Apparition, Vision, and Dream in the Church
Because of the differences between medieval and post-medieval pilgrimages, specifically due to the industrial revolution, the authors make it a point to define certain terms of what Catholic theologians have decided they mean: apparitions, visions, and dreams. Apparitions refer to to a "supernatural vision that is bodily, or visible" (p. 173). Apparitions have always been a part of Marian pilgrimage (p. 172). The term "vision", according to theologians, includes imaginative visions as well -- these are usually produced during one's sleep. Further, there are also "intellectual visions", where the mind perceives a spiritual truth from God, much like St. Avila's intellectual vision of the Trinity. These apparitions and visions that are experienced by normal people are considered to be gifts and blessings from God for the good of others, not for the one experiencing. Apparitions were accepted in medieval times, but are hesitant to be accepted in post-medieval times since Vatican II. The main point in this division of acceptance comes from advancements in fields such as medicine and psychology -- there are reasons for every dream and every vision. There is meaning in the experiences for the person experiencing. This is why the difference and divide has come. Since the industrial revolution, the Spirit has not been as free to work in the lives of believers because they expect explanations for everything and something without an answer is insufficient.
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