Category: Modernism

Who are the Born-Again Christians?

They are the protestants who have more modern approach. They called themselves megachurches and nondenominational Christians. Their name is from John 3:3 of the New Testament.

When the Born-Again Christian began?

Their origin was traced back from Martin Luther because they are still part of Protestantism. But according to Philip St. Romain their origin was traced back in 1909-1915. But the word “born-again” popularized in America when Jimmy Carter run for president.

What do you mean modern approach?

In our modern time, when someone is suffering or sad, they have an urge of something that makes them happy. One of the methods of the Born Again are music to attract people and words from the Bible that most people can relate.

What are the similarities of the Born-Again Christians and First Protestant Sects?

The first protestant sects have their own churches similar to the Catholic and Orthodox Church. But most of the Born-Again Christians have no churches, instead they have their founder’s house or a building as their headquarters. They also believe in Faith Alone and Scriptures Alone. They also don’t accept some books from the Bible and remove some books, chapters and verses which is contradict their belief.

What are the similarities of the Born-Again Christians and the Catholic Church?

Just like other Protestant Sects, they also believe in the Holy Trinity like the Catholic Church.

What are the differences of the Born-Again Christians and the First Protestant Sects?

The Born-Again Christians has more modern approach than the first Protestant Sects. They have no ordination and anyone can become a minister.

Do the Protestant have Seven Sacraments?

Similar to the first Protestant sects, they only have two sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist. Some have no Sacrament of Eucharist and Matrimony is not a sacrament for them.

If they have Sacrament, it means that they believe that Christ is in the Blessed Sacrament?

No. Most of the Born-Again Christians believe the Eucharist is just a symbol. Even thought they have Communion Service, the bread that they eat and wine that they drink is not the body and blood of Christ. Only the Catholic Priest can consecrate the bread and wine with the power of God, it becomes the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Mass.

Is it okay for a Catholic to attend Born-Again events and gathering?

No. As their joyful and fun approach can attract you to join them, it will also damage your faith. As protestant, they are more eager to have happiness than to sacrifice for our Lord.

What is main belief of the Born-Again when it comes to Salvation?

The Born-Again Christians believe we are already saved when Christ died in the Cross. And when we died, we are going straight to Heaven without absolution from a priest during our life here on earth. This belief is very dangerous to our soul. Our Lord Jesus Christ give his apostles a power to forgive sins before his ascension as a priest. Because God knows that even our Lord died in the Cross to save us from sins, we humans are capable to sin again.

When the Catholic Charismatic Movement Began?

It began in 1967 when some Catholics for Duquesne University attend a protestant worship service. They claimed that have been baptized by the Holy Spirit. Then they gather on the university chapel where some students said that they also received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. In 1975, Pope Paul VI officialy welcome this movement. After that, many Catholics also formed their own Catholic Charismatic Movement such as Couples for Christ and the Feast of Bo Sanchez.

Why these Catholic started this Charismatic Movement?

Some Catholic Charismatic Movement believe that this modern or protestant approach will make the faithful Catholics remain in the church or renew their faith as Catholics.

What are the similarities of the Charismatic Movement and the Born-Again Christians?

The Charismatic Movement and Born-Again Christians have similar approach. They gather in a stadium or event hall to have their worship. Use popular music such as rock music which their worship becomes a concert.

What are their differences?

The Catholic Charismatic Movement remains faithful to the Catholic Church as they attend the Holy Mass, pray the rosary and also pray to the saints.

Is there a danger when you join the Charismatic Movement?

Sadly, yes. May be their goal is to bring back people to the Catholic faith, or those who have little faith will have a renewal. But their approach and methods are from the Protestants. This will affect the faithful’s attitude towards faith. For example, instead of making a sacrifice like kneeling in front of the Sacred Host in the Holy Mass, most people are avoiding to kneel. Just like the protestants, they are more focused on bible study and forgot to learn the oral teachings of the apostles and the first Christian fathers. They want to open more of themselves than the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. Some examples are their sharing part where they share their life with Christ, and when you listen to them, they just tell you their life and no part which how Christ change or affect their life. Another danger is that there are people will use this movement for money which they called the Prosperity Doctrine. During a Charismatic Movement event, there are people will first talk about faith and after that, there’s a person who will go to stage and now talking about money and business. According to the American Protestant Leader, this charismatic movement helps the protestant increase their numbers. As their methods are similar, they can also easily sway to leave the Catholic faith.

We Catholics, in order to become faithful, we don’t need this method for us to heal from suffering or to strengthen our faith. All we need is God, all we need is to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the saints to help us strenghten our faith to God, pray the Holy Rosary everyday. All we need is Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist during the Holy Mass, because he is the medicine for our body, mind and especially our soul.