I just don't understand why all the ambiguity in replying to the Dubia when a simple and straight answer would have sufficed. It almost seems as if the Vatican goes out of it's way to confuse the faithful and answer in a manner that could be interpreted in various and in not so good ways by those who wish to change doctrine. I almost feel that if we ask for a bit more clarification we will be considered 'backward' and rigid. Right now I would have to echo St. Paul's words where he says he would rather be home with Christ then spend another day in this world. But God's will be done.
Hard to say. He is certainly the least clear religious leader I've seen in my time. He always seems to say yes, no, and maybe at the same time. The result of this is confusion, and arrogance on the part of those who insist he's clear as day, and those who think otherwise must be spiritually or intellectually inferior.
It's simple. It stems from a phrase he used early on in his pontificate: "starting processes."
He's about starting massive change through beginning processes that will result in that change eventually. If he were orthodox, he could slam the door with a firm no, or even a no that was qualified with some language that other orthodox Catholics could say, "oh, yeah, fair enough."
But he's not orthodox. So he starts the process of change by a small exception--just a tiny pinch of incense to Zeitgeist--while still claiming to honor the orthodox teaching.
Hint: he neither shares nor honors that teaching, save in the breach.
All of these qualifier-laden refusals to affirm the truth are meant to open the door just a bit. Then the next generation will open it wider, and eventually the door will be removed entirely.
Any conservative Anglican can explain the game to you.
The bottom line is Neuhaus's famous quote: "Wherever orthodoxy is made optional, it will eventually be proscribed."
The destruction of the old Mass is the low-hanging fruit part of the process. Amoris, the dubia responses and his stacked-deck synod are pointing us to the endgame.
Bob: 1. Francis is not a theologian and does not have good theologians around him to phrase responses in a decisive manner. He also doesn't seem to like talking as a theologian would have to talk. 2. Francis does not like being backed into a corner (so he perceives it) and commit himself in a way that will be seen as "anti-pastoral". I worked for an old nun who was just like Francis: bossy, cranky, petty and gradually losing focus on the whole enterprise (high school) over which she had charge.
This pontificate has given me the spiritual willies from the moment he stepped out on the balcony. He has spent the past decade and a half confirming that first impression.
It has always been getting worse with him, but he and his faction have kicked things into high gear. When a man tells you who he is, listen to him.
I’ve been channeling my inner peasant for awhile with this pontificate... I do not bother myself with things too high above my station in life. Ignorance is kind of bliss!
I like that. My family has mused on the same thing. At the worst times in the Church's history, your average peasant likely kept his head down - if he was aware of things at all - and simply followed Jesus as best he can. I used to say there might come a time when you can either be an American or a Christian, but not both. Sometimes I think there is going to come a time when you can either be a modern Catholic, or a faithful Catholic, but not both.
I gave serious thought to that. It sorta worked, but I knew my decent bishop was going to eventually retire. And that eventuality is this month. You might not be interested in the pontiff, but the pontiff and his party are very interested in who governs you.
I just don't understand why all the ambiguity in replying to the Dubia when a simple and straight answer would have sufficed. It almost seems as if the Vatican goes out of it's way to confuse the faithful and answer in a manner that could be interpreted in various and in not so good ways by those who wish to change doctrine. I almost feel that if we ask for a bit more clarification we will be considered 'backward' and rigid. Right now I would have to echo St. Paul's words where he says he would rather be home with Christ then spend another day in this world. But God's will be done.
ReplyDeleteHard to say. He is certainly the least clear religious leader I've seen in my time. He always seems to say yes, no, and maybe at the same time. The result of this is confusion, and arrogance on the part of those who insist he's clear as day, and those who think otherwise must be spiritually or intellectually inferior.
DeleteDear Bob:
DeleteIt's simple. It stems from a phrase he used early on in his pontificate: "starting processes."
He's about starting massive change through beginning processes that will result in that change eventually. If he were orthodox, he could slam the door with a firm no, or even a no that was qualified with some language that other orthodox Catholics could say, "oh, yeah, fair enough."
But he's not orthodox. So he starts the process of change by a small exception--just a tiny pinch of incense to Zeitgeist--while still claiming to honor the orthodox teaching.
Hint: he neither shares nor honors that teaching, save in the breach.
All of these qualifier-laden refusals to affirm the truth are meant to open the door just a bit. Then the next generation will open it wider, and eventually the door will be removed entirely.
Any conservative Anglican can explain the game to you.
The bottom line is Neuhaus's famous quote: "Wherever orthodoxy is made optional, it will eventually be proscribed."
The destruction of the old Mass is the low-hanging fruit part of the process. Amoris, the dubia responses and his stacked-deck synod are pointing us to the endgame.
Bob:
ReplyDelete1. Francis is not a theologian and does not have good theologians around him to phrase responses in a decisive manner. He also doesn't seem to like talking as a theologian would have to talk.
2. Francis does not like being backed into a corner (so he perceives it) and commit himself in a way that will be seen as "anti-pastoral". I worked for an old nun who was just like Francis: bossy, cranky, petty and gradually losing focus on the whole enterprise (high school) over which she had charge.
This pontificate has given me the spiritual willies from the moment he stepped out on the balcony. He has spent the past decade and a half confirming that first impression.
ReplyDeleteIt has always been getting worse with him, but he and his faction have kicked things into high gear. When a man tells you who he is, listen to him.
I'd say he's done little to convince me that the concerns I had early one weren't justified.
DeleteI’ve been channeling my inner peasant for awhile with this pontificate... I do not bother myself with things too high above my station in life. Ignorance is kind of bliss!
ReplyDeleteI like that. My family has mused on the same thing. At the worst times in the Church's history, your average peasant likely kept his head down - if he was aware of things at all - and simply followed Jesus as best he can. I used to say there might come a time when you can either be an American or a Christian, but not both. Sometimes I think there is going to come a time when you can either be a modern Catholic, or a faithful Catholic, but not both.
DeleteI gave serious thought to that. It sorta worked, but I knew my decent bishop was going to eventually retire. And that eventuality is this month. You might not be interested in the pontiff, but the pontiff and his party are very interested in who governs you.
Delete