The more things change, the more they stay the same.
One of the reasons I believe people advise not discussing politics or religion is that only rarely can people remain civil. In my own experience here on the blog in the comment section and in person (particularly with some traditionalists), I see a marked tendency to pull out the long swords and attack. "Die, heretic!"
Frankly, I'm not willing to fight. Anyone who wants to can do the research and follow their own consciences about how to respond to the crisis in the Church. We live in times of great confusion and I'm not interested in engaging in new religious wars like those during the Protestant revolution.
The painting above depicts the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre when Catholics killed French Huguenots in Paris and sparked similar events elsewhere in the country. Yes, Virginia, even Catholics have been known to hate their enemies enough to murder them for "heresy."
It all reminds me of a joke by comedian Emo Phillips:
Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, "Don't do it!" He said, "Nobody loves me." I said, "God loves you. Do you believe in God?"
He said, "Yes." I said, "Are you a Christian or a Jew?" He said, "A Christian." I said, "Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?" He said, "Protestant." I said, "Me, too! What franchise?" He said, "Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?" He said, "Northern Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?"
He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region." I said, "Me, too!"
Northern Conservative†Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912." I said, "Die, heretic!" And I pushed him over. [You can watch the longer clip on YouTube.]
I will no longer allow comments on any posts related to whether or not Francis is the pope, sedevacantism, etc. People can do their own research and decide for themselves how they will deal and respond to the crisis. The devil is never happier than when he can sow hostility and anger in the family of God. People of good will can pray for each other and trust in God to lead us to the truth. Calling people names and using vitriol only arouses anger and hostility.
This blog expresses my opinions and those of my blog partner Susan. The two of us do not always agree, but we love and respect each other. When we disagree, we deal with it in a friendly way. But then we know each other and are friends of the heart.
When you are dealing with strangers on social media, it's easy to label and attack. I have been told so many times I'm going to hell that I just shrug and pray for the person involved. And then I ask the Lord to let me know if the criticism is accurate and deserved and I need to repent.
But I will not engage.
Feel free to disagree with anything I write. Start your own blog and publicly excoriate me and my opinions. That's your prerogative. Go for it!
If an old lady like me at 76 can figure out how to blog, so can you.
That's probably a wise course, Mary Ann. I'm sorry for everybody, you, me, all Catholics. We are in a tough situation, and it only gets exponentially worse every day. The whole sedevacantism and what to do with the current crisis is one that every Catholic has to deal with on their own. It is important to consult the "experts", priests, faithful bishops, history, etc., but it basically does end up being each Catholic must discern their own course of action. I get concerned when I see heated dialogues that are taking place, because division is exactly what Rome wants and what we should all guard against. Conversation and debate can happen, but for the good of everyone it needs to be respectful dialogue. Everybody is unnerved because our foundation is being shaken. We should guard our tongues more carefully right now, not less. Remember each person must analyze something so personal and so important it is easy to see how things can get heated but, God sees our dilemmas, and best of all, he knows our hearts and intentions. As long as we are earnestly trying to do God's will, we can rely on his mercy to understand and forgive us even if we err.
ReplyDeleteGod in heaven, you see all, help your children as they try to discern the right path to you amidst the wolves sowing division, amen.
I’m sticking with the Priests. I’m done with all the theories presented as if they’re facts; personal opinions presented as if they carry the weight of authority.
ReplyDeleteRight. And I can't get weighed down with theology or canon law, although I know people of earnest goodwill are trying to help. God never said we must have a degree in canon law or deep knowledge of history or the church to find salvation. He said to listen for his voice, and to reject anyone who comes preaching a different gospel than the one he brings. He said I know my sheep and my sheep know my voice, they will not listen to the voice of another. That means spiritual discernment, and deciding where we do hear God's voice and where he is calling us to be.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing I feel like doing is wading through theology or canon law. I already feel I know who to follow and who not to follow. Please God, all of goodwill will be led and find their way in the darkness. If we follow Christ as we always have known him how can we go wrong.
As we live through this confusion, let us love one another and fight the devil together. I consider the sedevacantists fellow Catholics even though I can't adopt their position. In a crisis it's better for us to fight the real enemy together rather than tear each other apart.
ReplyDeleteI am not posting any comments that get back into the fight. Unknown, I will post your comment if you remove the paragraph about the SSPX being sedevacantist. They never have been and, in fact, part of the argument here was over their crisis in the Church episode refuting sedevacantism by Fr. Tranquillo. I recommend the series to anyone who wants a calm discussion instead of finger-pointing accusations against fellow Catholics. If you are interested in the issues discussed in the past few posts check out episodes 34 and 35. The entire series is excellent.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLonegYXBrLbStENq_HPyOb4Qy9_qE3_2w