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Although I can't really speak for Silmaril, I think what he was trying to say was that the mistake of Vatican II (if you can call it that) springs from the application of Vatican II in the Catholic Church. The reason for dwindling numbers is that people are being less and less presented with unapologetic truth -- isntead, the rank and file priests rarely take a stand on any issue - be it moral or theological. Some people favor this approach, saying that the "old way" was just a bunch of fear-mongering that alienated many people and made them feel uncomfortable. Well, we've tried it their way for 30 years now, and look where it's gotten us.

IMO, we need more priests like this, telling it like it is. I have never, in my 26 years, ever heard a priest remind the congregation that missing a single Mass can send an individual to Hell for eternity. And with the changes in the reception of Christ, we have basically lost our outward show of respect and recognition that the Eucharist is indeed Christ -- and this has led to an increased sentiment of doubt among parishioners that the wafer is indeed Christ, body blood, soul and divinity.

It's no surprise that the vast majority of Catholic fervent faith is to be found in Church's that offer Tridentine rite masses, and also in seminaries that produce Latin rite priests. When you water down truth, people get watered down as well -- and unfortunately, although it isn't the fault of Vat II, it's the fault of those who have used it as a wedge to infect their satanic influence into the Church, it has led to a damaging effect in the Catholic Church.

I think that words are important and that the way we use our words affects how people receive our message. I am absolutely in agreement with you that the faith is being watered down but I will absolutely protest that it was done because of Vatican II. I have read these documents and can find no evidence within them that would lead me to believe that they caused grave error. It was like I said, priests and pastors used the term "aggiornamento" to mean whatever they wanted it to mean and introduced all kinds of craziness into the Mass.

I went to a liturgy conference last year in which I heard it said that even people who were living outside of sacramental unions (i.e. living together) should be allowed to receive the Eucharist! This conference was sponsored by my diocese. And while I believe 100% that this conference was flawed and fallible, an ecumenical council cannot be because the Holy Spirit will never allow the Church to deceive or be deceived.