Well they can’t very well resist someone else’s Pope.
Interesting article in that it creates a number of arguments that are in opposition to much of the Catholic teachings. Foundational to this article is the concept that a Catholic could hold a theological opinion that differs from the Pope. In addition, that the Catholic would be motivated by their moral code to then resist or oppose the Pope. This would be a direct opposition to the belief that the Church has primary authority and would presuppose that the individual has the moral obligation to judge the morality of the current ecclesiastical teachings.
I would ask a challenge question in response. If one is to oppose the Pope, then where would they go to seek guidance of their moral code? I therefore postulate that the scriptures would be the primary means of guidance, in that anything taught by the Pope would have to align with scripture in order to be accepted as “right”. IOW, prima scriptura (scripture is the first and foremost authority)
Slippery slope on both sides here. Too bad the author did not admit his biases. For all its faults (and I believe they are many) the Catholic Church still provides a bastion of sanity and spirituality for a billion people. I have little respect for those who would seek to undermine that foundation - just as I would reject those who would pervert it from within.
We live in difficult times. More patience, prayer, study and contemplation is needed, and less reactionary efforts, if peace is to be maintained.
Not to say that corrections shouldn’t be made where necessary. But humility on both sides, as well as strict honesty, is crucial.
Ping... Lots to think about here. Put me in mind of several of our recent conversations, including the one about your congregant whose face is wetted with tears due to her unresolved divorce — that issue is referenced in this article.
The current Pope may be a little out of line and think of himself as JPII did - a rock star - which was of little help to the Church until Cdl Ratzinger (BXVI) took over the theological part of the reign of JPII.
Pope Francis has been good on many things, vague and easily misinterpreted on others, and probably reluctant to come across as a “heavy” and state the Church’s position on yet others. I think he’s quite orthodox, but he’s just a 1980’s kind of guy, unfortunately.
Oddly enough, BXVI, who was older than Francis, came across as much younger and more attuned to modern realities, IMHO. But not everybody would see it this way, and that’s why the Holy Spirit intervenes. What we have is what we’ve got.
To resist/oppose the edicts of the Pope is grounds for excommunication.
??
This article smacks of a divisive spirit to me.
IB4TPWMA