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Papal Priorities: Biblical Study or Saint Veneration?
Roman Catholics often raise the topic of authority and claim that we need an infallible interpreter to interpret Scripture. This, they say, means we need the papacy. But what does the papacy actually do or care about? When pressed, however, Roman Catholic apologists typically acknowledge that an allegedly infallible interpretation has been provided for fewer…
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Trinity Review of Year of Faith
Despite the passing of John Robbins, the Trinity Review continues occasionally to publish reviews. The latest one is a review of Rome’s “Year of Faith.” The review takes a position of continuity with respect to Rome – it continues to reject the gospel now, just as it has at least since Trent. The language may…
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A Half Century for the Emergence of the Council
One of the supposed benefits of Rome’s councils is that they allegedly provide a clarity that is missing from Scripture. But those who think this should consider Benedict XVI’s comments on Vatican II: I would now like to add yet a third point: there was the Council of the Fathers – the real Council –…
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Interesting Benedictine Juxtaposition
“Human beings are not the authors of their own vocation, but respond to a divine call. Human weakness should not lead us to fear God’s call. It is necessary to be confident in His strength, which acts precisely in our weakness.” (Benedict XVI, General Audience 10 February 2013) “I am well aware that this ministry,…
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Benedict XVI to Resign for "Health" Reasons
Benedict XVI is an octogenarian, so it is not in the least surprising if he has serious medical concerns. On the other hand, as many people are pointing out, a pope hasn’t resigned the papacy since 1415, when Pope Gregory XII “resigned” to end the Western Schism (his resignation was basically forced by the Council…
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For those in the Roman Communion Who Think There is Only One Church …
Consider Bendict XVI’s remarks as reported today by the Vatican Information Service (emphasis mine): The problem Europe has in finding its own identity consists, I believe, in the fact that in Europe today we see two souls: one is abstract anti-historical reason, which seeks to dominate all else because it considers itself above all cultures;…
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What Else Has Been Destroyed?
According to the linked news report, the papers that the pope’s butler leaked were papers that the pope had personally indicated as being papers to be destroyed. This reminds us of the similar case of Archbishop Dziwsz refusing to follow John Paul II’s request that his personal papers be destroyed after his death. Given…
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In Whom Is His Trust?
Today, the Vatican Information Service reports: Benedict XVI today made a pastoral visit to Loreto, Italy, where he entrusted to the Blessed Virgin – venerated in the famous Marian shrine there – two impending ecclesial events: the Synod of Bishops on new evangelisation which is to run from 7 to 28 October, and the Year…
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"The" Catholic Position on The Rule of Faith
An advocate for the papacy, over in the Greenbaggins comment box wrote: And, again, whether or not the Papacy is a divine institution – the Burden of Proof is always on him who asserts. In this case, Reformed Christians and Catholic Christians both have something to prove. The Reformed assertion: Scripture is the Rule of…
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The "Here I am" Girl or the "Where were you" Girl?
As reported by the Vatican Information Service, Benedict XVI stated (on 18 May 2012): Mary of Nazareth is the woman of a full and total “Here I am” to the divine will. In her “Yes”, repeated even when faced with the sorrow of the loss of her child, we find complete and profound beatitude”. A)…