Spirit and of Jesus in an “immediate” (unmediated) way; but as we have said, the genuine experience of faith is only given to those who patiently persevere in the Christian life.  We are not questioning the fact that young people need a certain existential “experience” of Christianity in their surroundings or meetings if they are eventually to keep their faith alive.  But the continual inclination to remain in the inward-looking group can be a symptom of an infantile stagnation, particularly nowadays."

Theo-Logic: Volume III page 398

Hans Urs Von Balthasaar

This quote will give some light to a coming post on youth movements within the Church

Catholic Pentecostals

A good friend of mine sent this to me recently knowing that I am curious on this subject, having been brought up in 'charismatic' circles. I found this article to be quite enlightening, and somewhat representative of my own experience. I hope that it sparks some more discussion. I can't say whether I fully agree with the conclusions drawn in this paper, but I do think it has some interesting things to say.

I am very open to learn more about the charismatic movement, and in particular those attributes which define it such as tongues, prophecy, the 'baptism' of the spirit etc.

This is taken from the following website: http://www.christianorder.com/features/features_2000/features_feb00.html

Lest it be moved I've copied the article below.

I welcome any comments/feedback/discussion/critiques etc

Ave Maria!

This is an abridged version of a pamphlet which was written after a great deal of prayer and soul searching. The author stresses that it is not intended to offend those involved in the Charismatic Renewal but was written in all charity and out of a sense of alarm that so many good people were being led astray.

CATHOLIC PENTECOSTALS

~ The Risk Is Too Great ~

HILARY CAMPION

The Second Vatican Council says that when we look at the lives of the Saints we are shown a most safe path by which, among the vicissitudes of this world and in keeping with the state of life and condition proper to each of us, we will be able to arrive at perfect union with Christ, that is, holiness. It has been my experience that this "most safe path" of the Saints and the path of the Charismatic Renewal are very different ways, so different that charity and alarm compel me to speak out. The spirit of the Charismatic Renewal is simply not the spirit by which these sons and daughters of God were led.

GOD'S WAYWalk always with the Saints and never to tread a different path. Be faithful to the morning offering and to the mind of Christ Jesus who was obedient unto death, even death on a Cross.

St. John of the Cross says it is impossible to attain to the thicket of manifold riches of the wisdom of God without entering into the thicket of manifold suffering. Such is the way of the Saints, such is the way of perfection. But wisdom says "See, ye, that I have not laboured for myself alone?" No, you do not labour for yourself alone, you are one flesh with that flesh from which issues every grace. And so you carry your cross for the salvation of souls. Pentecostalism has no need of incarnational teaching of this kind. But the Charismatic Renewal will take you down the path of Pentecostalism, and the further you go down that path the further you get from the mission of Christ which is your mission. Lest you should ever put even one foot upon that path of seduction I offer you dear reader, an account of my "experiences".