Ratzinger “Banal” Quote: Traditionalist & Reactionary Misuse

Last updated on: September 9, 2020 at 11:30 am By Dave Armstrong

Fr. Angelo Geiger of Mary Victrix fame (I love his stuff) — who celebrates the Tridentine Mass –, has written about the famous Cardinal Ratzinger “banal” quote and folks ignoring what Pope Benedict XVI stated as pope (he’s even been called an ultramontanist as I have, innumerable times). He wrote in the comments for his article, “The Spirit of Summorum Pontificum“ (11 March 2012): [T]o show context and the actual nuance of thought of Ratzinger is not prooftexting. It is simply illustrat[ing] that his thought is complex... Read more

Consecrated Virginity & Catholic “Both / And”

Last updated on: September 9, 2020 at 11:02 am By Dave Armstrong

1 Timothy 4:1-4 (RSV) Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, [2] through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, [3] who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. [4] For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is... Read more

Seidensticker Folly #51: God and Praise, Part II

Last updated on: September 8, 2020 at 12:46 pm By Dave Armstrong

Atheist and anti-theist Bob Seidensticker, who was “raised Presbyterian”, runs the influential Cross Examined blog. He asked me there, on 8-11-18: “I’ve got 1000+ posts here attacking your worldview. You just going to let that stand? Or could you present a helpful new perspective that I’ve ignored on one or two of those posts?” He also made a general statement on 6-22-17: “Christians’ arguments are easy to refute . . . I’ve heard the good stuff, and it’s not very good.” He added in the combox: “If I’ve misunderstood the Christian position or... Read more

Seidensticker Folly #50: Mary Thought Jesus Was Crazy?

Last updated on: September 8, 2020 at 10:58 am By Dave Armstrong

And Does the Gospel of Mark Radically Differ from the Other Gospels in the “Family vs. Following Jesus” Aspect? Atheist and anti-theist Bob Seidensticker, who was “raised Presbyterian”, runs the influential Cross Examined blog. He asked me there, on 8-11-18: “I’ve got 1000+ posts here attacking your worldview. You just going to let that stand? Or could you present a helpful new perspective that I’ve ignored on one or two of those posts?” He also made a general statement on 6-22-17: “Christians’ arguments are easy to refute . . . I’ve... Read more

Seidensticker Folly #49: Noah & 2 or 7 Pairs of Animals

Last updated on: September 7, 2020 at 11:00 am By Dave Armstrong

“Love Your Enemies”: Old Testament Teaching Too?

Last updated on: September 7, 2020 at 10:51 am By Dave Armstrong

Matthew 5:43-47 (RSV) “You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have... Read more

Definition of “Radical Catholic Reactionary”: Dialogue

Last updated on: September 6, 2020 at 12:00 pm By Dave Armstrong

With Particular Reference to [Traditionalist] Timothy Gordon This was a discussion on my Facebook page with Kyrby Caluna: a young zealous Catholic. His words will be in blue. ***** To lump all “reactionaries” (a term that is unhelpful, and uncharitable) into one monolithic group is unjust, unfair, “reactionary”. * If indeed Timothy Gordon is not anti-Vatican II in the way that the standard reactionary, is, then he is not reactionary. I’d be delighted if that is the case. * I... Read more

Catholic & Calvinist Agreement on Justification & Works

Last updated on: September 2, 2020 at 12:14 pm By Dave Armstrong

All of the following words (minus the section titles) are from one of the most prominent of the early Protestant leaders: John Calvin (1509-1564), from his Institutes of the Christian Religion. I utilize the public domain translation of Henry Beveridge, dated 1845, from the 1559 edition in Latin; available online. This is taken from my book, A Biblical Critique of Calvinism (2012 book: 178 pages), from the final section: “Appendix of Areas of Calvinist-Catholic Agreement.” ***** Antinomianism; Cheap Grace This is the place to address... Read more

Church Authority & the Canon (vs. Calvin #59)

Last updated on: September 2, 2020 at 11:40 am By Dave Armstrong

This is an installment of a series of replies (see the Introduction and Master List) to much of Book IV (Of the Holy Catholic Church) — and some portions of Books I-III — of Institutes of the Christian Religion, by early Protestant leader John Calvin (1509-1564). I utilize the public domain translation of Henry Beveridge, dated 1845, from the 1559 edition in Latin; available online. Calvin’s words will be in blue. All biblical citations (in my portions) will be from RSV unless otherwise noted. Related reading from yours... Read more

Seidensticker Folly #48: Peter’s Denials & Accusers

Last updated on: August 31, 2020 at 12:41 pm By Dave Armstrong