"It is...Our will that Catholics should abstain from certain appellations which have recently been brought into use to distinguish one group of Catholics from another. They are to be avoided not only as 'profane novelties of words,' out of harmony with both truth and justice, but also because they give rise to great trouble and confusion among Catholics. Such is the nature of Catholicism that it does not admit of more or less, but must be held as a whole or as a whole rejected: 'This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully and firmly; he cannot be saved' (Athanasian Creed). There is no need of adding any qualifying terms to the profession of Catholicism: it is quite enough for each one to proclaim 'Christian is my name and Catholic my surname,' only let him endeavour to be in reality what he calls himself." -- Pope Benedict XV, Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum 24 (1914)

Monday, August 31, 2015

Has Rev. Rosica Gone Heretic?

Now, I'm no theologian so I'm asking those with more knowledge for confirmation, but it seems to me the following is heresy:

"In contrast to the modern-day Pharisees and their followers, true Christians are those who boast in Christ crucified and no other, meaning that they believe that Christ’s work ensured the salvation of all whom He represented and is the only thing that makes the difference between salvation and condemnation. They know that their own efforts form absolutely no part of their acceptance before God. They rest in Christ alone as their only hope, knowing that it is the work of Christ by the grace of God that guarantees salvation."

Isn't this what Martin Luther believed?

The above isn't a quote from the mad monk, but rather Salt & Light CEO, Rev. Thomas Rosica, CSB

If Rev. Rosica has broken away from the Church and believes Luther was right, then why doesn't he do the honorable thing and join the Lutherans? Maybe his pension wouldn't transfer with him. 

Could a Lutheran minister still be a Vatican spokesman? It's certainly not impossible and would perhaps be a gesture of ecumenism. No?


My current theory is the atmosphere Pope Francis has created has given encouragement to the dissidents and heretics among us. Under the previous two pontiffs they stayed under the radar,using innuendo and discretion to advance their hidden agenda. Now they have the confidence to boast of their version of Christianity, perverse or otherwise. There is no better example of this than the German bishops' conference who are on the verge of schism if yet not there already de facto. 

Hopefully, the second half of the synod on the family in Rome this October will settle this mutiny. If the rebels put their cards on the table, the heir of St. Peter will know who is with him and who is against. Then Pope Francis can do what he did as bishop of Buenos Aires and clean house. 

If a 'conservative' pope swept out the 'liberals' from the Curia they'd cry bloody murder. However, if one of their own does it what recourse will they have? 

All Cardinal Burke would need to do is show some sympathy towards them and since he got kicked out of Rome too maybe he'd have some unlikely allies next conclave?


All of this is just speculation on my part. Maybe Rev Rosica is a heretic, maybe he's not. Who am I to judge, anyway?  I do hope I'm not standing next to him on Judgement Day, though.