* What do you think of the various priests/bishops who seem to be fearless in their defense of the Faith, though they are not sedevacantist? For example: Bishop Williamson, and many SSPX priests (though there are countless others!)

I respect all of the traditionalist clergy who defend the faith, and who have sacrificed their life to bring the sacraments to those in need.

Many of these clergy travel long distances on a regular basis I to say mass for Catholics who would otherwise not have the sacraments.

They deserve our respect and support.

* Can married men be deacons? Priests? (Don't laugh; I know an independent priest who had himself consecrated bishop, and ordained one married man a deacon. He also wants to ordain at least one married man a priest!)

A married man could be validly ordained, but it would be illicit.  I am familiar with some cases as well, but, in my opinion, it is an abuse.

Some sedevacantists may justify married clergy as they may say that the law has become harmful as there are not enough priests.  

In my opinion, such a rationale is dangerous and I do not believe that this is a lawful use of epikeia, rather it is an abuse.  

Even in the pre-Vatican II Church, many Catholics were in rural areas of the world, or in anti-Catholic or communist countries, and lived with irregular sacraments, and the Church never allowed local married priests as a remedy.  

It is true that Eastern rite priests can marry, but even in those cases, the priest must marry prior
to being ordained, cannot remarry if his wife passes, and cannot become a bishop.

In addition to the above reasons, there is a grave risk of scandal, and this is increased among children.  This could also scandalize seminarians who may "why must I choose the between the priesthood or the married life, when I can have both?"

For myself, I would not go to masses of married Roman Rite traditional priests, and I would urge Catholics to do the same.  

* What do you think of Fatima? Padre Pio? Baptism of Desire? "Natural Family Planning"? Separation of Church and State? St. Thomas Aquinas? Limbo? America? The Jews?

Fatima:  I believe that the message of Fatima is God's gift to our time.  The public miracle is a constant reminder to us that God is I control, despite appearances to the contrary.  Our Lady already too us the end of this crisis, "Russia will be converted, and a reign of peace will be given."

Padre Pio:  I have no doubt that he was a saintly man.  He never said the Novus Ordo.  He has all of the appearances of being a saint.

Baptism of Desire:  It is the teaching of the Church, not much more can be said.  St. Alphonsus, using the Council of Trent as his source states: " Now it is de fide that men are also saved by Baptism of desire, by virtue of the Canon Apostolicam, "de presbytero non baptizato" and of the Council of Trent, session 6, Chapter 4 where it is said that no one can be saved "without the laver of regeneration or the desire for it". "  http://www.sedevacantist.com/baptism.html

"Natural Family Planning"?.   I do not like the term, "natural family palming."  The term gives the false impression that Catholics are permitted to plan their families having children or avoiding having them at will.  

Pope Pius XII, taught that Catholics due to specific grave reasons may use the rhythm method.  This teaching, while only given in a private speech, was then published in the Acta, which makes the teaching a universal teaching of the pope on a matter of morals.

If a Catholic fails to assent to this teaching, it is the objective matter of a serious (mortal) sin.  With that said, let me say it is adherence to the Pope's teaching that is required, not adherence to abuses of the teaching.  

Serious motives, such as those which not rarely arise from medical, eugenic, economic and social so-called "indications," may exempt husband and wife from the obligatory, positive debt for a long period or even for the entire period of matrimonial life. From this it follows that the observance of the natural sterile periods may be lawful, from the moral viewpoint: and it is lawful in the conditions mentioned. If, however, according to a reasonable and equitable judgment, there are no such grave reasons either personal or deriving from exterior circuмstances, the will to avoid the fecundity of their union, while continuing to satisfy to the full their sensuality, can only be the result of a false appreciation of life and of motives foreign to sound ethical principles.

. Pope Pius XII, Address to Midwives, October 29, 1951. http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius12/P12midwives.htm

Separation of Church and State:. This made up idea is a modern novelty.  Christ is King over all nations whether they realize it or not.  

St. Thomas Aquinas? Pope Pius XII taught:  

if we are to avoid the errors which are the source and fountain-head of all the miseries of our time, the teaching of Aquinas must be adhered to more religiously than ever...Thomas refutes the theories propounded by Modernists in every sphere...

. http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius11/P11STUDI.HTM

America? . America has until modern times been an imperfect but relatively stable home for Catholics.  Catholics have been able to their Faith in relative peace in America, and countless conversions from Protestantism happened in America prior to Vatican II.  

Due to Protestant persecution of Catholics beginning in the mid-1800s, American Catholic identity was very strong.  Catholics in America were very involved with their parishes, and many groups were formed among the laity.

The American system is flawed, as the ideal Catholic state must be one that recognizes the Catholic Church as the one true religion, and upholds the rights of the Church.

But, the Church has always existed in Catholic lands and places that are hostile.  America, while not a Catholic state, has at least allowed the Church to freely operate, to own Churches, operate schools, to publish, and even to work to bring in converts.  

Limbo. I adhere to what is explained here:  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09256a.htm

Jews. Like all outside the Church, they need our prayers for their conversion.  

For those who may be reading my posts, sorry for the numerous typos.  I no longer have my computer and I am getting used to an ipad, and it is constantly auto spell checking me, leading to confusion.   I will proof my posts more closely.

My only thought in regards to accepting the SV reality and how this will effect "parish life" friends, family etc. is that none of that should enter the thought process if such will prevent you from accepting the truth for reasons of convenience.  Seek and find the truth and then live accordingly.  The truth will set you free.  

BUMPing the thread.

What inspired you to do this now?

You have to choose (quickly or with much thought, it doesn't matter) the answer to about 3 dozen questions.

While you, Matthew, complain that the sedevacantist has to answer about 3 dozen questions, you have to answer multiple questions just about every day you read what your (Conciliar) bishop and pope have said and done.  

If Bergoglio's climate change docuмent declares climate change "deniers" excommunicated as is rumored to be the case, will you refuse communion with any person who denies that man is causing global warming?

When the Conciliar church formally determines that divorce and remarriage and "same-sex unions" aren't so bad after all that they can't be smiled upon and their practitioners given Communion, will you accept that such teaching?

Yes, the sedevacantist needs to answer in his mind a few questions though not most of the questions you pose at the beginning of this topic.  The anti-sedevacantist has to deny what he sees and live a lie.

If Bergoglio's climate change docuмent declares climate change "deniers" excommunicated as is rumored to be the case, will you refuse communion with any person who denies that man is causing global warming?

Are there any rules for excommunication or can the Pope excommunicate anyone for any reason? It seems strange to have people excommunicated for actions that have nothing to do with the faith.