Posted on 04/16/2018 5:46:02 PM PDT by NRx
THE END OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM?
by Roberto Pertici
1. At this point in the pontificate of Francis, I believe it can be reasonably maintained that this marks the twilight of that imposing historical reality which can be defined as Roman Catholicism.
This does not mean, properly understood, that the Catholic Church is coming to an end, but that what is fading is the way in which it has historically structured and represented itself in recent centuries.
It seems evident to me, in fact, that this is the plan being deliberately pursued by the brain trust that has clustered around Francis: a plan understood both as an extreme response to the crisis in relations between the Church and the modern world, and as a precondition for a renewed ecumenical course together with the other Christian confessions, especially the Protestant.
*
2. By Roman Catholicism I mean that grand historical, theological, and juridical construction which has its origin in the Hellenization (in terms of the philosophical aspect and Romanization (in terms of the political-juridical aspect) of primitive Christianity and is based on the primacy of the successors of Peter, as emerges from the crisis of the late ancient world and from the theoretical systematization of the Gregorian age (Dictatus Papae).
Over the subsequent centuries, the Church also established its own internal legal system, canon law, looking to Roman law as its model. And this juridical element contributed to gradually shaping a complex hierarchical organization with precise internal norms that regulate the life both of the bureaucracy of celibates (an expression of Carl Schmitt) that manages it and of the laity who are part of it.
(Excerpt) Read more at magister.blogautore.espresso.repubblica.it ...
Martin Luther was seeking reform within the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, to me, is seeking to wreck the Catholic Church and Christianity.
There’s no end to those claiming that Francis is following in Luther’s steps, but it’s just not true.
Luther was speaking out against the immorality and corruption of the Catholic church of those days, just as those opposing Francis and the direction the Roman Catholic church is going these days, and you are correct, he was trying to get it back on track.
But they weren’t interested and ex-communicated him for it.
Likely the Catholic hierarchy will do the same to the modern day reformers, the traditionalists who want to go back to pre-Vatican II.
Also, Francis is not trying to get back to Scripture, as Luther did.
The author of this piece is comparing apples to oranges, but he sure is trying to convince people they are the same.
He clearly has Luther Derangement Syndrome, too.
That irrational hatred of Luther that makes people blame Luther for anything and everything wrong with anything.
Wow...and the claim us non-Catholics, aka Christians, are constantly bashing Roman Catholicism.
(Good read: the latest Martin Luther biography by Eric Metaxas)
I’ll take issue with your concluding line: “Likely the Catholic hierarchy will do the same to the modern day reformers, the traditionalists who want to go back to pre-Vatican II.”
The Catholics who are opposing Pope Francis are both pre- and post-Vatican II. They see his ‘reforms’ as destructive for both the Catholic Church and Christianity in general as Francis’ “reforms” are attacking the basic tenants of Christianity and are more inline with secular humanism and atheistic communism.
Thank you, exactly correct.
Peter the Roman, the last pope indeed.
Luther might be looking better and better today. I don’t know. I sense the RC faithful are feeling betrayed by this Pope like I felt betrayed by Fredo Dogeater. I hope it’s all resolved well.
The Catholics who are opposing Pope Francis are both pre- and post-Vatican II. They see his reforms as destructive for both the Catholic Church and Christianity in general as Francis reforms are attacking the basic tenants of Christianity and are more inline with secular humanism and atheistic communism.
BENE DICTUM
Thanks for the book recommendation. I just ordered the kindle version.
I will have to find that one. I have Metaxas’ book about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, it is also a good read.
He's a very talented writer - hard to believe he started off with "Veggie Tales".
I agree; while I have issues with Luther’s ideas (especially as he aged), I believe he was initially concerned with genuine reform - and was partially vindicated by actual reforms brought about by the split.
I see no intention on the part of this pope to reform the real Church.
Thus sayeth kearnyirish2 “I agree; while I have issues with Luthers ideas (especially as he aged)...”
For example__________
We are the cops; sent to quell a domestic disturbance.
For example__________
Like the cops who barred Alfie Evan's parents from removing their son from a hospital determined to kill him?
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