Is the SSPX a cult?

[giuseppeTO]

You must have misunderstood my meaning. I meant to imply that the cult of personality surrounding Archbishop Lefebvre is disordered, and that there are some cult-like aspects of the SSPX. You are using the word “cult” in the dictionary sense, where the OP is wondering if the organization is a cult in the modern vernacular. You see, Lefebvre died excommunicated and outside of the Church. Yet, he is venerated and even equated with sanctity (a connection you made in the above post).

I did understand your implication. The OP was very clear in his/her question … it was used in the “dictionary sense”. It was not a question about tendencies - but very clearly a yes/no question. As for your analysis that an affection for +Lefebvre is disordered, well, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. I have seen it before in other disaffected folks who were formerly associated in some way with the SSPX. I will not debate the archbishop’s sanctity or justification here.

 

[GloriaMaria]

And I have seen the same blindness in Third Order members. None the less, on the case of Archbishop Lefebvre, the Church has spoken. And you know the Latin phraseology for that.

Cheers.

 

[giuseppeTO]

Cheers Gloria!

 

[JustaServant]

Any church or group can be cultic in nature. Strong personality types can intimidate certain groups of people who crave the need for someone to tell them what to do. I have seen it across the Tiber in Protestant churches.