Traditional Roman Catholic Thoughts

Traditional Roman Catholic Thoughts

Reintroducing Logic and Reason to the Age of Sentimentalism

Pope Francis, Tradition and Novelty

There are many Catholics who claim Pope Francis is in line with the traditions and orthodoxy of the Catholic Faith. They will defend his unclear idiosyncrasies until they are blue in the face. They will explain Pope Francis is a loyal Pope who is bringing a new breath of fresh air to the Papacy and how he is a defender of tradition. Every time he says something that is clearly a Catholic position they will shout “See! He is a solid conservative!”

Pope Francis the Traditionalist

An assertion exists declaring Pope Francis a continuation of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. However, unlike Pope Benedict, Pope Francis is a media darling, who makes headlines constantly. Pope Benedict was harassed, degraded, and persecuted by the same media.

It seems every other article you read about Pope Francis starts with a similar incantation. “In a Papal first”. “Breaking from tradition”. “In a break from his predecessors” appear to be introductions to many of these news articles.

This strikes me as a clear signal that Pope Francis is not a traditionalist as one is lead to believe. Rather, it paints a vivid picture of what Pope Francis believes.

You can not break from tradition and still be a traditionalist. You can not create novel innovations and still be a traditionalist. You can not label those who adhere to traditions as Pharisees, especially when those who adhere to traditions are faithful to Jesus Christ, the giver of these laws.

St. Paul is very clear in his letter to the Romans, we are to avoid those within the Church who make divisions and offenses which differ from what has been handed down through the Magisterium (emphasis mine):

Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such, serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by pleasing speeches and good words, seduce the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience is published in every place. I rejoice therefore in you. But I would have you to be wise in good, and simple in evil. And the God of peace crush Satan under your feet speedily. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:17-20 DR

A good father gives clear guidance to his children so they understand him and his teaching. A good teacher is one who makes sure his students understand the material given to them, so they may have a proper foundation for future education.

Seeing as Pope Francis constantly seeks the approval of not the faithful, but the world through his actions, leaving ambiguity as his hallmark calling card, it demonstrates his reluctance to be a good shepherd.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is crystal clear in His teaching about those who seek the approval of the world:

If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:18-19 DR

Pope Francis is still the Pope. He is in need of prayers just like you and I. Please in your kindness and charity, pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be for his prompt conversion.

Jeff November 18, 2014 2 Comments Permalink

Teens Faith on Fire After Local Rock Concert

Nearby Rock Concert

Your Nearest Metropolitan – The faith of local teens are on fire, after attending a rock and roll concert this past weekend.

“You can tell the Holy Spirit descended upon these high schoolers during the concert. They started waving their arms in the air, clapping their hands, and singing along.” commented chaperon William Goldberg. “These kids began to praise God in all of His glory by using their bodies as King David did before the Ark. It really is an inspiration to us older folks.”

“This concert was all about getting these kids active and interested in their faith. They don’t like the classic genres of our parent’s generation. We won’t share it with them because they just won’t understand it or get it. It’s too old fashioned and nobody listens to that anymore, not even our parents!” stated Roger Thomas, another chaperon for the concert.

When asked his thoughts on the event, high schooler Greg Olson told us “This was the best day of my life. I’m going to remember the emotions of this event for the rest of my life. Following this band is like a religious experience.”

At press time, Greg had mentioned that he had no intention of bringing about his conversion to all areas of his life, and maybe he would consider going to Mass more often if he felt like it.

Jeff November 11, 2014 3 Comments Permalink

Everyone’s A Dogmatist

Catholics are well known for their dogma, or at least we used to be. But there are still a few of us around who know what the dogma of the faith is and how it is to be applied.

Old Law Book

When those who are faithful to the Church remind those who are not, whether intentionally or unintentionally, about those dogmas, they are often confronted as a dogmatist. “It is rude and wrong to impose your beliefs on me!” the offended person might respond. “Keep your Dogmas to yourself!” they might exclaim.

The individual who attempts to sound enlightened by stating his disbelief in dogma doesn’t effectively state it at all. Rather he affirms his belief in dogma, just not Catholic dogma.

Believing and imposing the view which one can not impose dogma, is an imposition of dogma. The individual, in trying to keep a distance from dogma reaffirms his conviction in his own dogma. By holding fast to certain beliefs and even imposing said beliefs on others, you become a dogmatist.

The secular dogmatist may claim that the Catholic dogmatist is simply repeating thoughts and ideas which were given to him by an ancient book. Meanwhile, the secular dogmatist received his thoughts and ideas from a book written by a college professor, anti-Catholic bigot or even from the nightly news. The secular dogmatist is not thinking for himself, though he may believe it, but rather he is regurgitating the same talking points which were spoon fed to him from his last choice of media consumption.

One might opine, this is all fine and dandy, but Truth reigns supreme on whether a belief is correct in it’s implementation. And seeing as God is the source of all Truth, we can rationally comprehend the dogma of a particular institution which is present on this Earth who is fully capable of establishing dogma we should all believe.

Seeing as the Catholic Church is the only authority on this planet who can determine Truth and error, it is crucial to every single soul to conform their will and their beliefs to that of Christ and His Church.

Jeff November 5, 2014 Leave A Comment Permalink