LETTER : The impact of Charismatics' radical approach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Cathleen Wood
Sir: After the recent revelations of scandal in the Church of England in South Yorkshire, it is easy once again to blame the Charismatic Movement for allowing such things to happen.
Yet, just as many a fond couple look back on their courting days as the time when they were "in love", so within the Church, there are many who remember their Charismatic experiences as a kind of falling in love with God. However, as in marriages, feelings have to give way to the learning- to-love process of daily living, so Peter Mullen is right to point out that the essence of religion is not some spiritual "high", but "the sanctification of the everyday" ("Priests who get high on power", 23 August). St Benedict knew this well when he wrote his Rule.
But the great masters of prayer all speak of a deeper, more lasting joy, which comes from loving perseverance in the ordinary, just as in some older couples, there is a oneness which is far more truly joyful than the first excitement of falling in love. The Song of Songs describes beautifully this whole process, both in marriage and in the realm of spiritual experience.
Yours sincerely,
Cathleen Wood
Leicester
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments