You know that Arians in their time were not called "Arians," they were CATHOLICS who followed the opinions of the man Arius. This is the same for most heretical movements -- they take place under the banner of Catholicism. They could have appealed to the same "mercy" you are asking for, Matthew, said "Do we not believe in Christ like you? Go to Mass like you?"
Charity, throughout the history of the Church, has never meant passively swallowing the errors of others or assuming they are all good Catholics. St. Paul said "For the mystery of iniquity already worketh." He said "I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock." I can tell you, wolves may very well be at work on this website, iniquity may very well be at work on this website.
Debates and controversies keep the Church healthy. This kind of sentimental attitude has nearly killed it. Do you want to be Catholic, or part of a giant heretical sewing circle or form of social club, with Catholic trappings?
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You're saying, Matthew, that CM cannot have his view of the Crisis, that he must have yours. So you really do mean to impose on another Catholic's valid opinion. If he were really just a crank, why would it bother you so much that he thinks the faithful have been reduced to a handful? You aren't offended by roscoe's crank opinions -- you encourage them.
It is probable that you are disturbed by the suggestion that you are not Catholic. But if you are disturbed by something, chances are, it's your conscience bothering you, and CM is merely the external agent. When he calls me a heretic, it's almost comforting aggravation, like having a loveable little dog that nips your ankles. It's not offensive at all. A Catholic website without belligerent Feeneyites is like Times Square without freaks.
He is blind on the baptism of desire issue and misreading decrees; the most you can hold against him is that he's no St. Thomas theologically -- not yet anyway. This has led him to what I believe are rash and injurious conclusions. But does that mean he should be banned?
People say CM lacks charity ( while claiming not to be able to read anyone's heart ). Well, there are lots of ways to lack charity. Probably the best way is to lack the love of truth, and then end up screaming for the blood of Christ, because what He says makes you uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I see just that frightening attitude in the process of formation here. At AngelQueen it is already in full effect. How people can literally ban the very discussion of sedevacantism, and not see that they are sticking their heads in the sand, is beyond me.
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Not even Jesus tried to force belief on others, because it can't be done. I cannot believe that everyone here is good-willed and Catholic, and that has been made a condition of membership. Basically this site is being whittled down to SSPX, NO, and liberal sedes who are okay with the una cuм.
That is your comfort zone, Matthew, and since this is your site, that's your right. In the beginning, this site had no agenda, and I'd always kind of imagined you listening to each side and weighing their merits. That is, Matthew, I imagined you as intrigued by sedvacantism and keeping an open mind. Eventually, though, the mind has to settle, and yours appears to have settled.
One question -- what was the point of the ignore button?