The following comes from an October 31 Catholic News Agency article by Bishop Robert Barron:
Bishop Robert Barron has weighed in amid a media controversy after the Synod on the Family, saying some academic critics of New York Times columnist Ross Douthat are avoiding a good argument in countering his commentary on the synod, some bishops, and Pope Francis.
Douthat, a Catholic layman and author of the book Bad Religion: How we became a nation of heretics, engaged with the University of St. Thomas theology professor and news commentator Massimo Faggioli in an October 23 Twitter exchange about heresy.
Faggioli had said that when he hears bishops and theologians at the synod called heretics, “I reach for my Denzinger,” referring to Henry Denzinger’s famous compilation of Catholic teaching “The Sources of Catholic Dogma.”
Douthat responded to Faggioli that is not fundamentalism to say that a proposal from Cardinal Walter Kasper regarding admission of some persons in states of life that are objectively gravely sinful “takes a view of marriage that the Church has consistently rejected.”
Cardinal Kasper’s proposal would admit to sacramental Communion some Catholics who have divorced and remarried civilly. Many hold that it would break with Catholic teaching about the absolute indissolubility of sacramental marriage and the need to receive sacramental Communion while in a state of grace.
Douthat wrote, “if you take a view the church has consistently rejected, you don’t get to whine when the ‘h’ word comes up.” He added: “Own your heresy.”
Faggioli said he did not know whether Cardinal Kasper’s proposal was “perfect,” but he put it in a context of development of doctrine similar to Church teaching on slavery, Jews, and papal infallibility.
He then denigrated Douthat’s lack of a doctorate in theology.
Faggioli claimed he won his first disputed theological question on Twitter, saying “what just happened to me as theologian on Twitter is very close to a debate between scientist and somebody saying the earth is flat.” He objected to heresy accusations against theologians who have devoted their life to the Church.
Faggioli then joined with other Catholic academics in writing to the New York Times editors. Their 100-word letter, made public October 26, said Douthat has “no professional qualifications” for writing on Catholicism. Its writers said the columnist analyzed Catholicism through “a politically partisan narrative that has very little to do with what Catholicism really is.”
“This is not what we expect of The New York Times,” the letter concluded.
The letter’s signers included Faggioli, Georgetown theology professor Father John O’Malley, S.J., Duquesne University School of Law professor Nicholas P. Cafardi, and Loyola University Chicago history professor Father Stephen Schloesser, S.J.
The letter was published in the Jesuit weekly magazine America and on the blog Daily Theology. One of America’s editors, Catholic commentator Father James Martin, S.J., publicized the letter through his extensive social media. He agreed with the letter and said heresy is “a grave charge.” The letter has attracted other signers.
This is quite laughable a legion of so called academics who have spent decades undermining Catholic teaching and are upset that one their fellow travelers in hierarchy is being called on it…
the most essential qualification that puts ross douthat at an advantage against the shooters gunning for him is his faith. without faith, catholic faith, massimo faggioli’s denzinger will only fire blanks. there is something very tragic about catholic theologians who come to a position of seeing the givens of bible and tradition as fundamentalism and stupidity. a grace-filled heart should exude compassion and try to dialogue, not denigrate.bishop barron noticed the evasion.wish he would take a side for the catholic faith and do what he is asking others to do.the playing field is not too dangerous, with faith.
Douthat has a new article in the NYT calling the Jesuit theologians to the battlefield.
But it will not be much of a battle as the Pope has already spoken to Scalfari of La Repubblica: “For that which regards the admission of the divorced to the Sacraments, [the bishops’ opinion] confirms that this principle has been accepted by the Synod. This is bottom line result, the de facto appraisals are entrusted to the confessors, but at the end of faster or slower paths, all the divorced who ask will be admitted.”
It does not say divorced and remarried.
It is understood because divorced people who have not remarried can receive Communion.
In the US, that is generally accepted. However, divorce is a grave sin. You do have to confess. I think it is different in other countries. I was told by a priest from India that the divorced cannot receive communion in their country. In India, a person has to have their marriage annulled before they can divorce. Here in the US, you have to be divorced to order to receive the annulment.
Ross Douthat in his book “Bad Religion” says he uses the definition of heresy from C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity. I have not been able to find that definition online. We know that C. S. Lewis was not Catholic. Do you think that this could be the root of the problem here?
Communion for the divorced is just a stalking horse for Cohabitation, Homosexual Acts and Polygamy. It is a slippery slope.
Gratias … I don’t understand. How does a hetrosexual divorced person start doing homosexual acts just because they can receive communion????
he means the liberals want communion for the divorced and remarried, then they can work on getting gay marriage approved..open your eyes and mind…
The Faith of Christ is very simple, but not so easy, for us “fallen” human beings! If only we would just TRUST Him, all would be well! A bunch of pseudo-intellectuals without the True Faith, is a big WASTE on this earth!! Faggioli and his heretic friends, are NOT good, practicing Catholics– and should be properly dealt with, by the Roman Catholic Church!! EXCOMMUNICATE THEM, if they are FAITHLESS, and UNREPENTENT!! Let other, faithful Catholic professors, properly be appointed, to replace these heretics, in Catholic universities! That is a big responsibility, which the Church MUST face up to!!
There should be no debate whether the divorced-and-remarried can be admitted to Communion. John Paul II’s “Familiaris Consortio,” clearly states that Communion for the divorced-and-remarried is forbidden.
Gratias, You are so right. And all the sacraments are on the slope not just marriage. By widening of the gate on homosexuality, Holy Orders, Christ’s management team, will be on the chopping block. Think of Father Charamsa, the excitement, the drama, the boyfriend, the manifesto. I too wish Father Barron would show his colors.
‘The Commonweal’ published this commentary on the disputants last week:
https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/bishop-barrons-evolving-tolerance
PULL QUOTE:
Barron’s view toward open-minded discussion [was different in the past]. Barron writes: “The Catholic Church is not a Voltairean debating society; it is a community that stands for some very definite things, which implies, necessarily, that it sets its back against very definite things.”
What’s changed? I like to think it’s the grace of office.
Pretty funny, this: “Their (the ‘professional theologians’) 100-word letter, made public October 26, said Douthat has “no professional qualifications” for writing on Catholicism.”
Traditionally, Catholic doctrine is intelligible to any person of reasonable understanding, since its tenets are reasonable and consistent — not to the “professional adepts”, who allegedly plumb the indecipherable depths of ‘faith-seeking-understanding.’ If you cant answer Douthat’s arguments, you conduct an ad hominem attack and “de-credentialize” him. Classic leftist procedure.
Pray for Bishop Barron to stop dodging the reason why the floor of hell IS CROWDED with the skulls of erring priests and bishops.
Another “classic leftist procedure” is to silence or “de-credentualize” any Alinsky critic while welcoming self-help guru Deepak Chopra’s daughter to shamelessly undermine and erode Church teaching on church property.
Diocese of Orange Calif. bans Alinsky critic from speaking on church property
https://www.renewamerica.com/columns/abbott/151030
Diocese of Orange invites Malika Chopra to speak at women’s conference.
https://www.ocregister.com/articles/conference-687489-chopra-mindful.html
Bishop Barron is not necessarily on the same wavelength with regard to Hell, Catherine:
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/article/is-hell-crowded-or-empty-a-catholic-perspective/405/
This would explain the ceaseless dodge ?
This IS social injustice! Keep the sheep ignorant while charging them to offend God.
Registration is underway for the first Mindful Her conference in Garden Grove, on Oct. 24.
The $150 cost includes a talk by keynote speaker Mallika Chopra, author of “Living With Intent” and daughter of self-help guru Deepak Chopra.
Additionally, the conference will provide three meals, yoga, meditation and breakout sessions on topics including mindful communication, feng shui and aromatherapy.
The conference is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Christ Cathedral Cultural Center, 13280 Chapman Ave. For information and registration, visit mindfulher.com
Well, I once road an elevator with Deepak Chopra, and he seemed about as exactly mindful as I was that our lives were suspended by a string in that same elevator shaft.
….it’s more than keeping the sheep ignorant, Catherine. Indoctrinating the sheep to indifferentism and syncretism and anything but solid Catholic doctrine is increasingly seen as the method in play. That way the supposedly “faithful” Catholics by means of false obedience to hirelings will reject the Catholic Faith and decry anyone who speaks of Catholic Faith and morals as divisive, unChristian, slime, etc.
This is why we were warned of the blind leading the blind and those who preach a different gospel – even though they be capable of appearing as an angel of light. This is also why Our Lord questioned for our benefit whether or not He would find Faith on earth upon His return while at the same time having promised to send the…
… Holy Ghost to defend the Church.
This is also why sending one’s children to “Catholic” schools is often the chief vehicle for them to lose the Catholic Faith. Just like going on retreat to a convent or following the school of thought embraced by the Jesuits, etc. What were once pure intentions have become so polluted with self-love and world adulation, there may as well be a bullhorn announcement before Pinnochio’s nose runs us all through.
“….it’s more than keeping the sheep ignorant, Catherine. Indoctrinating the sheep to indifferentism and syncretism and anything but solid Catholic doctrine is increasingly seen as the method in play.”
Your entire post is correct Ann Malley! Many who do know better still cannot bring themselves to believe what is actually taking place from within. Feigned ignorance is never bliss. There was a great rush to place dissenters in key places of authority. The loss of faith is MORE than evident when the Diocese of Orange allowed the latest vehicle for demonic possession to indoctrinate unsuspecting sheep on church property.
Demonic possession is right, Catherine. But folks are eagerly opening their arms to such thanks to the “official” stamp of approval.
So the event is being held at Christ Cathedral Cultural Center but it is not an event put on by the Diocese of Orange.
This could be the answer to my prayer for conversion.
Be kind to her.
Exorcists have WARNED the faithful about the danger of Yoga. There is NO kindness when the Diocese of Orange disgracefully allows a known vehicle for demonic possession to take place on church property. “Exorcist Fr. Thomas lays it on the line, as I expect he would: When someone doing yoga acknowledges and calls upon spirits or energies attached to certain exercises, this creates serious problems. I know this for fact because I have had people who are fervent yoga users come to me with problems when they have given homage to the gods attached to the movements of the yoga.” – The Diocese of Orange is now responsible for harming many souls.
I agree with you on the yoga. Pray for protection.
I have a sibling, unfortunately who became very involved in yoga about 5 years ago. She’s actually a licensed yoga instructor now. I had not seen her for a time; I kept noticing how she seemed like she couldn’t look me in the eye and was very uncomfortable around me. It was a noticeable change.
It is after this I realized that she didn’t know I was wearing, as I always do now, a propely consecrated St Benedict medal attached to my collar, but attached in a place where it can’t be seen. I’m convinced of the connection.
The Diocese of Orange, California is STILL ignoring the connection of inviting demonic forces upon Christ’s sheep. Inviting women to attend a Yoga conference on church property stems from the terrible abuses of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Inviting the devil to distribute the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ IS demonic, so If you can brag about the devil handing out Holy Communion then Yoga conferences will be accepted too. View 2:09 and 3:16 on video
The Halloween Mass – Diocese of Orange Ca.
Exactly. Just what Bishop Barron is saying.
And it is really not a surprise that James Martin, SJ (‘editor’ of America) throws in his allegiance with the Georgetown-Loyola Chicago-Duquesne “professional theologians’ ” axis. Of course, it is a mere coincidence that they came together in this attack on Douthat. They sound scared to me. Someone is taking over their turf, armed with the most dangerous of weapons — common sense and traditional doctrine.
Governor signs mandatory sex-ed bill
https://californiafamilyalliance.org/TWIC2015.10.19.html
The new law, AB 329 (Shirley Weber, D-San Diego), mandates that all students in grades 7 to 12 be taught sex education unless a parent specifically exempts their child.
Under current law participation in the courses was voluntary, and some school districts offered a more parent-friendly opt-in system. All opt-in programs will now be banned.
In addition to expanding student participation, the bill also requires that schools teach that all sexual orientations and relationships are equal. Instruction on the topic must be done so “affirmatively.” Instruction on HIV prevention is also mandatory.
As part of the conversation about…
Church definition of “heresy” = CCC # 2089 – “HERESY is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same”.
Yes. there are high ranking clergy as well as laity who are heretics in one or more of the Truths of our Catholic Faith.
The TRUTH can be found by all Literate persons in a Catholic BIBLE,
and also the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition”.
This will let us know who the wolves in sheeps clothing are.
“All those things are to be believed by divine and Catholic faith which are contained in the written Word of God or in Tradition, and which are proposed by the Church, either in solemn judgment or in its ordinary and universal teaching office, as divinely revealed truths which must be believed.” (First Vatican Council, 1870)
This is why Bishop Barron says he reaches for his copy of Denzinger. To verify if something is declared as something which must be believed.
https://www.catecheticsonline.com/SourcesofDogma.php
There have been things declared necessary for belief since this book was written.
Sacred Scripture (a Catholic Bible), and the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition” are the OFFICIAL Sources
of what we must believe and adhere to.
These are what Fr. Barron and all Catholics should refer to.
The CCC is part of the APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION. And Popes St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis have said so.
Here are quotes from them. – “What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE”
https://whatcatholicsreallybelieve.com/
If you look in the footnotes of the CCC, you will see Denzinger.
Enchiridion Symbolorum: A Compendium of Creeds, Definitions, and Declarations of the Catholic Church.
I correct my above post. It was not Bishop Barron who reaches for his Denzinger. It was Massimo Faggioli.
“The letter to the Times is indicative indeed of a much wider problem in our intellectual culture, namely, the tendency to avoid real argument and to censor what makes us, for whatever reason, uncomfortable. On many of our university campuses this incarnates itself as a demand for “safe spaces,” where students won’t feel threatened by certain forms of speech or writing.”
Bishop Barron.
Click the link “article” then in that article click “Word On Fire blog”
Well-put, Anonymous (Nov 5, 2015 11:28am): a new development in university-think and university-speak are seminars against “micro-aggression”, an idea first floated by a Harvard pschiastrist Charles M Black about 1970): supposedly, this is any language asserted by an individual directed toward subjugating another (such as calling someone “an angry black man”, or asking a person over 40 “When are you going to retire?”) (I know: at least the latter example is funny: it’s a standard question in retirement planning.)
It is a perfect way to silence easily-intimidated college students.
“Micro-aggression” and university-speak is perfect for the aggressive socialist-atheist left, because first, you silence your opposition with guilt and intimidation, and second, having no competition, you disseminate and perpetuate your idiot theories that can’t survive rational analysis on theiri own (such as: “The Third World is being robbed by the advanced nations,”an old idea of Lenin’s; “Global climate-change (FKA “Global-warming”) is caused by man-made fossil fuels”; or, “Tax the 1%”as a means of rectifying alleged economic injustice.
Compare it with the practices of the rising Third Reich in the 1930’s.