Blind obedience vs obedience to one's own consciousness

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Stepinac

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If I see in the Church that someone is behaving toxicly, for example Catholic schools (https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-trauma-of-catholic-school) and show false images of God instead of real images; but my common sense and conscience say that it I should not be so toxic, but that I should be gentle and merciful; or if Catholic schools portray false images of God as one who likes to punish sinners instead of one who wants to save this world (John 12:47), am I obligated to listen to such Catholics because Christ has often said he is present in other people, and if I disobey them, do I oppose Christ? 4. God’s commandment commands us to obey the elders. If I condemn the toxic behavior of Catholics (e.g., Catholic schools) as “Pharisaism, weeds, etc.,” do I actually condemn Christ? Because the Bible says:

“The one who lists to you lists to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me. (Luke 10:16)”

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)”

“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13: 2)”

Who has greater authority: my conscience or my neighbor, even if they are evil?
 
If you know the Ten Commandments, and have read the Sermon on the Mount, you already have your answer. Bad people in the Church are just that — bad people in the Church. If they go against the teachings of the Church, or against the clear words of Scripture, they are simply to be ignored. Believe me, I’ve done my time and paid my dues, when it comes to dealing with “toxic” Catholic schools. You are in the right and they are in the wrong.

My best advice would be, to break ties with such a school, get yourself a good traditional catechism such as the Baltimore Catechism, My Catholic Faith, Life in Christ (the earlier 1950s editions with the black and gray cover), or even Father John Hardon’s The Catholic Catechism. And if possible, go to the Traditional Latin Mass — if you’ve never been before, commit to it three consecutive Sundays. If you’ve never been before, the first time, it won’t make a bit of sense to you. That’s okay. Go back the next Sunday, and the next. You’ll know.



Life in Christ Instructions in the Catholic Faith by Rev. James Killgallon 1958 | eBay (these are old copies, and they crop up all the time on eBay)

 
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