"Baptism in the Spirit" is an unbiblical and theologically clumsy term; portentous of an additional Sacrament. The Methodist John Fletcher called it the "Second Blessing", but it was his colleague John Wesley who developed the theology for it. You see... it's not Catholic at all!
Catholic charismatics believe that a second blessing called Baptism in the Spirit removes man’s tendency for sin as the Holy Spirit takes control; accompanied with Speaking in Tongues [which is really just babbling here] and if you are lucky Slaying in the Spirit. One wonders where the Holy Spirit’s control was when a slew of Pentecostal televangelists fell from grace. Bad, BAD Muriel!
The problem with this is that we cannot find a dramatic second blessing in the New Testament or in Catholic Tradition. True, we may have several conversions during our lifetime, but there is no biblical basis or Catholic teaching concerning a second blessing with instant holiness. Instead Paul extols us to "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) and to "do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians, 5:18) or to put it simply: Pick up your cross and make every effort to live a holy life!
Unfortunately, Baptism in the Spirit brings a multitude of spiritual and psychological risks as it generates a certain vulnerability to both internal and external suggestions. With judgment impaired, the individual is no longer able to distinguish between the authentic and the counterfeit.
Please note: The styles of Baptism in the Spirit will vary and it all depends where the event is held, how many people are involved and who conducts the service. It is sometimes quiet, sometimes loud, sometimes peaceful and sometimes horribly upsetting with people in hysterics. Anything can happen even at Catholic venues.
