There are probably many if one were to sit down and go through it, though the Great Apostasy would more properly be referred to as the whole so-called Conciliar period. I believe this is clearly referenced in Chapter 20 of the Apocalypse. It is the period when Satan, who was "bound" during the 1,000 years of the Gospel's spread throughout the nations, is "loosed."
Scripture is consistent in its terminology. I think all of us would agree that Scripture mentions a Great Apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2 which St. Paul relates to as a sign before the end; this would have to be mentioned in the Apocalypse if, as in fact it does, it refers to the end times.
In 2 Th 2, there is a reference to a "withholding," and then a "taking out of the way." 2 Th 2:6-7. This is different metaphorical language for the "binding" and "loosing" of Apocalypse 20. Of course, this "binding/loosing" metaphor is specifically used in reference to Peter and the Apostles in the Gospel of Matthew, to which the binding/loosing reference in Apoc. 20 is related. At some point, the proclamation of the Gospel (which the pope, bishops and hence the Church do during Satan's "binding") will effectively end in the Church, or what appears to be the Church (false prophets who have usurped the seat of its authority), and this is the period of "loosing" of Satan. Both 2 Th. 2 and Apocalypse 20 also refer to this period of the loosing or no withholding as involving a "seduction" (by Satan and his "army") of the nations that were formerly proselytized with the Gospel during the "binding"- 2 Th 2:10, Apoc. 20:7. St. Paul refers to this time also as the antichrist or "man of lawlessness or sin" sitting in the Temple (2 Th 2:4), whereas Apoc. 20 refers to it as an "encompassing of the camp of the saints, and the beloved city." Apoc. 20:8. Both St. Paul and St. John have this "revolt" or "apostasy," and its leaders, destroyed by the return of Our Lord in "brightness" or with "fire." 2 Th 2:8, Apoc. 20:9.
In Isaiah 22:5 the metaphor is one of a "peg" that is "removed." As I said, Scripture is consistent in its tenor, though the vehicle or metaphors used for the expression vary.
So, I would say that the clearest presentation and exposition of the Conciliar apostasy is expressed in Apoc. 20.
Thank you, Decem, for your reply. You are always a gentleman with me, and it is greatly appreciated.
I think you are correct, that there are many prophecies and visions in the Apocalypse that can be applied to Vatican II. I thank you for narrowing things down to Chapter 20, and also for the insights you’ve provided.
Now, I am troubled by the tone and tenor of the forum threads that involve these issues. Clearly we are speaking about matters that pertain to the future, and possibly even contingent or conditional future events. No one knows the future. The events that shall come to pass are not the subject matter of infallible declarations. Yet there is an almost bitter zeal in many posts, even in this thread. People striving against one another, pushing their own predictions of what is going to happen in the future. People getting upset – or so it seems – because they cannot convince others that the future will go down as they hold it will go down.
No matter how many quotes one amasses, and no matter how pristine the sources, we are in the realm of opinion and speculation. In my reading of Ratton thus far, it is clear that Saints, Doctors, churchmen and divines have come to manifold and various opinions about the meaning of the Apocalypse. There are different schools on any number of questions. Nor has the Church ruled on them.
Why then is this a debate? Why a battle? Why a contest? Why more division? Why? Why? Why? In matters of opinion, discussion, yes. But striving in matters of opinion, especially matters pertaining to future events known only to the Mind of God, is against both charity and wisdom. It's unseemly.
Topic: Ratton: Commentary On Apocalypse (Read 3856 times)