Pentecostal: Questions

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Catholic : One Thread

A young American Catholic has been mailing me and would like some help with these questions, I will direct him to this site but in the mean time if anyone has any thoughts in reply to his questions Im sure he would appreciate them. Blessings

"I would like to be knowledgeable in is the opposing views of the United Pentecostal Church. In my city, they are doing a wonderful job at converting Christians. Especially, preying on Catholics. My best friend is a young Charismatic Pentecostal who will one day have a large church and he will minister to large quantities of people. His life is that of an ideal Christian and I have seen him influence many Protestants and Catholics that his church was the most holy. He believes that in order for a chance to reside in heaven, one must be baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost, evidence speaking in tongues. He is not an anti-Christ. He really tries to live his best for the Lord and I think he somewhat succeeds. Anyway, I have read up on the trinity in order to understand the differing in doctrines. I would like to present the information I discover in a logical and organized way. I doubt that it works but one day it may spark something in him and he will see the light. The problem is I have not been about to come across much information on this topic. The information that I have been able to come across is very confusing and that is why I decided to get a better grasp of the trinity. If you can direct me to information on this subject that can be easily understood, I would be appreciative. You have helped me once and I will not bother you again. Again, the topic that I am disputing in being baptized in Jesus name filled with the Holy Ghost, evidence speaking in tongues. I also read that this baptism was inadequate. I find it hard to believe that someone who is devoting his life to God could be condemned. After all, as Catholics, we believe that baptism is necessary for salvation just, as the Pentecostals believe. Therefore another question I have: Is his baptism, in the name of Jesus, adequate?"

-- Kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), November 28, 2002

Answers

Good morning, Kiwi. I only have a few minutes, being Thanksgiving morn, my husband had the internet on sports, and I quickly dashed over to the forum, Jake and fiance are making donuts, turkey's almost in oven, I have to go do some dishes... but I came across your post.

We must be baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as the scriptures and the catechism tell us, the full triune God, for salvation. One of the errors of this fellow's teaching is that we have to manifest the gifts in order to be saved. It's not true. They're gifts, we don't have to open or accept them. It's good and most excellent if we do, helpful to say the least, but not necessary for salvation. Sorry brother, don't have time to provide you with documentation. love, Theresa

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), November 28, 2002.


When we have been baptised in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, there is no more baptism for salvation and inclusion in the Church. ''In Jesus' name'' is not for our baptism per se.

This is a phrase found in the words of Peter and others, meaning the baptism commanded by Jesus Christ (words above), and not a different one. It was necessary in the beginning to emphasize that to new converts; some of whom had already received a baptism of repentence from John the Baptist. (Even Our Lord went to the Jordan and accepted John's baptism.) But in John's baptism, Christ's own grace wasn't poured on those souls, as it is in His Church's.

For a sect to call its baptised ''filled with the Holy Ghost'' (Spirit) is nothing reprehensible, considering the obvious. These churches lack comprehension of what sacraments do for the faithful. The Catholic Church gives us the sacrament of Confirmation, and it's here that the Holy Spirit comes down to us. We were taught as children, Confirmation makes us ''soldiers of Christ'', it fortifies us in sanctifying grace and the Holy Ghost. As for ''proving'' it by tongues, that's one more misapprehension among many; resulting from sectarian reliance on Sola Scriptura. We should simply pray; that nothing more harmful than this to the souls of pentecostalists enters their belief; on account of going it alone without the Catholic Church.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), November 28, 2002.


Here's a good article on oneness Pentecostals.

http://www.equip.org/free/DO147.htm

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), November 28, 2002.


Thankyou Gail, Theresa and Gene, Blessings.

-- Kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), November 29, 2002.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ