[stfassisi]

Objectively, therefore, to become a heretic in the strict canonical sense and be excommunicated from the faithful one must deny or question a truth which is taught not merely on the authority of the Church but on the word of God revealed in the Scriptures or sacred tradition. Subjectively a person must recognize his obligation to believe. If he acts in good faith, as is the case with most persons brought up in non-Catholic surroundings, the heresy is only material and implies neither guilt nor sin against faith, though it precludes actual membership in the Catholic Church.

[stfassisi]

Good article from the late Father Harden.

[bornacatholic]

One great thing about the Early Church Fathers was their rhetorical masculinity in describing and denouncing heresies, heretics and schisms and schismatics. Not for them was the idea there could be a good heresy or a good schism.

We could do a lot worse than to slough off all the modern accretions of political correctness, timidity, and the feminine softness (weakness) in language used when comfronting such evils

[Gamecock]

...it precludes actual membership in the Catholic Church.

Bad news < tounge in cheek>

[HarleyD]

A very interesting article. The Church/church really doesn't care that much any more about heresy. It so medieval. We have downgraded the term "heresy" until it means nothing more than an unorthodox belief. We've evolved into the "Your theology OK; My theology OK" philosophy and woe to those heretics who state otherwise.

Now let's have a group hug while singing, "Jesus loves us, this we know".

[Iscool]

For the benefit of any lurking potential Christians, I have to say that I wear that heretic moniker quite proudly...

In fact, if I wasn't one, I'd strive to be one...