How to respond to SSPX followers

[user1234]

I know there are many radical traditionalist on the internet, and I would like to know how to respond to them. How should I respond to claims that the current pope is an anti-pope and that the Novus Ordo is invalid?

Thanks

 

[smead2942]

I know there are many radical traditionalist on the internet, and I would like to know how to respond to them. How should I respond to claims that the current pope is an anti-pope and that the Novus Ordo is invalid?

Thanks

You are confusing the Fraternity of Saint Pius X with sedevacantists. The FSSPX has repeatedly condemned and expelled sedevacantists from their order. They, like all Catholics, believe that Pope Francis is the valid successor of Saint Peter. Do they care much for him? No, not at all. Nor do I. But they recognize and respect his authority as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.

They also believe that the Novus Ordo IS valid, but that it is an inferior or abridged form of the Roman Rite. Some radical traditionalists, especially the sedevacantist heretics, do believe that the Novus Ordo Mass is invalid. Once again, don’t confuse the two.

 

[Mayita30]

Pope Francis’ words : God is a God of Mercy and not a God of Complicated Theology…

Most people who indulge themselves, proving they are more religious than others usually lack doing the spiritual works of mercy… If they were so busy helping people in need of help , they would not have time to prove to the rest of the world that they are smarter and more “holy” in fact they even think they are “holier than the pope”

Their actions remind me of the pharisees in the bible.

 

[Generic_Name]

Pope Francis’ words : God is a God of Mercy and not a God of Complicated Theology…

Most people who indulge themselves, proving they are more religious than others usually lack doing the spiritual works of mercy… If they were so busy helping people in need of help , they would not have time to prove to the rest of the world that they are smarter and more “holy” in fact they even think they are “holier than the pope”

Their actions remind me of the pharisees in the bible.

That’s quite a bold statement. I’ll bet there are more than a few SSPX followers who would take exception to those remarks.

 

[DresdenGrin]

That’s quite a bold statement. I’ll bet there are more than a few SSPX followers who would take exception to those remarks.

I was going to point out the irony of that remark.

To the OP…I’m glad that you 1) Got a good first response, and 2) Understand the error in your question.

If your question is just taken at it’s headline, then I’d say a good response to the SSPX is:
“Oh, I didn’t know that! Tell me more…” Or “I’ll have to look into that and studychurch history, especially since the turn of the century”.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Pope Francis’ words : God is a God of Mercy and not a God of Complicated Theology…

Most people who indulge themselves, proving they are more religious than others usually lack doing the spiritual works of mercy… If they were so busy helping people in need of help , they would not have time to prove to the rest of the world that they are smarter and more “holy” in fact they even think they are “holier than the pope”

Their actions remind me of the pharisees in the bible.

Probably a bit more like Sadducees.

 

[DresdenGrin]

Probably a bit more like Sadducees.

Don’t instruct the ignorant. Oh, wait…

 

[Lormar]

Post deleted

 

[TimothyH]

I know there are many radical traditionalist on the internet, and I would like to know how to respond to them. How should I respond to claims that the current pope is an anti-pope and that the Novus Ordo is invalid?

Thanks

This is how I respond.



-Tim-

 

[thecolorsblend]

This is how I respond.

http://www.crystalinks.com/deletekey.jpg

I don’t see how that’s an option. I’m friends with someone who hasn’t gone so far as to denounce and reject the Holy Father’s authority but who has expressed a very low opinion of him. And, related or not, this guy also has definite SSPX sympathies. A lot of radtrad tendencies. I can’t turn my back on someone who may well need an orthodox Catholic influence in his life.

There’s a big picture going on here and I’d give anything for the radtrads to recognize that. Rejecting them only drives the wedge deeper. That can’t possibly be the right approach.

There was probably a time centuries ago when reuniting with the Orthodox would’ve been relatively easy. Easier than it is now. The Orthodox Church is now entrenched; reuniting at this point may well require a miracle.

No matter how loyal to the Pope the SSPX of today might be, the day may come when they reject papal authority altogether. In effect they could become a totally separate communion like the Orthodox. And if that happens, they’ll be in the same basic place as the Orthodox in terms of the challenge of reunification. It may even be impossible.

So, with respect, no, I don’t think deleting radtrads and SSPX-sympathizers is the right approach. There needs to be some give and take. Inflexibility will lead to alienation, and very possibly lost souls.

 

[user1234]

You are confusing the Fraternity of Saint Pius X with sedevacantists. The FSSPX has repeatedly condemned and expelled sedevacantists from their order. They, like all Catholics, believe that Pope Francis is the valid successor of Saint Peter. Do they care much for him? No, not at all. Nor do I. But they recognize and respect his authority as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.

They also believe that the Novus Ordo IS valid, but that it is an inferior or abridged form of the Roman Rite. Some radical traditionalists, especially the sedevacantist heretics, do believe that the Novus Ordo Mass is invalid. Once again, don’t confuse the two.

I wasn’t. I wasn’t talking about the fssp (which I hope to join one day). I was talking about the Society of Saint Pious the tenth. They are as far as I know heretics.

 

[ProVobis]

I know there are many radical traditionalist on the internet, and I would like to know how to respond to them. How should I respond to claims that the current pope is an anti-pope and that the Novus Ordo is invalid?

Do you feel you NEED to respond to them? And why? Just stick to your own plans of following the FSSP, I’d say.

 

[user1234]

Do you feel you NEED to respond to them? And why? Just stick to your own plans of following the FSSP, I’d say.

I don’t need to respond to them, but I would like answers to questions and objections they bring up for my own sake.

 

[pianistclare]

I don’t see how that’s an option. I’m friends with someone who hasn’t gone so far as to denounce and reject the Holy Father’s authority but who has expressed a very low opinion of him. And, related or not, this guy also has definite SSPX sympathies. A lot of radtrad tendencies. I can’t turn my back on someone who may well need an orthodox Catholic influence in his life.

There’s a big picture going on here and I’d give anything for the radtrads to recognize that. Rejecting them only drives the wedge deeper. That can’t possibly be the right approach.

There was probably a time centuries ago when reuniting with the Orthodox would’ve been relatively easy. Easier than it is now. The Orthodox Church is now entrenched; reuniting at this point may well require a miracle.

No matter how loyal to the Pope the SSPX of today might be, the day may come when they reject papal authority altogether. In effect they could become a totally separate communion like the Orthodox. And if that happens, they’ll be in the same basic place as the Orthodox in terms of the challenge of reunification. It may even be impossible.

So, with respect, no, I don’t think deleting radtrads and SSPX-sympathizers is the right approach. There needs to be some give and take. Inflexibility will lead to alienation, and very possibly lost souls.

I tend to just ask a simple question:
“How is it that people who make a huge deal out of tradition and obedience think it’s OK to slam the Pope and defy Church governance?”

Then I, like Tim walk away. You’re not going to win them over. You’re just not. Pray for them yes, but much of the discussion runs flat. I’m just not interested in their divisiveness. YMMV.

 

[Padres1969]

I wasn’t. I wasn’t talking about the fssp (which I hope to join one day). I was talking about the Society of Saint Pious the tenth. They are as far as I know heretics.

FSSPX is a short form acronym for the Society of Saint Pius X. As far as I’m aware the RCC does not consider them heretical. Some in the RCC do consider them schismatic as I understand it, but not heretical. And they do have some standing within the church, otherwise Pope Francis wouldn’t be granting them the ability to hear licit Catholic confessions during the jubilee year.

The Society of Saint Pius V however, are sedevacantists, heretical and schismatic if I’m not mistaken.

 

[user1234]

And the FSSPX is different than the FSSP (The priestly faternity of Saint Peter or something like that)

 

[victrolatim]

Don’t forget to pray for these folks. Some of the more extreme ones are isolated in a world of “doom and gloom” ideas about the current church and only read certain media which reinforces these views. Try not to get too wrapped up in it because it will drive you crazy and just make you frustrated. Best thing you can do is pray.

 

[ProVobis]

FSSPX is a short form acronym for the Society of Saint Pius X.

Right. The official Latin designation is Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Pii X (Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X) and is a legitimate fraternity of priests recognized by the Vatican. Their current status however is that all its priests are suspended and hold no ministry within the Church except a temporary one of forgiving sins through confession.

 

[user1234]

Don’t forget to pray for these folks. Some of the more extreme ones are isolated in a world of “doom and gloom” ideas about the current church and only read certain media which reinforces these views. Try not to get too wrapped up in it because it will drive you crazy and just make you frustrated. Best thing you can do is pray.

 

[pianistclare]

Don’t forget to pray for these folks. **Some of the more extreme ones are isolated in a world of “doom and gloom” ideas about the current church and only read certain media which reinforces these views. Try not to get too wrapped up in it **because it will drive you crazy and just make you frustrated. Best thing you can do is pray.

YES.