Test Everything: Scrutiny of Healing Ministries
Catholic Sources:
1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Test everything; retain what is good” – Paul’s foundational instruction
The Didache (c. 70-120 AD): Early manual on testing itinerant prophets. If a prophet asks for money or stays more than three days, he’s false
Eusebius’ Church History: Yes, he does offer something! Book 5 discusses testing prophecies, particularly around Montanism. He emphasizes the Church’s careful scrutiny of alleged prophetic movements
St. John of the Cross, “Ascent of Mount Carmel”: Extensive warnings about credulity regarding visions, locutions, and miraculous claims
St. Ignatius of Loyola, “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”: Systematic method for testing spiritual experiences
Canonical processes for miracles: The Church’s own rigorous medical and theological scrutiny (devil’s advocate tradition)
