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Author Topic: Sean Johnson started another blog  (Read 1219 times)

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Offline Matthew

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Sean Johnson started another blog
« on: July 19, 2025, 12:41:13 PM »
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    • It is literally the same software as Stephen Kokx's site.

    https://seraphim54.substack.com/p/apologia-pro-vita-sua

    A. Introduction:
    For many years, I was known online as a zealous, dogmatic anti-sedevacantist. A decade of polemical articles, posts on Cathinfo.com, my own defunct blogs, and various other internet fora, websites, and comments boxes had cemented a reputation as a cantankerous opponent of anything smelling of sedevacantism. Many were justifiably surprised, then, to discover some comments I’d made over at LSN which seemed to suggest I’d undergone a change of position, and was either now a sedevacantist myself, or at least open to the possibility of sedevacantism. If they were correct, what accounted for the change? And what exactly is my position now, if in fact there has been some change? It seemed strange to many that a once-prolific online writer should suddenly drop off the radar, only to be accidentally rediscovered advocating what seemed to be a very different position from his former R&R orientation. This article, then, will attempt to offer an explanation to those who might be interested in hearing one.
    In this first installment, we will consider the intellectual and moral processes by which men arrive at religious truth in matters which do not avail themselves of mathematical certitude generally. In a second (and final) installment, we will show how these intellective processes, applied to our own particular circuмstances, suggested (compelled?) the course I have embarked upon.
    It is important to note that, although Part II will be more interesting to those who are familiar with my previous writings and positions, since it provides the details of how I arrived at my present position, Part I is essential for understanding why those details led to the conclusion which follows.

    B. Newman’s Theory of Converging Probabilities
    In a concise pamphlet titled “Newman: A Guide for Our Time,” Msgr. Philip Flanagan explained how Newman believed men arrived at certitude in matters which do not avail themselves of mathematical certitude:
    “The basis of his argument is that in all matters of a non-mathematical nature the reasons which move us to assent are often implicit and personal [e.g., “signal graces” -SJ], convincing to the individual who sees them, but not susceptible to being put into words in a way that will necessarily convince others. As a rule, our conviction arises from what he called “converging probabilities,” a multitude of small indications, none of which is by itself sufficient to clinch the matter, but all of which point to the same conclusion which in the end the mind is forced to accept because no other conclusion can explain the evidence…to refuse to do so would be unreasonable…” (p. 25)
    Concomitantly, Newman also emphasized the proper moral disposition in the reception of truth, as Msgr. Flanagan describes:
    “Newman emphasizes also the need for the right moral dispositions in the search for religious truth. The man of goodwill is already looking for the truth, longing for it, watching and listening for any sign from God; and, when he comes across it, he recognizes it as the truth; it is what he has been looking for and he accepts it gladly, whereas the man who lacks the right dispositions will carp at it and find excuses for rejecting it. Thus, the same external evidence will convince one individual, while leaving another totally unconvinced.” (Ibid.)
    This method of “converging probabilities” has always been one of the methods by which I have sought to apprehend truth (the two others being the discernment of spirits and seeking/receiving qualified counsel) in matters which do not avail themselves of mathematical and/or infallible certitude. Although the consideration of these converging probabilities is an exercise in intellection, I will explain it materially (in concreto), so that readers will clearly understand the mechanics of what is happening during this assessment process:
    Take pen and paper, and in the center of the paper, write down a proposition you are considering rendering internal assent to, and circle it (e.g., Vatican II is not a legitimate ecuмenical council). Now, around that circle draw an arrow pointing toward the circled proposition, and upon it write down one piece of evidence which seems to corroborate the truth of the proposition. Continue doing so for each additional proposition you believe evinces that Vatican II is nota legitimate council (e.g., It contradicts previous magisterial teaching; it professes novelties; it was not dogmatic; it defined nothing; it used the form of “council” but had none of the substance of a council; it overthrew tradition; it was the French Revolution in the Church; “If the Church was not divine, this council would have buried it”; etc. etc.
    You will soon find that your circle is surrounded with dozens of arrows (i.e., pieces of corroborating evidence) pointing toward your circled conclusion that Vatican II was not a legitimate ecuмenical council of the Catholic Church. In such a case, the intellect is drawn to consent to the proposition, since not to do so will seem irrational and dishonest.
    It is important to note that Newman did not consider this method failsafe; it is not without the possibility and danger of error. Nevertheless, it will render such a high probability of truth and/or moral rectitude (something akin to what moralists would call “moral certitude”) that acting upon it will be eminently reasonable, even if not infallible. Neither should the lack of infallible certitude disturb the conscience, since in contingent matters infallible certitude is not possible, and it is therefore altogether unreasonable to expect it where it cannot be had.
    Some readers may be familiar with my book “As We Are? 101 Compromises, Changes, and Contradictions of an SSPX in Pursuit of a Practical Accord with Modernist Rome,” which advanced the proposition that the SSPX had undergone a radical transformation of its apostolate, and supplied the evidence for it. The book was itself a gigantic exercise in Newman’s theory of converging probabilities, and proved the proposition through a cuмulation of 101 indications so well, that to ignore affirming the conclusion would be unreasonable.
    So much for the method.
    In Part II, we will apply this method to my own particular circuмstances, in defense of my present position.
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    Offline Fiorenza

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #1 on: July 19, 2025, 03:59:05 PM »
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    • ...and I will shew thee, by works, my faith - James 2:18

    The issue of Papal Heresy can be more clearly understood in terms of behavior. There are popes doing what popes should not be doing. And a Church which is acting in such a way that would alarm even non-believers.

    It is like abusive parents. One can try to cling to a bad parent, but they will simply keep hurting you. That is why we have Godparents.

    For a Pope, when they simply do not act like a shepherd but a wolf, one is left looking for alternatives.
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    Offline October1917

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #2 on: July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM »
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    • Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     
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    Offline Mark 79

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #3 on: July 19, 2025, 06:10:15 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     
    In other words, you are unable to dispute any of the content, so you gratuitously attack the man.
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    Offline AMDGJMJ

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #4 on: July 19, 2025, 07:11:58 PM »
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    • I have been wondering how SeanJohnson was doing.  Thank you so much for sharing this, Matthew!
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    "Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine!"

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    Offline caxap

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #5 on: July 19, 2025, 09:50:24 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
    That you, Ladislaus? :trollface:
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    Online ThatBritPapist

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    • I hate the Anti-Christ.
    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #6 on: July 19, 2025, 10:37:32 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     
    SJ has done much more than you Woman :jester::trollface::trollface::trollface:
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    Some People call me a Radical Traditionalist but others call me Shizo.....Oh well :trollface:

    Offline Incredulous

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #7 on: July 20, 2025, 04:37:29 PM »
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    • Quote from: Fiorenza on July 19, 2025, 03:59:05 PM
    ...and I will shew thee, by works, my faith - James 2:18

    The issue of Papal Heresy can be more clearly understood in terms of behavior. There are popes doing what popes should not be doing. And a Church which is acting in such a way that would alarm even non-believers.

    It is like abusive parents. One can try to cling to a bad parent, but they will simply keep hurting you. That is why we have Godparents.

    For a Pope, when they simply do not act like a shepherd but a wolf, one is left looking for alternatives.

    Good point!

    This is reminiscent of one of the notorious "talking points", the SSPX had their priests give from the pulpits.
    It was the analogy of the modernist popes being like "bad, fathers", men with drinking problems, who neglected their spouses and families. 

    As they described it, it was the SSPX faithful, or "we Traditional Catholics", who played the critical role in being loyal, loving children seeking to preserve the family.  Our foremost duty was to act to protect Mom and try to show Dad correction of his bad ways.

    The comedy of this analogy was that the modernist pope "dads" had gone far beyond drunkenness, wife & child beating. 
    Their systematic dismantling of the Church and extreme judaizing was equivalent to dad coming home with an AK-47 and spaying the neighborhood... before torching the family home.  


              

    We "loving children", could only flee from the house, leave the neighborhood and call the cops, hoping they'd subdue dad before he did any further harm.

    And then of course, it was "we bad children" who were demonized by our Catholic fratres (e.g., Michael Davies, SSPX, SSPX Resistance... etc.) who branded us as "sedes".  

    It was we "crazy impious Catholics" who went outside the family and abandoned our poh, confused dads.   :facepalm:


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    "Some preachers will keep silence about the truth, and others will trample it underfoot and deny it. Sanctity of life will be held in derision even by those who outwardly profess it, for in those days Our Lord Jesus Christ will send them not a true Pastor but a destroyer."  St. Francis of Assisi

    Offline Minnesota

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #8 on: July 20, 2025, 04:56:06 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     
    Lad, what is this? Get over yourself.
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    Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed

    Offline WorldsAway

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #9 on: July 20, 2025, 06:06:15 PM »
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    • The first comment on Sean's post started with "Welcome aboard, Sean ... (from aka Ladislaus)", and ended with "God bless, Sean. Glad to see you around". So I don't think October1917 is Lad :laugh1:
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    John 15:19  If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

    Offline Incredulous

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #10 on: July 20, 2025, 06:32:21 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     

    Aw man... this is what we've been waiting for! 

    Sean disappeared from the SSPX Resistance scene like Jimmy Hoffa disappeared from the Teamsters Union.

    Let's hear him out.  It should be interesting.     :cowboy:
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    "Some preachers will keep silence about the truth, and others will trample it underfoot and deny it. Sanctity of life will be held in derision even by those who outwardly profess it, for in those days Our Lord Jesus Christ will send them not a true Pastor but a destroyer."  St. Francis of Assisi

    Offline St Giles

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #11 on: July 20, 2025, 06:57:32 PM »
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    • Quote from: October1917 on July 19, 2025, 05:54:17 PM
    Couldn't care less about what this pompous, arrogant, condescending blow bag thinks about anything.
     
    What makes you think we care to hear what an uncharitable name-caller has to say? Why don't you pray for him, an extra 5 decades, and remember him at Mass. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. 
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    Offline Stubborn

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    Re: Sean Johnson started another blog
    « Reply #12 on: Yesterday at 10:27:17 AM »
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    • Quote from: Matthew on July 19, 2025, 12:41:13 PM
    In Part II, we will apply this method to my own particular circuмstances, in defense of my present position.
    The signs were all there, it was just a matter of time....

    Quote from: Stubborn on January 04, 2024, 04:28:08 AM
    Yes, good to hear. Some of his last posts make me think if he ever comes back, he will come back sede.

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    "But Peter and the apostles answering, said: We ought to obey God, rather than men." - Acts 5:29

    The Highest Principle in the Church: "We are first of all under obedience to God, and only then under obedience to man" - Fr. Hesse
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