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Post by udoc89 on Oct 31, 2017 21:42:49 GMT -5
I have a question for those of you who are lifelong Catholics and more versed in the Faith tha I am. How disparaging may we safely be about the current papacy without being sinful and uncharitable? I really struggle with this. I am frankly dismayed by Pope Francis, but am unsure where to draw the line as to acceptable criticism of a reigning pope. As an ex-Anglican, I am still feeling my way. My husband, on the other hand, has no problem expressing his views, which sometimes make me uncomfortable. Am I in a position to really criticize Francis openly as a lay Catholic still learning the Faith after 20 years? This came up after a friend of mine (protestant) called him a heretic. I thought to myself, “Exactly what the hell do you know about it?” I agreed with him to a certain extent, but I did not say so, and I was angry that Francis has put us all in such an untenable position. Nor did I tell my friend that he is a heretic himself. Maybe I should have.
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Post by semperfidelis on Nov 1, 2017 2:51:09 GMT -5
I have a question for those of you who are lifelong Catholics and more versed in the Faith tha I am. How disparaging may we safely be about the current papacy without being sinful and uncharitable? I really struggle with this. I am frankly dismayed by Pope Francis, but am unsure where to draw the line as to acceptable criticism of a reigning pope. As an ex-Anglican, I am still feeling my way. My husband, on the other hand, has no problem expressing his views, which sometimes make me uncomfortable. Am I in a position to really criticize Francis openly as a lay Catholic still learning the Faith after 20 years? This came up after a friend of mine (protestant) called him a heretic. I thought to myself, “Exactly what the hell do you know about it?” I agreed with him to a certain extent, but I did not say so, and I was angry that Francis has put us all in such an untenable position. Nor did I tell my friend that he is a heretic himself. Maybe I should have. Obviously you are not alone in perceiving this man is a heretic or at least appears to preach agregious errors. Even if everyone is misinterpreting his meaning, this is certain the public preception. Therefore, you are not unjustified in stating this nor is it incumbent on you to clear his name. Given Francis's assumed role, it is his grave moral responsibility to clarify his teaching on any matter that could be unclear or was misinterpreted. A failure to do so, an almost sure sign that this is the actual interpretation and what he meant, is, at the very least, a grave sin of scandal (and a common practice of heretics, particularly modernist. As a sedevacantist, I believe that it leads to a loss of the office. Nevertheless, regardless of one's conclusion of his status, it would be a lack of charity to allow one's neighbor to believe his erroneous teaching is actually catholic doctrine.
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Post by Jayne on Nov 1, 2017 6:11:07 GMT -5
Thanks for asking this question udoc. I often wonder about this sort of thing too. You did a good job of expressing the problem and I am looking forward to seeing more responses.
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Post by Voxxkowalski on Nov 1, 2017 11:27:23 GMT -5
Just live your faith with all your heart. You do not have to have an opinion on the crisis beyond trusting God has the answer. Catholicism is the faith of children ....not all or even many are called to have an opinion on this mess.
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Post by Clotilde on Nov 1, 2017 22:50:42 GMT -5
Can I let you in on a secret? We are all ordinary.
I understand the struggle that Francis represents. Do not let yourself be scandalized or caught up in worry, just remember that God has this all planned out. Take your time and approach the matter carefully, if you feel excessively worried or bothered, step back for a bit and leave the subject alone awhile.
If you are intent on reaching some kind of conclusion, feel free to discuss the matter, but don't rush.
Myself, for example, I think Francis is fair game because he's not pope. If he were, I wouldn't have any concerns about his actions.
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