(NOTE FROM CHERYL: I've disabled the ability for comments on this article but do suggest that the lively conversation be taken to Dr. Bowring's site www.twoheartspress.com where Dr. Bowring will be able to more directly answer questions etc. Thanks! Blessings, Cheryl)
part one is here
part two is here
(After Dr. Bowring answered all my questions—and more—I asked him to address a particular comment made by Jimmy Aiken who said that to “adhere to her [MDM] prophecies can result in the grave sin and canonical crime of schism.” Dr. Bowring’s answer follows.)
Jimmy
Akin's overstatement is simply false, and it is very misleading (and even
potentially harmful). Look at this scenario: The critics condemn MDM claiming
that her messages are divisive, though they are not, while they themselves make
false and misleading statements that are in fact very divisive.
Akin
actually accuses Catholics who follow the messages of MDM of being "grave
sinners" and "criminals of schism"... this is untrue, and very
harmful talk. Some of the critics overstate their conclusive opinions of
condemnation ahead of the Church, almost as if they are above the Church.
As
far as reported (neither approved nor condemned) private revelation like MDM,
caution is recommended, while devotion is permitted. The determination of
authenticity is the role of the Church, and the verdict on MDM is still out.
The critics really need to be more responsible (and charitable) when they state
their own opinions.
The
truth is that meditating on and spreading the messages of MDM is permitted.
This is the simple fact, contrary to all other opposing opinions... and I am a
theologian in good standing while doing so. And Catholics benefit from hearing
and spreading these messages.
If God is speaking to us through private revelation, even if the Church teaches that we are not required to listen, it is still helpful to do so. And it pleases God to listen, to respond, to help avert the times at hand, to help save souls, and to spread His reported messages. It pleases God. It does us (and others through us) much good.
And even if in the end it should be determined that a particular reported heavenly message is deemed inauthentic by the legitimate Church authority (with jurisdiction to do so), then...in words of Pope Urban VIII: “In cases which concern private revelations, it is better to believe than not to believe, for, if you believe, and it is proven true, you will be happy that you have believed, because our Holy Mother asked it. If you believe, and it should be proven false, you will receive all blessings as if it had been true, because you believed it to be true.” Read the messages and put into practice what they are requesting; you will be glad indeed, and God will be pleased.
If God is speaking to us through private revelation, even if the Church teaches that we are not required to listen, it is still helpful to do so. And it pleases God to listen, to respond, to help avert the times at hand, to help save souls, and to spread His reported messages. It pleases God. It does us (and others through us) much good.
And even if in the end it should be determined that a particular reported heavenly message is deemed inauthentic by the legitimate Church authority (with jurisdiction to do so), then...in words of Pope Urban VIII: “In cases which concern private revelations, it is better to believe than not to believe, for, if you believe, and it is proven true, you will be happy that you have believed, because our Holy Mother asked it. If you believe, and it should be proven false, you will receive all blessings as if it had been true, because you believed it to be true.” Read the messages and put into practice what they are requesting; you will be glad indeed, and God will be pleased.
