Definition of "liberal" catholic

  • Thread starter Thread starter goodcatholic
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I think circle iv might be more accurate, but liberals would go to circle vi for heresy. But I don’t want to be condemning people to that. We should try to show them the truth in a good and loving way. Plus not everyone is liberal and conservative in the same way.
 
Last edited:
phil19034 said:
if you mean conscience gets to replace confession and/or following the teachings of the Church, then that would be a position not supported by the Church.
Click to expand...
I did a thread on this before my “forced vacation”. 🙂
Sometimes conscience and literal obedience to Commandments (which is Church teachings) conflict.
 
There are only faithful and unfaithful. Those who grant assent and those who dissent. There is a very wide latitude of acceptable beliefs, consistent with prudence. It is a sheepfold - not to hem us in, but to protect us from the outside and to keep us from wandering.
 
“This is the Spirit He poured out on us LIBERALLY through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (Titus 3:6 )
 
goodcatholic, you seem to dance on the edges of Catholicism. What doctrines specifically can’t you accept and why? I get the sense in this and other threads that you want to seek support to justify your positions. Also curious about your moniker in this regard. What is a good Catholic to you?
 
I think “conservative” - in the sense of clinging to the past - can be an error. Especially when you consider the fact of doctrinal development. The earliest Christians didnt have a clear doctrine of the Hypostatic Union. Someone who wanted to “conserve” the unclarity of the first century on that matter would be in error. Likewise, I think there is something unCatholic abut the idea that the official teachings of the Church are moving in the wrong direction. To be Catholic means you believe Christ has promised The Holy Spirit will protect the Church from error and guide her into all truth. That means development of official teaching within the Church is guaranteed to be positive. “Conservatives” sometimes appear not to believe this, based on their reaction to Vat2, Pope Francis, etc.

Liberals, on the other hand, would be those who lean towards religious pluralism, moral relativism, universalism, and changing doctrine to compromise with changing culture.
 
A statement like that does not acknowledge legitimate different points of view. I use the example again of well-known prelates who are generally considered to be more liberal, like Cardinal Blase Cupich or Cardinal Walter Kasper, and those with a more conservative mindset, like Cardinal Raymond Burke or Cardinal Robert Sarah.
 
Consider the relationship between justice and mercy. A conservative perhaps overemphasizes justice, the letter of the law, while a liberal goes the other way with mercy. I’ve heard it said conservatives lead from the head, while liberals lead from the heart. Of course, these are both overgeneralizations and oversimplifications, and I admittedly have a liberal bias.
 
I dont really care if your more liberal or conservative with your donations as long as more dollars make it in. 😃
 
“And God is able to bless you LIBERALLY, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” ( 2 Cor 9:8 )
 
johnjacob2004 said:
Catholics who think Vatican 2 is a valid ecumenical council

Catholics who think receiving communion via hand is permissible due to Bishops allowing it

Catholics who prefer novus ordo
Click to expand...
Well, in that case, the Church herself is “liberal.”
 
christofirst said:
I’ve heard it said conservatives lead from the head, while liberals lead from the heart. Of course, these are both overgeneralizations and oversimplifications,
Click to expand...
Yeah I’ve heard that said before too. Obviously we are talking about politics here. Left wing politics seems to pride itself on “compassion” whilst right wing politics on “commonsense” and being rational. Over the last 12 months I have gone from left to right wing conservative in my outlook. But this forum is bringing back the “liberal” in me. Too many right wing conservatives here, playing it safe in my estimation. I’d like to see more “liberal” voices on here like yourself christofirst.
 
Last edited:
goodcatholic said:
Obviously we are talking about politics here.
Click to expand...
I think it applies to our life of faith as well. The way I see it, when it comes to sin, a conservative looks for reasons to condemn, while a liberal looks for reasons to excuse. But again, I’m overgeneralizing, and I can already think of situations where the exact opposite of what I said is true. Both sides look for loopholes, when it comes to the things they are passionate about. We each scour Scripture and Vatican documents, often pulling passages out of context, to prove that our position is the right one.
goodcatholic said:
I’d like to see more “liberal” voices on here like yourself christofirst.
Click to expand...
I don’t love arguing or conflict, and my skill as a debater is underdeveloped. Often, I read a well thought out post from a conservative point of view and I find myself agreeing. Then someone who can skillfully articulate an opposing point of view responds, and I agree with them too!
 
Last edited:
“Good will come to those who are LIBERAL and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5 )
 
Limoncello4021 said:
goodcatholic, you seem to dance on the edges of Catholicism. What doctrines specifically can’t you accept and why? I get the sense in this and other threads that you want to seek support to justify your positions. Also curious about your moniker in this regard. What is a good Catholic to you?
Click to expand...
I don’t get that impression from him, but you’ve probably been observing his ways longer than me.

Some people’s threads have a clear agenda. I get the impression that his only real agenda is that he likes to start threads that get people talking and is proned to dosing it with a certain layer of humor once it gets heated or people call him out on things.

Conversation for the sake of conversation and humor for the sake of humor seem like good traits to me on a forum.
 
I gave this post a like. Good things were said about me. All true. My reputation soars even higher on CAF. My campaign speech is nearly ready for the upcoming election. I’m getting nervous. This is the first time I’ve run for mayor. Wish me luck!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top