Critical Reading / Thinking for Catholics

JMJ

A practical starting point therefore, is to consider anything you read not as fact, but as an argument of the writer. Taking this starting point you will be ready to engage in critical reading. University of Leicester.

The hoopla being created by CMTV's campaign against the SSPX gave me the idea that Catholics need strong critical thinking skills in order to separate the Intergnat wheat from the chaff.

Do you want to know the two toughest courses that I took in university?

Obviously, I'm going to tell you.

The first was business law. The teacher was insanely busy, tough and fair. I got one of the higher marks in the class (~77%). She forced us to really look at cases from a different perspective.

The second was critical reading and writing.

Just like business law, you had to look deeper, behind, and around the ideas contained in the assignments.

It isn't easy to stop and think about what you're reading, writing and ideas the you come across. In my experience people find it easier to simply accept things without pausing and reflecting on the deeper meanings behind things.

Definitions

Critical reading is a form of language analysis that does not take the given text at face value, but involves a deeper examination of the claims put forth as well as the supporting points and possible counterarguments. The ability to reinterpret and reconstruct for improved clarity and readability is also a component of critical reading. The identification of possible ambiguities and flaws in the author's reasoning, in addition to the ability to address them comprehensively, are essential to this process. Critical reading, much like academic writing, requires the linkage of evidential points to corresponding arguments. (Wikipedia)

Critical thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgment.The subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities as well as a commitment to overcome native egocentrism and sociocentrism.(Wikipedia)

Critical writing is, for me, the formulation in written form the results of the analysis of someone elses work.

Critical reading Tip #1: Read Actively to Answer Questions!

One way to read in a more critical manner is to try to answer questions while you're reading and after reading to think about what you read. I have gleaned the questions from the resources noted below.

What is the author's thesis / overall theory?
What is the author trying to do?
What led you to this conclusion?
How might this purpose influence the way the piece was written?
Who are they writing for?
What is the historical context in which it is written?
What are their key point?
What evidence does the author use?
What are the links between the points and the evidence?
What are the examples used as evidence for the supporting points?
How do they relate to the points?
What assumptions does the author appear to be making (UCL tips below)?

___ is important
___ is possible
___ might influence ____
___ is a positive thing
___ is a negative thing

Are the assumptions reasonable in this context?

Critical Reading Tip #2: Take Notes

Take notes and make a mind map to disassemble the text from beginning to end.

Critical Reading Tip #3: Block out the Fluff

A lot of times writers insert fillers that simply add to the word count. In reviewing testimony, I found it very helpful to censure out these extra words that were not contributing to the goal of the text. Then the real message is clearer.

Critical Reading Tip #4: Ready the text at least two times

The first time skim it for the main points (which you should highlight).

The second time highlight in black or a different colour words and passages that are unrelated to the text.

The third time see how many of tip #1's questions you can answer and then ask:

What is going on here?
What caused this author to write this piece?
Is there a clear logical progression or is it rambling?
...

Conclusion

To read critically requires work, to do otherwise is to be a sponge. Be careful what you read, because the ideas you read can change your life for better or worse.

So make certain that they are good Catholic ideas!

P^3

Resource Links

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-reading.html

https://www.csuohio.edu/writing-center/critical-reading-what-critical-reading-and-why-do-i-need-do-it

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sanjacinto-englishcomp2kscope/chapter/what-is-the-connection-between-critical-reading-and-writing/

https://www.esc.edu/online-writing-center/resources/critical-reading-writing/

https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing/argumentation/critical-thinking-writing

https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/all-resources/writing/writing-resources/critical-reading

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe-writing-centre/critical-reading-and-writing

Morning and Evening and other sundry Prayers

+ JMJ Along the theme of P^3 (Prayer, Penance, Patience), and for my own reference ... here is a collection of Morning and Evening prayers from the Ideal Daily Missal along with some additional prayers. In this crisis of the Church, I do not think it is possible to do too much prayer, penance and have patience. P^3

Auctorem Fidei

Can the SSPX be right about the Novus Ordo? Revision: Feb 11, 2013 On another web forum, I was engaged in a rather heated discussion about the documents of Vatican II.

SSPX and the Resistance - A Comparison Of Ecclesiology

Shining the light of Church Teaching on the doctrinal positions of the SSPX and the Resistance. Principles are guides used to aid in decision making. It stands to reason that bad principles will lead to bad decisions. The recent interactions between Rome and the SSPX has challenged a number of closely held cultural assumptions of people in both sides of the disagreement. This has resulted in cultural skirmishes in both Rome and the SSPX. Since it is the smaller of the two, the skirmishes have been more evident within the SSPX. The cultural fault-line that Bishop Fellay crossed appears to be linked to two points of Catholic Doctrine: Ecclesiology and Obedience. The cultural difference of view points is strong enough that it has resulted in the expulsion of a number of members. It should also be noted that some other priests expelled since the beginning of the latest interactions (starting in 2000) held the same view points and have joined with the l...

What the heck is a congregation of "Pontifical Right"

+ JMJ In a discussion with a friend the question occurred to me that I didn't actually know was is involved in being a religious order of 'pontifical right'. I had a vague notion that this meant they reported to Rome as opposed to the local diocese. I'm also aware that, according to the accounts I have heard, the Archbishop received 'praise' and the written direction to incardinate priests directly into the SSPX. This is interesting because it implies that the SSPX priests were no longer required to incardinate in the local diocese but in the SSPX. This is something that belongs to an order of 'pontifical right'. Anyway here's some definitions: Di diritto pontificio is the Italian term for “of pontifical right” . It is given to the ecclesiastical institutions (the religious and secular institutes, societies of apostolic life) either created by the Holy See or approved by it with the formal decree, known by its Latin name, Decretu...

The Curious Case of Steve Skojec and the Dangers of Deep Diving into the Crisis Sub-Titled: The Failings of Others

+ JMJ It's been a while now since Steve Skojec sold 1P5 and abandoned the Catholic Faith. I've been a 'Trad' since 1982 and in those 40+ years I seen this death-spiral before with a similar end point. It seems that anyone who jumps into the fray unprepared for the enormous task of righting wrongs will, eventually, become discouraged by not the task but the people who surround them. I remember when Skojec complained of the treatment his family received from a traditional priest. This seems to have been the start of the end for him. So what can we learn from the likes of Steve Skojec, Michael Voris (maybe?), Louie Verrecchio, Gerry Matatix and other celebrity Catholics? Probably quite a lot about what not to do. First, don't burn out on the crisis? When you burn out, on work or anything else, little things assume a more greater importance than they are due. This is one of my 'canary in the coal mine' signals that I've been stretching myself too th...

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