C
ConstantineTG
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Well, if the Vatican says its optional which would facilitate the return of the SSPX into the RC fold, then its optional. Then I wonder who would adhere to it then?In what ways?
Well, if the Vatican says its optional which would facilitate the return of the SSPX into the RC fold, then its optional. Then I wonder who would adhere to it then?In what ways?
Ahh, I get what you’re saying now.Well, if the Vatican says its optional which would facilitate the return of the SSPX into the RC fold, then its optional. Then I wonder who would adhere to it then?
Well, if Vatican II goes then all the good things about it goes along with the unfortunate fruits that came with it.Ahh, I get what you’re saying now.If Vatican II goes, we’re stuck with just Vatican I.
I’m going to start a thread in the Prayer Intentions sub-forum so CAF members of all Church affiliations can together battle spiritually for East-West reunion.
True. I’m not exactly going to miss those protestantized Masses!Well, if Vatican II goes then all the good things about it goes along with the unfortunate fruits that came with it.
But what about the advances in relationships with the Eastern Churches, even with those in communion with Rome? I know only a little under 2% of Catholics are Eastern, but is it worth alienating that group for the SSPX?True. I’m not exactly going to miss those protestantized Masses!
PS: The prayer thread I mentioned in post #242 can be found here–I invite everyone reading to participate.
I’m afraid I’m going to have to look up what happened in 1870.But Vatican II emphasized episcopal collegiality, while Vatican I stressed papal supremacy.
How would turning back the clock to 1960 alleviate the damage done in 1870 and thereby facilitate East-West reunion efforts?
I have difficulty seeing how that is possible, for two reasons:I am just trying to state the simple fact that the Roman Church teaches the absolutist Petrine view.
Why? Plenty aspects of Church law are clear and do not require further interpretation.The Pope is the final interpreter of the law and of scripture. If he functions this way, then there is only one conclusion.
Those are all pan-diocesan matters.Like having to approve ordinations of bishops, summoning them to Ad Limina visits, and even having to confirm the election of a Major Archbishop?
Good grief, Constantine; I know even Orthodox Christians who disagree with this. They fully acknowledge what seems self-evident to them: that Pope Benedict XVI and other recent popes have not held an Absolutist view; they simply don’t trust that his successors will be similarly inclined. But you’re the first I’ve even heard *claim *that recent popes don’t at least personally hold to the High Petrine view.There is more than one interpretation by others. What matters is the view of the Pope and how he exactly wields his power. And it points to nothing else but the absolute Petrine view.
How does that indicate the Absolutist Petrine view in action?But what evidence do we have? For one thing, there is no bishop ordained without his permission.
Indeed, but no one ever said they were. In English, I’ve always seen sui iuris translated as autonomous or self-governing, not autocephalous.The Eastern Churches are not autocephalous.
I think I see better what you’re saying now. And of course I don’t disagree.But we are neither. Obviously we are dictated upon to one extent or another.
I’m not trying to say this is a bad thing. Its not. I’m trying to say that we should be honest about it. We should call a spade, a spade. This is what being Catholic means.
It depends.They may not be run by “absolute dictates” from Rome, but I have an honest question: are the synodal elections of patriarchs in the Eastern Catholic Churches approved by the Pope of Rome for final “vesting” (or approval, or “okaying,” or however the greater-educated might put it?) If they are, and must be, then that presents a challenge to pre-schism ecclesiology and eventual reunion. We (the Orthodox) would never accept the action of the Patriarch of Rome accepting or denying the appointing of the bishops when said bishops are not within the See of the Patriarch of Rome. Our bishops are our business! If our local synod approves a patriarch, we do not in any way need the Patriarch of Rome to approve it, because the Holy Spirit approved it beforehand!
They exist by different names. Actually, I have seen a citation from one print source that spoke of a “high Petrine” interpretation in ecclesiology, but mostly they’re different names. For instance, the High Petrine view is classical Ultramontanism. The Absolutist Petrine view is 19th century neo-Ultramontanism. Etc.Hi all. I fell pretty far behind in terms of reading this thread, and just now read a very large number of posts to catch up. (The feeling this produces is interesting, a zombie-ish state you might say, or perhaps the stupor of a cult-follower – not that I would know.)
But seriously, I have to ask: Out of those of you who label everyone as “low petrine” “high petrine” and “absolutist petrine”, how many of you have made any effort to see whether these terms actually exist off-line?
Here I agree with you, Hesychios. I don’t understand why there’s such concern over what the MP will think. The UGCC deserves a patriarch.Actually Rome has to give the answer. IF they don’t want make a public statement on it then don’t blame outsiders. Rome has the control.
And is dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church going spectacularly well as is? I don’t think so. I don’t see why it’s not well worth it for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to have a patriarch.The answer is simply, russia will think of rome and have a bitter taste in the palate. The little ecumenism will crash and burn.
Marduk would agree with that quote, actually. It says the pope’s power is supreme, full, immediate, and universally ordinary throughout the Church. And that he can always freely exercise it.Some Eastern Catholics don’t seem to agree with this. I could be wrong but it seems our brother Marduk would call this terminology absolutist. Perhaps he can clarify if he thinks so.
He is definitely an Eastern Catholic NOT on his way to Orthodoxy.
That woudn’t be valid, for two reasons:If Pope Benedict XVI were at this moment assumed into heaven and by some unusual turn of events I found myself taking his place, I would seriously consider making a proclamation along the following lines:
Most respected fellow disciples of Christ under the guidance of the divinely esteemed Church of Rome:
Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition inform us of the gravely sinful and harmful nature of schism. This most humble pope of Rome are painfully aware of this fact on account of the numerous divisions among the Apostolic Churches which arose in and around the years 424, 451, and 1054. I have come to see that, in order for the two lungs of the Church–the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches–to be reunited, we will have to reexamine a few points, for the Lord prayed for us to be one as he and the Father are one, and the will of God must always trump the whims of man.
By my supreme authority as the successor of St. Peter the Apostle in his most splendid chair, and the chief shepherd of the Church, and the most humble Vicar of Christ on Earth, I declare, define, say, and proclaim that the doctrines of the filioque, papal universal jurisdiction, and papal infallibility are no longer to be considered articles of Catholic faith. By the selfsame authority, I pledge that no more ex cathedra statements will proceed from the Apostolic See other than those necessary to remove all obstacles which stand solidly and unmovingly in the way of the reunion of the ancient Churches. Moreover, I bind firmly all my successors in the name of Jesus Christ to this promise which I have solemnly made.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and protect you and keep you in all ways comprehended most deeply by the omniscient mind of God, and may Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary pray unceasingly for your welfare and salvation now and until the hour of your departure into the next world. Amen.
Thank you.
Vatican I does not teach the “absolutist” or neo-Ultramontanist view. It teaches classical Ultramontanism, and Pope Pius IX’s views shifted away from his former absolutist leanings precisely because of the experience of the council.There is no way Vatican I will be undone. So there will be no other Petrine View other than the absolutist one. Those are the facts.
Great point, Vico!When bishops assemble as a council and vote it would be a rare event that they would be unanimous. It is the consensus in union that is significant. So the outsiders in faith and moral must give into the consensus. Any group can declare the other as the out group, but cannot do so validly unless by the majority of the whole assembly. It was not a conciliar consensus of the whole Church that declared the Catholic Church to be heterodox. It could not be so since this was not done at the last united opportunity at the Eighth Ecumenical Council (neither 869–870 nor 879-880 by either reckoning) by the assembled bishops of the entire Church.
I think that’s a CAF “traditionalist” pipe dream. Vatican II is an ecumenical council. Its decrees are as optional as the decrees themselves say they are - no more, no less. And traditionalist rhetoric about the council’s “pastoral” nature aside, I don’t recall the Council Fathers of Vatican II ever saying, “This is just some kind-hearted, good ol’ pastoral advice for all of you. It’s optional! Feel free to disregard everything we’re saying!”Well, if the Vatican says its optional which would facilitate the return of the SSPX into the RC fold, then its optional. Then I wonder who would adhere to it then?
Heck no. Eastern Catholics deserve far more from Rome than the SSPX.But what about the advances in relationships with the Eastern Churches, even with those in communion with Rome? I know only a little under 2% of Catholics are Eastern, but is it worth alienating that group for the SSPX?
That was meant as a discussion point advanced by then Card Ratzinger. Has that moved the discussion? Not that I can see. So what does that suggest?Which is as much as those who are calling for the Pope to return to his primacy and authority in the First Millennium. At this point it is just a pipe dream.
Could you show with references, where the Church in all it’s avalanche of materials, describes the “absolutist” Petrine view?By the way, Pope Pius IX is beatified, so there is really no way he will be declared a heretic. There is no way Vatican I will be undone. So there will be no other Petrine View other than the absolutist one. Those are the facts.
So things like “universal ordinary jurisdiction” doesn’t mean absolutist?I have difficulty seeing how that is possible, for two reasons:
(a) You’ve asserted this but - as far as I can see - haven’t backed it up with any authoritative citations at all, whereas those who defend the High Petrine view have done so with laborious thoroughness.
and
(b) Even those who share your disillusionment - like Malphono here on this forum - admit that in theory, in principle, the teachings themselves are not actually the Absolutist view.
Regardless, the Pope still can interpret it one way or another even though we “thought” it was clear.Why? Plenty aspects of Church law are clear and do not require further interpretation.
Still, if Eastern Churches are sui juris, why are our bishops subject to the Pope the same way as Roman bishops? Those who claim the High Petrine view claim to the contrary. I’m just stating the simple fact here that such a view is a figment of one’s imagination.Those are all pan-diocesan matters.
So the truth is subject to a matter of a survey based on Orthodox Christians you know? The truth is in the paper. The paper says absolutist. And the Orthodox Christians I know say as such. So what know? Its an Orthodox Chirstians you know vs. the Orthodox Christians I know? He says, she says? It doesn’t work that way. The documents in Vatican I say what the extent of the powers the Pope has. Whether he exercises them or not does not change the fact of the matter. As I have already proven with links to the Vatican website, the Pope has clearly stated that just because he doesn’t exercise a certain power doesn’t mean he doesn’t wield it. And I compared it to nuclear weapons. Why don’t we feel safe that China, North Korea etc. has nuclear weapons? They haven’t used it. Only the US has used nuclear weapons, we should feel safe if Pakistan or whoever has them because they haven’t used it.Good grief, Constantine; I know even Orthodox Christians who disagree with this. They fully acknowledge what seems self-evident to them: that Pope Benedict XVI and other recent popes have not held an Absolutist view; they simply don’t trust that his successors will be similarly inclined. But you’re the first I’ve even heard *claim *that recent popes don’t at least personally hold to the High Petrine view.
Because the Pope takes charge of the daily life of the Church. For one thing, this is unprecedented. It was never done in the early Church.How does that indicate the Absolutist Petrine view in action?
Then what does?I think we may be talking past each other. The view that I - and others on this thread - are defending doesn’t deny that the pope can personally exercise the supreme authority of the Church… that’s not what distinguishes the “High Petrine” view from the neo-Ultramontanist innovation.
Yet we have many who make the claim, “we are not under the Pope, we are in communion with him.” That is autocephaly. I’m just stating the facts here, I’m not trying to say being under the Pope is bad. I’m just saying, we should call it as it is.Indeed, but no one ever said they were. In English, I’ve always seen sui iuris translated as autonomous or self-governing, not autocephalous.
(And yes, I know many eastern Catholic churches are not self-governing in a de facto sense, but that’s because their situation is designed to be temporary. The whole eastern Catholic structure functions in anticipation of eventual reunion)
But neither is it the High Petrine view. Unless we are understanding the High Petrine view differently. Maybe we need a recap of the three views, and perhaps there are a few more levels in between.I think I see better what you’re saying now. And of course I don’t disagree.
But this state of affairs is not the product of an Absolutist papal ecclesiology. Total, absolute separation from other synods is indeed not the Catholic way, but nor is neo-Ultramontanism the Catholic way.
The language of the papal bull still points to an absolutist view. The Pope not exercising the authority fully doesn’t change the fact. Again, he has a loaded gun. Not using it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. He can still pull it out and shoot people later if he changes his mind.Vatican I does not teach the “absolutist” or neo-Ultramontanist view. It teaches classical Ultramontanism, and Pope Pius IX’s views shifted away from his former absolutist leanings precisely because of the experience of the council.
But that is what looks like where we are headed right now. Frankly, I will be disappointed if the Pope does so on the account of the SSPX. My discernment between the Catholic and Orthodox Church might hinge on something that has nothing to do with the Eastern Churches. That is how this SSPX thing turns out. Not that I’m going to leave the Catholic Church on the account of the SSPX, but how this is handled will to me signal the integrity of the Papacy. From the beginning I don’t even know why we are negotiating with the SSPX. They should be excommunicated and only received back if they accept everything about the Church today, no ifs, no buts. Anyway, I can go on about this for hours, I’ll just have to wait and see how this goes. September seems to be the new deadline in this long, drawn-out drama.I think that’s a CAF “traditionalist” pipe dream. Vatican II is an ecumenical council. Its decrees are as optional as the decrees themselves say they are - no more, no less. And traditionalist rhetoric about the council’s “pastoral” nature aside, I don’t recall the Council Fathers of Vatican II ever saying, “This is just some kind-hearted, good ol’ pastoral advice for all of you. It’s optional! Feel free to disregard everything we’re saying!”![]()
I totally agree with that. But hey, we’re not the ones getting exemptions from Church councils here. Thus my sentiments above.Heck no. Eastern Catholics deserve far more from Rome than the SSPX.
I brought that up earlier in the thread, the quote from Cardinal Ratzinger. It seems that idea remained with that identity as Pope Benedict XVI has never mentioned it.That was meant as a discussion point advanced by then Card Ratzinger. Has that moved the discussion? Not that I can see. So what does that suggest?
Do we go further than Vatican I. For one thing, Eastern Churches do not want ordinary jurisdiction for the Pope in their Churches. That is never going to happen. Do I need to go further than that?Could you show with references, where the Church in all it’s avalanche of materials, describes the “absolutist” Petrine view?
btw definitionally, absolute ≠ absolutist
Please review Lumen GentiumBut Vatican II emphasized episcopal* collegiality*, while Vatican I stressed papal supremacy.
Turning back the clock, Division was a problem even Paul saw and wrote against. People rebelling against authority goes back to Adam. And as Paul warned, those who do it, don’t serve Our Lord Jesus but their own selfish appetites. [Rm 16:17-20] And the consequesces for those who do this and remain divided, won’t inherit heaven [Gal 5:19-21]. Clement of Rome had to settle sedition in Corinth (during apostolic times), Irenaeus wrote against heresies that caused divisions, So did Cyprian, and a whole host of other Fathers. Every Church that broke from the chair of Peter, and remained divided from Peter, how are they doing today? And the main question to ask, what would Jesus say about that division?How would turning back the clock to 1960 alleviate the damage done in 1870 and thereby facilitate East-West reunion efforts?
Originally Posted by C
By the way, Pope Pius IX is beatified, so there is really no way he will be declared a heretic. There is no way Vatican I will be undone. So there will be no other Petrine View other than the absolutist one. Those are the facts.(emphasis added)Originally Posted by Peter J
Hi all. I fell pretty far behind in terms of reading this thread, and just now read a very large number of posts to catch up. (The feeling this produces is interesting, a zombie-ish state you might say, or perhaps the stupor of a cult-follower – not that I would know. )
Impressive. And before you ask, yes I can count that high.![]()
Yet everybody seems to know of the statement around here.I brought that up earlier in the thread, the quote from Cardinal Ratzinger. It seems that idea remained with that identity as Pope Benedict XVI has never mentioned it.
I think we have to be more specific when we talk of “Eastern Churches”Do we go further than Vatican I. For one thing, Eastern Churches do not want ordinary jurisdiction for the Pope in their Churches. That is never going to happen. Do I need to go further than that?
Who said anything about compromising the truth?Is it pride from both sides? If each side believes they have the truth, why should they compromise the truth? For the sake of ecumenism? Of unity? Should we become heterodox just to have everyone under our wing? Its like saying, should we embrace Arianism just so we will have the SDA, JW and LDS under our wing. The problem is each side believes the truth to be the opposite of what the other believes. The Orthodox believe the Pope’s current authority is a heterodox faith. Why would they give in? The Catholic side believes that the Pope’s current authority is dogma. Why would we throw away a dogma?
I think you’re missing his point.Who said anything about compromising the truth?
Perhaps the pope could incorporate into canon law those elements of Vatican II which pertain to the Eastern and Oriental Churches in and out of communion with Rome.But what about the advances in relationships with the Eastern Churches, even with those in communion with Rome? I know only a little under 2% of Catholics are Eastern, but is it worth alienating that group for the SSPX?
Vatican I. The council which defined the universal jurisdiction and doctrinal infallibility of the bishop of Rome.I’m afraid I’m going to have to look up what happened in 1870.![]()
I see.Vatican I. The council which defined the universal jurisdiction and doctrinal infallibility of the bishop of Rome.
You can by being vague. I expect to see vague statements in the SSPX agreement with Rome, for example.Unfortunately it is not that simple. You cannot undogmatize a dogma. You will have to declare it a heresy and excommunicate the Pope and all those involved in the heresy. By doing so you have proven that the Pope lost his Papal authority at the time and thus could not have declared something infallibly. Only then would you have the authority to undo what has been done. But declaring a dogma undogmatized is heresy in itself unless Papal Supremacy is declared a heresy first.
I know, hence calling it a “pipe dream” later in the post.That woudn’t be valid, for two reasons:
Indeed.**(a) **No pope can declare something not to be an article of faith, that has already been declared so. Papal infallibility and universal papal jurisdiction were defined as such by the First Vatican Council, which is considered an ecumenical council. If a pope can undo an ecumenical council, then all the others - Nicaea I, Ephesus, etc. - are dispensable, too. But they’re not dispensable… so neither is Vatican I.
I’m not granting any such authority to the pope. But if he’s going to claim to possess the charism of doctrinal infallibility, he might as well employ it to some good end which will have a real impact on intra-Christian relations.The pope doesn’t have that kind of authority. Ironically, in theoretically positing such an action, you implicitly grant to the pope far greater power than he is held to possess even by current Catholic teaching.
Well, if the Catholic hierarchy desires reunion with the Orthodox Churches, it’s going to have to budge on a few matters.Not what we want to be doing.![]()
But Eastern Catholics are expected to hold that the theology behind the filioque is orthodox, even if they are not obliged to recite the term in the Nicene Creed.**(b) **The filioque is just a word, one whose use is already not universally binding. Properly interpreted, it refers to the same Trinitarian faith that the Creed sans-filioque refers to. So it’s a meaningless contradiction at best to say that “the doctrines of the filioque” are not binding. There are no separate “filioque doctrines”; there’s just the word. And the word is already not universally binding.![]()