“Stigmata is a phenomenon observed in a number of Christian saints and mystics for which no satisfactory natural explanation has been offered yet. It consists of the appearance, on the body of a living person, of wounds or scars corresponding to those of the crucified Christ. The first and most celebrated stigmatization of this kind is that of St. Francis of Assisi.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
Stigmata is a phenomenon widely purported in the Catholic church. This post is not for the purpose of arguing whether stigmata is real or imagined. I believe that it could very well be real. There are so many instances of stigmata (which are carefully documented by the Catholic church) that one cannot help but believe in the existence of this phenomenon. I, however, believe that it is not the work of Jesus Christ, it is clearly the work of Satan.
Stigmata, the bearing of Christ’s wound’s on one’s body springs from the Catholic church’s faulty teaching of salvation, atonement and the sacraments. In Holy Communion, Catholics believe that Christ is being offered up as a sacrifice, again and again. Thus, the belief that Christ’s wounds are still being suffered by him.
Whether or not stigmata is physiological, psychological or spiritual, it is a distraction used by Satan. The only one who carries the wounds of the crucifixion is Jesus Christ, the One who died for the sins of the world(I Peter 2:24). I am not sure what purpose it would serve for Jesus to allow humans to manifest his wounds. I can only deduce that it is the work of Satan as a deception to humanize and minimize the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.
Further, stigmata is a state that is worshiped in the people who have manifested it. The “saints” who have suffered with stigmata are venerated. This is also a work of Satan to distract people from focusing on the One (Jesus Christ) who truly suffered on the Cross for our sins and still possesses the scars on his hands and feet. Christ’s wounds, unlike the stigmata wounds, are healed and no longer bleed. His wounds are finished! He no longer suffers and bleeds for mankind! He was victorious and bares the wounds as a testament of his sacrifice on the Cross! To say that humans bare these wounds is sacrilegious and blasphemous.
So, whether or not you believe the stigmata wounds are real or imagined, they are the work of the great deceiver who prowls around like roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.(I Peter 5:8) The awesome truth is that Jesus currently sits in heaven at the right hand of God the Father and he bares his wounds as rememberance of the sacrifice he made and the blood he shed for me!(Acts 2:32-36) Thanks for reading!
8 responses to “The Stigmata Lie”
Bobby Grow
August 19th, 2007 at 20:10
Angela,
very good post. Theologically I’m sure RC would tie stigmata into the “re-presentation” of Christ’s crucifixion at mass. It is an ongoing sacrifice that continues onward from the cross. But as we know from Heb. Christ’s offering was a once for all sacrifice chapt 9, never to be offered again. Catholic theology in general questions, by implication, the sufficiency of Christs atonement (see the dogma of Purgatory) . . . this stigmata is built on this faulty view of atonement, and beyond that it is even a further perversion of already held perversion—a classic example of error begetting more error.
You’re right in pointing to the kingdom of darkness. This reminds me of Acts 16 and the Philippian girl who followed Paul, a distraction from Christ, indeed.
Angela
August 19th, 2007 at 21:17
Thanks Bobby for your valuable insights! I know that the bad theology of the Catholic church is to blame for the whole stigmata phenomenon (ie, what you said about the faulty view of atonement,salvation and the sacraments.). Thanks for your comments, I appreciate them!
I love you,
Angela 🙂
Kristine
August 20th, 2007 at 15:45
A heartbreaking read, but necessary to shed some light on, nonetheless. I “AMEN” your comments on this phenomenon, and as always, thanks for posting!
Angela
August 20th, 2007 at 16:07
Thanks Kristine!
take care,
Angela
Gojira
August 23rd, 2007 at 21:39
That was a grade A excellent post, Angela!!!!
Angela
August 23rd, 2007 at 23:06
Thanks Gojira, I knew you would appreciate it! Hey, we’ve missed your smiling face around the blogosphere!
take care!
Angela 🙂
joey slliks
April 27th, 2008 at 19:29
I was reading recently about Padre Pio, a Franciscan Monk who has recently been exhumed for display. The article interested me so I began reading about Padre Pio, I noticed that he had to ( and wanted to) endure great suffering as a result of his stigmata. It occured to me today that God is a god of love and not of suffering and your post helped me to validate my observati0on thanks
Joey.
Annie
January 11th, 2010 at 13:24
May God bless you for your words of TRUTH. I grew up Catholic myself, and I remember quite well how many times I cried because I felt no peace. I felt that something was not right. Walking into church each time to be greeted by an enormous statue of Jesus on the cross was not only depressing, it was confusing!
There are countless twisted doctrines in Catholicism. Thankfully, God opened my eyes to the truth and I pray that others will be enlightened as well. Stigmatas are a great deception from God, and it is exactly what Satan wants. Satan has fooled millions.