Trent hurled 125 anathemas (eternal damnations) against Bible-believing Christians. These proclamations and anathemas were fleshed out in the murderous persecutions vented upon Bible-believing Christians by Rome, and the solemn fact is that the Council of Trent has never been annulled. The Vatican II Council of the mid-1960s referred to Trent dozens of times, quoted Trent’s proclamations as authority, and reaffirmed Trent on every hand. The New Catholic Catechism cites Trent no less than 99 times. There is not the slightest hint that the proclamations of the Council of Trent have been abrogated by Rome. At the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII stated, “I do accept entirely all that has been decided and declared at the Council of Trent.” Every cardinal, bishop and priest who participated in the Vatican II Council signed a document affirming Trent.
And I see Vatican II as contradicting Trent. most Catholics here think that’s a good thing. I say it’s heresy.
First of all, "anathema" does not mean "eternal damnation." It literally means the lifting up (ana) of something separate (thema). In the Old Testament this expression was used both of things alienated (separated) due to sin, and of things separated for dedication to God.
In the acts of Councils, the word "anathema" came to express the realization that individuals have separated themselves from the Catholic Church. Realizing that she is unable to do anything for their salvation, in view of their refusal of penance and the sacraments, the earthly church lifts them up to be dealt with by God.
This does not mean damnation. God's judgment is merciful to repentant sinners, but fearsome for the unrepentant (Heb 10:31 ; 12:29).
I want you to know that "anathema" is not a way to say "God damn you," but "God will deal with you: we can't."
"The New Catholic Catechism cites Trent no less than 99 times. There is not the slightest hint that the proclamations of the Council of Trent have been abrogated by Rome."
I can see that if you used those links to get to the context of the Catechism, you evidently missed this: 818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ."
Obviously, saying that someone is "incorporated into Christ" is the exact, polar opposite of saying that they are separated unto damnation. That's more than a "slightest hint" -- it's a wholesale pledge of reconciliation.
"Affirming Trent" evidently doesn't mean "Anathematizing YOU," especially since neither you, nor anyone of your generation, is personally responsible for the schisms of the 16th century, for which, "often enough," the Council notes, "men of both sides were to blame."
Again, I don't think any of us want to continue, or inflame, a 500-year-old spirit of grievance.