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JMJ
I received the following perspective on arguing with the 'resistance' who are strongly influended by their confirmation bias (see also cognitive biases).
For resistance minded people the reasoning is very simple!
- Heresy: Whatever comes from Vatican 2 + Pope Francis et al, with no exception or distinction.
- Liberalism: Whatever comes from the mouth of Bp Fellay et al, with no exception or distinction.
When they reach that point, it is useless to carry on an argument.
- Good Traditional Catholicism: Whatever comes from the mouth of Fr. Pfeiffer et al, with no exception or distinction.
As the Apologetics manual states - if a person defends an absurdity, there is no reason to continue the discussion.
In simpler terms, if a person is not thinking rationally during the argument, the presentation of objective evidence that contradicts their position will simply cause them to hold on that much stronger to their delusion.
I have personally encountered this phenomenon in discussions with 'resistors' and sede-vacantists.
When you reach that point, you have only one option left: Prayer.
As an aside, I've found modern Catholics and Protestants more reasonable in religious discussions than either of the aforementioned groups.
This, I believe, is a manifestation of the dangers of this prolonged crisis of the Church. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.
P^3
If this is all you have encountered with the Resistance, you need to find some new "resistors" to talk to. Or better yet, an actual priest of the Resistance. One who gives clear answers, unlike the double-speak from +Fellay and Menzingen. There are others in the Resistance beside +Williamson and Fr. Pfeiffer who could help you see through the misinformation from Menzingen and internet rumors. The Dominicans of Avrille, for example: http://www.dominicansavrille.us/
ReplyDeleteI can only speak for myself, not other resistors/Catholics, but I call heresy whatever the Catholic Church has declared as heresy, especially in the deliberately ambiguous Vatican II documents. I call liberalism (and modernism, and all the evil "-isms" in the world) whatever the Catholic Church has declared as such, especially when any bishop, +Fellay or otherwise, is promoting it. Since (Traditional) Catholicism can only be "good", I only follow the clergy that promote it. Only if it is the same Faith all the Saints, Popes of Tradition and Our Lord Jesus Christ have handed down. (Yes, that was with distinction.)
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteI think you need to browse my blog a little more before you jump to any conclusions about my understanding of the 'resistance'.
I understand that you are both Canadian and working with Tony La Rosa. I've encountered Tony many times over the last four years, had discussions with a number of 'resistors' and examined some their writings on doctrine - particularly the Four Marks etc.
Concerning 'misinformation', I find it interesting that you use that word.
In making my decisions, I compare the positions of the SSPX and the 'Resistance' against the Dogmas, Doctrines and Principles of the Catholic Church.
I have weighed the 'Resistance' in the balance and found them woefully wanting.
I suggest you have a look at this link: http://tradicat.blogspot.ca/search/label/Series%20-%20Heresy%20of%20the%20%27Resistance%27
Cordially,
Tradical