SELF VALIDATE

Charismatics self validate. What they fail to take into account is that every religious system can validate; offer ethical norms, (integrity, caring, compassion, generosity, moderation, commitment, peace, enthusiasm and so on) and the promise of justice, spiritual growth and eventual bliss to their followers. Yet no matter how sincere or convinced these followers are; every religious system cannot be right at the same time.

Testimonies are subjective experiences and for every testimony there is a contradictory testimony somewhere with equally compelling arguments. So it makes absolutely no difference how convinced people are about their religion. That is why testimonies can never be accepted as proof. Indeed, that is not the Catholic way. What does this mean then in terms of the vast array of contradictory religious systems? In the end it means that the majority of people who are certain about their religion are -- wrong.

Charismatic self-validation is based on religious experience.

The charismatic says

1. “The experience I had is from God, because I feel that it was.”
This is fallacious reasoning. Feelings are not necessarily related to reality. No matter how strong, feelings don't change facts. Feelings are poor substitutes for information and rigorous inquiry.

2. “The experience I had is from God, because it changed me for the better.” This sort of explanation is generally followed by a charismatic infomercial, which can range from fantastic to imbecilic in a blend of pretentious humility and smug arrogance. As Fr Hampsch said “the good thing about charismania is that you don't have to be humble.” har har

Catholic truth cannot be validated with personal experiences. (Matt. 7:21-23); and Judas Iscariot was the classic example. (John 17:12) Experience must always submit itself to the Magisterium and to the Scriptures for authenticity.