Contrary to how some Catholics talk, there are many things we can know with certainty, without any need for a declaration from authority. Such a declaration is useful, but not essential.
This is a great piece and the historical examples are so interesting! But, while I’m sorry to lower the tone… does anyone else feel like they’re taking crazy pills having to defend over and over the idea that someone who is outside the Church is not, in fact, a member of the Church?
The Remnanty idea of needing a legal pronouncement from a system they themselves admit is totally compromised is so illogical it actually makes my brain hurt. It’s like refusing to say for sure whether the sun is out today because you haven’t seen the weather forecast – but you only get channels from Australia.
I actually don’t even think it’s truly a legalistic position; I think that’s the straw people clutch at because relativism has made us all so terrified of truth. Delegating decisions to experts is convenient and safe when all of society tells us that stating a fact or taking an intellectual position is somehow offensive, gauche, or simple.
I suppose what I mean to say is that I admire your tenacity and fortitude in actually writing all this out so well..!
This is a great piece and the historical examples are so interesting! But, while I’m sorry to lower the tone… does anyone else feel like they’re taking crazy pills having to defend over and over the idea that someone who is outside the Church is not, in fact, a member of the Church?
The Remnanty idea of needing a legal pronouncement from a system they themselves admit is totally compromised is so illogical it actually makes my brain hurt. It’s like refusing to say for sure whether the sun is out today because you haven’t seen the weather forecast – but you only get channels from Australia.
I actually don’t even think it’s truly a legalistic position; I think that’s the straw people clutch at because relativism has made us all so terrified of truth. Delegating decisions to experts is convenient and safe when all of society tells us that stating a fact or taking an intellectual position is somehow offensive, gauche, or simple.
I suppose what I mean to say is that I admire your tenacity and fortitude in actually writing all this out so well..!
Thanks very much Rósín, in a similar vein did you see this one?
https://www.wmreview.org/p/denying-known-truth
And also: https://www.wmreview.org/p/the-ignoble-art-of-missing-the-point