Great research once again. It is interesting that no one who hangs on the words of these NAR types ever seems to ask why it is that the Apostles Paul, Peter, John, etc. never taught the early church that they needed to "activate" their spiritual gifts. Nor did they teach them how to do so. Spiritual giftings had been in operation since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and so we never see the apostles encouraging believers to be focused on chasing after spiritual gifts. Not only that, but the Apostle Paul is clear that the gifts are freely dispensed by the Holy Spirit AS HE WILLS for the edification of the church, and that believers do not all receive the same gift. Furthermore, the Bible never mentions activations, legal rights, or seeing in the spirit (which is actually the Occult practice of Scrying, a form of divination which is condemned in Scripture). Finally, as to Hamon's out of context reference to Ephesians 4:12, he needs to read verses 11-15, then he would see that the perfecting of the saints has nothing whatsoever to do with activating spiritual gifts but has everything to do with being unified in Christ Jesus, through the knowledge of correct Biblical doctrine which produces Christian maturity and keeps believers from falling pray to deceivers like Bill Hamon and the rest in the NAR.
Hi Father. I want you to know, as someone who has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal for over a decade, I do appreciate your perspective on these things. My hunch is that you are skeptical of the Renewal (and I can certainly understand why.) I want to encourage you, however, to actually be in contact with Charismatic Catholics as you research. You may not know that there are many Charismatic Catholics who have serious pastoral and theological concerns about "activations" and many of the other topics you cover. Additionally, as someone who is in close contact with what you may call "Charismatic leaders," I can earnestly say that both Encounter and Damascus are consciously working with clergy and lay leaders to continuously refine the means by which they do ministry. From my perspective, their leaders seem more than willing to consider charitable concerns.
Though there are quite a few things that, in my opinion, may need refining in these organizations, I also want to attest to the fact that, in the midst of their human imperfection, God uses them anyways! There really are many amazing gifts and charisms poured out on the Church as a result of their ministries. And more importantly: a deep love of Jesus which thrusts people into rich sacramental and contemplative prayer lives. I can personally attest to both! That being said, I just want to caution you not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Thanks fot this series, Fr. Buffer. I've always felt uncomfortable around the Damascus/Encounter folks. Your research has confirmed my suspicion that something is not right.
Damascus still has a lot of supporters among seemingly faithful Catholics in my parish.
Great research once again. It is interesting that no one who hangs on the words of these NAR types ever seems to ask why it is that the Apostles Paul, Peter, John, etc. never taught the early church that they needed to "activate" their spiritual gifts. Nor did they teach them how to do so. Spiritual giftings had been in operation since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and so we never see the apostles encouraging believers to be focused on chasing after spiritual gifts. Not only that, but the Apostle Paul is clear that the gifts are freely dispensed by the Holy Spirit AS HE WILLS for the edification of the church, and that believers do not all receive the same gift. Furthermore, the Bible never mentions activations, legal rights, or seeing in the spirit (which is actually the Occult practice of Scrying, a form of divination which is condemned in Scripture). Finally, as to Hamon's out of context reference to Ephesians 4:12, he needs to read verses 11-15, then he would see that the perfecting of the saints has nothing whatsoever to do with activating spiritual gifts but has everything to do with being unified in Christ Jesus, through the knowledge of correct Biblical doctrine which produces Christian maturity and keeps believers from falling pray to deceivers like Bill Hamon and the rest in the NAR.
Very enlightening. I will pass this on to my pastor. Thank you.
Hi Father. I want you to know, as someone who has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal for over a decade, I do appreciate your perspective on these things. My hunch is that you are skeptical of the Renewal (and I can certainly understand why.) I want to encourage you, however, to actually be in contact with Charismatic Catholics as you research. You may not know that there are many Charismatic Catholics who have serious pastoral and theological concerns about "activations" and many of the other topics you cover. Additionally, as someone who is in close contact with what you may call "Charismatic leaders," I can earnestly say that both Encounter and Damascus are consciously working with clergy and lay leaders to continuously refine the means by which they do ministry. From my perspective, their leaders seem more than willing to consider charitable concerns.
Though there are quite a few things that, in my opinion, may need refining in these organizations, I also want to attest to the fact that, in the midst of their human imperfection, God uses them anyways! There really are many amazing gifts and charisms poured out on the Church as a result of their ministries. And more importantly: a deep love of Jesus which thrusts people into rich sacramental and contemplative prayer lives. I can personally attest to both! That being said, I just want to caution you not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime. God Bless.
Thanks fot this series, Fr. Buffer. I've always felt uncomfortable around the Damascus/Encounter folks. Your research has confirmed my suspicion that something is not right.
Damascus still has a lot of supporters among seemingly faithful Catholics in my parish.