I stumbled across an interesting article by a member of the Catholic Charismatic Movement trying to argue against the SSPX position on the CCR found in the posts earlier this month.
When I saw the acronym I immediately thought of Credence Clearwater Revival, a rock band from the era of the Second Vatican Council. Somehow the link between the Catholic Charismatics and a rock band seemed apropos.
After reading the 'rebuttal' of the SSPX position, I thought it would be good to make a refresher on the topic.For the record here's the articles in question: To My Friends in the CCR: Why You Shouldn’t Attend SSPX Mass
A key point in any debate of this nature is the truth of the statements, their alignment with reality and the arguments put forward to support the conclusion of this alignment.
The SSPX article uses a number of facts, supported by ample footnotes, supporting the conclusion that the word "Catholic" in the movements title is a misnomer. In short, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal isn't Catholic, it is protestant and breeds all sorts of problems and heresies.
The 'rebuttal' offered by the CCR isn't really so much of a rebuttal as an exercise in compare and contrast with a short "statement'. As such he basically proves the SSPX point.
What follows is a quick review with comments!
P^3
Because some of you are taking the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) and its programmes a bit too seriously. Founded in 1970, SSPX claims to be Catholic but does not accept Catholic teaching—especially anything taught since Vatican II. They bizarrely believe worship should be offered only in the Latin language, oppose ecumenism and in general, shun any kind of progress.
Tradicat: It is obvious that the author doesn't understand the position of the SSPX and the concept of 'progress' in the context of Tradition and Infallible Church Teaching. This is the first hint that of what is to come.
Why the CCR and the SSPX are completely incompatible
Purely because of what SSPX believes and teaches about the CCR. Let’s look at the most important stuff.
Tradicat: Ok so the SSPX has beliefs about the CCR (movement not rock band) that belies and incompatibility.
1. On the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
CCR: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit or BHS as it’s popularly known is the doorway into Charismatic spirituality, by which a person receives the life-transforming presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
SSPX: The BHS is “obviously a mockery of the sacrament of Confirmation…”, “a sin” and a result of “heretical worship” (How about that worship leaders?)
Tradicat: So for the CCR the Sacrament of Confirmation is somehow lacking and the SSPX is incorrect in identifying this as a contradiction of Church Teaching???
2. On the gift of tongues
CCR: The gift of tongues is a a legitimate gift of the Holy Spirit, similar to what we read about in the book of Acts.
SSPX: “Either one of two explanations seems probable: that the subject really wills—perhaps unconsciously—to perform this act because of group dynamics (or mass hysteria) or that his utter relaxation of the will leaves him open to a true manifestation of the “spirit”—and not the Holy Spirit! Speaking a language one does not understand is a classic sign of diabolical possession, after all.”
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, anyone?
Tradicat: I remember the emotinally charged disbelief of a Modern Catholic when he read what the Church taught about the 'gift of tongues' as sought by the CCR. It was disbelief and denials. I think we have some more of that here.
3. On other charismatic gifts
CCR: Charisms are gifts of the Spirit used to gather, sanctify, edify and minister life in the Church and in the world.
SSPX: “Prophecies, healings, miracles, etc., were given [in Apostolic times only] to prove the claims of the Church and to foster conversions. With the achievement of the Church’s moral universality, the need for such phenomena ceased for several reasons, primarily because of the presence in the Church of people of every nationality and because of the Church’s proven record as the true religion, short though it was.”
According to the SSPX, God no longer needs to perform signs and wonders. Maybe they should visit the Middle East/Africa to understand how universal Christian morality really is.
Tradicat: The author's position belies a malformed understanding of what the SSPX is saying. Healing, miracles etc continue through the Church, notably they are part of the proofs of sanctity for canonization. The author takes the paragraph out of context that can be replaced by a preceding paragraph:
It is interesting to note that St. Thomas never refers to the charismata as being contemporary phenomena. He speaks about them only in regard to Apostolic times. For a thorough theological explanation of these phenomena, see his writings.
In short, the SSPX is summarizing St. Thomas.
4. What else does SSPX teach about charismatic spirituality?
Still not convinced? Check this out:
“The CCR as a whole is not a Catholic movement at all but a deception of the Devil.”
“Charismatics’ beliefs and practices are undeniably based in heresy,”
“The Catholic Charismatic Movement is a blighted tree bearing poisonous fruit, sown by the Devil… This fruit is truly a seed of destruction and one of the most perilous fruits offered to man since the first fruit offered to the first Eve by the same serpent.”
Tradicat: So these are conclusions based on the previously identified arguments. I find it interesting that the author doesn't deny the protestant roots of the movement.
Need I say more?
Tradicat: Absolutely, the author has done nothing to refute the SSPS claims. He has simply make unfounded statements
So, if you are a charismatic Christian, according to the SSPX, you are a sinner, heretic and probably possessed by the devil.
Tradicat: The above is a caricature of the SSPX arguments. The SSPX states that the movement has its roots in the heretical teachings of a protestant movement, the speaking in tongues has been regarded as a sign of potential demonic position and that it's practices opens its practitioners to demonic possession.
This position is that of the Catholic Church pre-council and I dare say post-council as well. The CCR is a movement that is welcomed into the loving arms of the Post-Conciliar (PC) Catholics, whereas in the Before Council (BC) era, they would have been welcomed into the arms of Catholic exorcists.
There is no disclaimer in the SSPX site that this article is not their official position, therefore it must be.
Bottom line: you can either be in the CCR or the SSPX—there’s just no way to swim in both oceans.
Tradicat: I think that the last line is the best assertion in the whole article, with a slight modification. You can either be in the CCR or the Catholic Church. The CCR, in spite of being welcomed by the Catholic Hierarchy is no more Catholic than its protestant progenitors.
P^3
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