Is it ever okay to call out blasphemy or heresy as it comes from the pulpit

  • Thread starter Thread starter quandy57
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Letters only go so far. Meetings only go so far. I have done those with most I have heard. I am a seminarian I go to masses all over the place and I pay close attention to all things. It’s rather unfortunate. Some places have it worse than others. I do what I can in the regard of letters and meetings. Again the question is is it ever a possibility
 
Our faith is that we abide by the magisterial teachings, if we think we hear something that is in error, the only thing we can do as laity is go to priest, then the bishop. Anything else, and we are claiming to be the magisterium. The answers you have been given are all the same because they are the correct answer.
 
If you’re a globe-trotting seminarian, I presume you have plenty of spiritual advisors, mentors, experienced clergy etc to discuss this situation and the proper response for a seminarian. As a seminarian I would also expect you were taught that it’s bad form to stand up during a homily and yell “Heresy”.

Why are you asking a bunch of us random Internet lay people when you have more knowledgeable folks to discuss this with?

Are you just looking for a bunch of us to agree with you and affirm your impression that priests are preaching heresy everywhere?
 
Last edited:
This may not be relevant, but this thread and considering how people process talks/homilies has me dwelling on the theme of communication.

Presenters have different strengths. Some of them have great charisma, some of them have a clarity of message. If we are lucky, they have both.

Listeners and readers have different strengths. Some people are good at taking in the whole of a message and getting the point. Some people latch onto superfluous details and that becomes what it was about for them.

Speakers with varying talents in speaking are having to speak to audiences with varying talents in listening and it is a recipe for infinite outcomes.
 
Last edited:
“According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which [the laity] possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.” (Canon 212 §3)
Click to expand...
 
Tis_Bearself said:
If you’re a globe-trotting seminarian, I presume you have plenty of spiritual advisors, mentors, experienced clergy etc to discuss this situation and the proper response for a seminarian. As a seminarian I would also expect you were taught that it’s bad form to stand up during a homily and yell “Heresy”.

Why are you asking a bunch of us random Internet lay people when you have more knowledgeable folks to discuss this with?
Click to expand...
This. Have you discussed this with your own guides etc, OP?
 
Last edited:
Some priests simply lack precision and are ambiguous. Some make mistakes. Some are wrong. Hopefully its extremely rare for a priest to be a real heretic. That is why you initially meet with them in person to ensure it is heresy and not something else. But there are times where you can guarantee something is heretical (not accusing the priest necessarily). There seems to be an option for speaking out, in grave cases in Prudential judgement. I dont think it would be prudent during the liturgy, not positive, but outside the liturgy I can see times where it might be more prudent for the salvation of souls
 
My friend, I think you need to take your own advice vis-Ă -vis prudence, know your place as a seminarian, and stop seeking validation on the internet for doing things like this. I echo what others say: what would the rector of your seminary or your other formators say about this thread?

-Fr ACEGC
 
quandy57 said:
dont think it would be prudent during the liturgy, not positive, but outside the liturgy I can see times where it might be more prudent for the salvation of souls
Click to expand...
In non-liturgical settings, there are often Q&A sessions at the end of talks that would offer the opportunity to ask for clarity.
 
I am not seeking validation, simply seeking a discussion on Prudential judgement. So far no one has cited church teaching. I have only done a few. I was hoping fore more depth, not simply surface talk
 
Will you aak this question to those on your formation team instead of random internet strangers?
 
I have. They choose not to speak much on the topic. Sometimes catholic answers forums has good discussions… not seeking validation because I am not planning anything, just thinking about extreme possibilities. If there is no case where it is reasonable, I am okay with that, if there is that doesnt mean I am going to seek that moment. I am curious. The laity have good things to say.
 
How are you prepared to deal with the time when someone stands in the crowd and accuses you of heresy? I think reflecting on that will help you find the right time better than anything.
 
If I were speaking heresy I would be glad. I would take a moment to think about what I had said and rephrase it in hope to not make that mistake. I would hope to speak to the parishioner after. But yes, In thought I wouldn’t be angered
 
I’m thinking more of those cases where you aren’t and the person is mistaken…that’s more likely to happen. Most people crying heresy are often mistaken. I doubt you’re glad then. Of course, the average person in the audience will be inclined to listen to the false cries of heresy… Just something to consider.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top