Feb
3
Enough
February 3, 2009 | 5 Comments
I stands what I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.
I have been generally silent on the issue of the repeal of the SSPX excommunications. To be completely honest I am not as well read on the background of the entire situation, and have just been trying to soak up as much information as possible. As usual, I refer to Christopher Blosser for a comprehensive roundup of all the pertinent links and reactions.
What has begun to outrage me is the complete ignorance that has manifested itself in light of the repealed excommunications. More importantly, I am tiured of non-Catholics and dissident Catholics taking it upon themselves to inform the Pope what they think he ought to do in matters that, quite frankly, they know nothing about.
For the record, I view the SSPX with a wary eye. Though sympathetic to much of their revulsion regarding the abuses of the post-Vatican II era, I cannot abide their “holier than the Pope” attitude. Bishop Richard Williamson’s views concerning the Holocaust are of course reprehensible as well. No amount of rationalization can sweep this matter under the rug.
That being the case, my personal opinions concerning the matter have no baring on whether or not the original excommunications were canonically justified. If they were not, then the Vatican really had no choice in the matter. We are not a Church of saints, a fact that after 2,000 years you would have thought would have sunk in by now. Holding politically incorrect or truly egregious opinions does not constitute grounds for excommunication. Wail and gnash your teeth as much as you want, that doesn’t justify an action that should only be a matter of last recourse.
Furthermore, complaints about the unseemliness of the repealed excommunications, while understandable from a secular point of view, are patently absurd when it comes to internal Catholic matters. The Catholic Church is not a political party seeking good public relations. She is concerned about tending to her flock, and she cannot let media dictate actions which run contrary to her teachings.
Again, I can sympathize with outsiders and understand their frustrations, but they are frankly ignorant about Church matters, as are most Catholics, quite frankly, including yours truly (from time to time). And when non-Catholics attack the Pope and assume that they can dictate what he does when it comes to matters of faith and morals, then I get a little pissed off. Even more grating are dissident theolgians who suddenly think they have the high ground to call on the Pope to resign, or when other dissident Catholics who have turned their backs on their faith when it comes to matters such as abortion, express their outrage.
All these groups disgust me, but none moreso than these pro-abort “Catholics” who have the unmitigated gall – chutzpah, as Jay puts it – to even pretend that they have any standing to question the Pope. It’s like Barry Bonds calling for Guillermo Mota to be suspended for life for steroid use. Excuse me, but they are fortunate that they have not been excommunicated for their abandonment of the clear teachings of the Catholic Church. Why don’t they worry about their own souls before calling on the Pope to make explanations that he most certainly does not own them.
But you know who really pisses me off? It’s the egotistical nutcase who is the cause of all this controversy – Williamson himself. He has had the basic decency to apologize, but that does not excuse all that he has said and done. And I can’t help but think he just loves all the controversy that this has caused. Thanks. You’re a real mensch.
Comments
5 Comments so far
Amen! I agree with you 100% and thank you for having the backbone to say it. It’s about time someone is speaking the truth in a plain and simple tone, rather than in academic-speak. It’s not rocket science, unless, of course, you’re a member of SSPX who wants to argue about this and split hairs until the cows come home.
Thank you, Charlotte.
From what I’ve read, the excommunications were canonically valid (ordination of bishops against the express will of the Pope allows for the excommunication of the presiding bishop and those so ordained…in fact, if I’m not mistaken, it’s actually an automatic excommunication.) The Holy Father’s decision to lift the excommunications on the 4 bishops was an olive branch to SSPX, not a commentary of the worthiness of the bishops. It also doesn’t mean that the bishops, or SSPX members, are recognized as being fully in communion with the Church.
But, yeah, I agree. The commentary on this whole issue is frustrating. People who have no clue about what the lifting of the excommunications really means are getting everything completely wrong.
Some decades back, I read a hilarious letter to The National Review – an all too typical American of Catholic origins bumptiously asserting his “Right” to disagree with Church doctrine and still be considered Catholic. The Editors’ reply?
“Congratulations. You are a Protestant.”
[...] “Enough”, by Paul Zummo (CrankyCon). February 3, 2009. [...]