What is appropriate response to a priest who gave dissident advice?

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I’m sure the Apostles had disagreements. But they did not have anyone to go to but Jesus (talk about Glory). Why don’t you sit before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and ask for an answer. The truth and the way will show itself. You could be wrong, and before you go making a fool of yourself, ask the one who is really in charge.

That is why --he should speak to the priest–to verify what he was told the first time—so he will not be fooled.

By the way—Christ speaks thru the Church–any anyone–whether lay person, priest, or bishop–who speaks contrary to the teachings of the Church–falsifies the word of our Lord.
 
Or do you consider the possibility that you were wrong?

I’m not saying you are–I’ve heard some pretty weird things from Catholic priests (that’s one of the things that derailed my attempt to convert to Catholicism). But after all, the guy is a priest and you are not. **Presumably **he’s thought about the Church’s teachings as carefully as you have and doesn’t think he’s contradicting them. So isn’t it just possible that you are mistaken here?

Edwin
You are apparently unaware of the state of seminaries over the last four decades. One can presume nothing. It is a fair bet that this priest simply does not know the Church’s teaching on the matter, despite the ready availability of this information. Situational ethics, permissive sexuality, liturgical and doctrinal dissent, and a self-centered magisterium were the staples of many seminary curricula in the 1970’s and 80’s. I know from first hand experience in a seminary which still had remnants of this in the mid-90’s. The holy priests who survived their seminary training intact did so on by the grace of God and the strength of their own faith. It is a serious error to assume that a diploma on a wall guarantees a certain level of competency in any field, especially theology.
 
The meeting ended with this priest insisting that I borrow his book by Bishop Kenneth Untener “Practical Prophet” with the encouragement that I need to be open to broadening my understanding of the proper extent and application of Church authority.
I am afraid that his recommendation for this author is a huge red flag for me. I would not have much faith in advice given that was based on this author’s writings.
Do I commit myself to praying for his conversion and the salvation of his soul for spreading and leading others into error?
This is the route I usually take, although I have been known to write a letter or two. But after a few years on these forums, I have come to realize that most of our efforts (prayer not included) at revealing dissent are futile.
Dirk Skene :I have had to deal with something like this before A close friend and I approached the priest with documentation The priest still did not budge. We took him to dinner to discuss it further. He did not budge. So we contacted the Department of Worship at the Bishops office. An investigation started. The priest went through some “retraining.”
This is encouraging. I would love to hear more!
 
You are apparently unaware of the state of seminaries over the last four decades. One can presume nothing. It is a fair bet that this priest simply does not know the Church’s teaching on the matter, despite the ready availability of this information. Situational ethics, permissive sexuality, liturgical and doctrinal dissent, and a self-centered magisterium were the staples of many seminary curricula in the 1970’s and 80’s. I know from first hand experience in a seminary which still had remnants of this in the mid-90’s.
I found this priest to be uncompromising, cemented in his dissident views. I almost see it as one having been indocrinated to the extent that they are unable or unwilling to consider that their view is untenable with being faithful to what the Church actually teaches.
 
So what are you left with? Only yourself. Once you accept that religion is basically absurd (reference pastafarianism and the flying spaghetti monster for an illustration of that), then things like “I don’t agree with this priest so I’m going to tell the bishop” become aggravating.
No, you’re left with THE MAGISTERIUM.
What do you mean by religion is absurd? Have you ever read your Catechism? Do you believe anything inside it?
 
I’m sure the Apostles had disagreements. But they did not have anyone to go to but Jesus (talk about Glory). Why don’t you sit before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and ask for an answer. The truth and the way will show itself. You could be wrong, and before you go making a fool of yourself, ask the one who is really in charge.
As I indicated in my OP I have been around the block on this particular issue of faith and morals and I am absolutely in the line with what the Church teaches.
 
I am afraid that his recommendation for this author is a huge red flag for me. I would not have much faith in advice given that was based on this author’s writings.

This is the route I usually take, although I have been known to write a letter or two. But after a few years on these forums, I have come to realize that most of our efforts (prayer not included) at revealing dissent are futile.
This are my sentiments also.
 
No, you’re left with THE MAGISTERIUM.
Circular argument.

Q. How do you know that the Magisterium is correct?
A. Scriptures states that “The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.
Q. How do you know that scripture is correct?
A. The Magisterium says so.

😉
What do you mean by religion is absurd?
Any religion, looked at from the outside, is full of contradictions and absurdities. We catholics look at buddhists and say, “Man those guys believe some weird things.” We look at Hindus and say “Whoa, that’s really off the wall.” Same thing about Taoists, Neo-pagans, and Baptists.

We believe in a Trinity. Can’t get much weirder than that.
Have you ever read your Catechism?
Yes.
Do you believe anything inside it?
Yes.
 
Circular argument.

Q. How do you know that the Magisterium is correct?
A. Scriptures states that “The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.
Q. How do you know that scripture is correct?
A. The Magisterium says so.

😉

Any religion, looked at from the outside, is full of contradictions and absurdities. We catholics look at buddhists and say, “Man those guys believe some weird things.” We look at Hindus and say “Whoa, that’s really off the wall.” Same thing about Taoists, Neo-pagans, and Baptists.

We believe in a Trinity. Can’t get much weirder than that.

Yes.

Yes.
Please do not hijack this thread with spurious arguments …if magisterium authority really interests you, then I suggest you do a search or begin a seperate thread.
 
Please do not hijack this thread with spurious arguments …if magisterium authority really interests you, then I suggest you do a search or begin a seperate thread.
:confused:

I did not introduce the idea of the Magisterium. I responded to a question by another poster.

And if what I have posted is spurious, please (!) prove it, rather than than dismiss it. I would actually like to see it disproven.

Furthermore, my post is on topic, for the original post’s theme is authority and its application in the Church. I think that the the issue of the apparent circular argument of scripture/magisterium is central to that theme.
 
Wrong, my plucky Protestant pal.

Scripture does state that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, but as for why we should believe that, check this out:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=1748022#post1748022
Step 1. The Gospels of today contains the same words as the original copies.
Step 2. The original copies were accurate historically.
Step 3. Jesus claimed to be God. Therefore, he was either Lord, liar, or lunatic.
Step 4. He was not a lunatic or a liar, therefore he was Lord.
Still circular.

Q. How do you know that the original copies were accurate historically?
A. The magisterium.
Q. How do we know that the magisterium isn’t wrong?
A. The original copies say so.

and:
Matt. 16:18 - And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
and…

I’m not Protestant. I’m Catholic. Went to Mass yesterday and everything. :cool:
 
since I have no idea what your question was or how this particular priest responded I won’t comment on this specific case. However if a priest teaches or preaches something that denies Church law or doctrine (not your personal preferences or beliefs) first ask him why, then ask if he intends what the Church intends when he confects the Eucharist and confers the other sacraments, because you are assuming if he doubts one doctrine he doubts them all. Depending on this answer, then go to the bishop. In writing, with details, times, dates specifically what was said or done. sign it, mail it return receipt requested. follow up with a letter or phone call in weeks if you have not had a response. If this is something minor like standing after communion, or choice of lame hymns, give it a rest. Save it for the real abuses.
Before this thread gets totally hijacked, I would say I agree with puzzleannie. First determine if the issue is doctrine, dogma, etc., and then ask him why his statements don’t jive with what the Church teaches. After all, it’s always good to know how someone balances their opinions with the Church’s teaching. Then, if you’re not satisfied, write a letter to the Bishop.

Place the whole ordeal in God’s hands and leave it there. We never know what difference we make in the long run. Don’t be intimidated by people who harrass you for taking a stand. It is a way to silence you and allow dissent (or their opinion) a voice. Afterall, they are not the only ones who are allowed a voice in the Church. You belong too.

Then, follow your (informed) conscience and allow God to do the rest. It may not be in your time, but He will always prevail, just keep the issue and this priest in your prayers.
 
I did not introduce the idea of the Magisterium. I responded to a question by another poster.

Deflect responsibility.

Er… no, gave my reasons for posting what I did.
And if what I have posted is spurious, please (!) prove it, rather than than dismiss it. I would actually like to see it disproven.

Accuse

Er… no. I don’t see any accusation there. Maybe I don’t know in what sense you mean “accuse”?
Furthermore, my post is on topic, for the original post’s theme is authority and its application in the Church. I think that the the issue of the apparent circular argument of scripture/magisterium is central to that theme.
Rationalize and justify.

Er… yeah, that’s the whole point. I rationalized and justified my post. You did ask that I not hijack the thread, and I gave you my rationalization and justification why I though I didn’t hijack the thread.

:confused:
 
Before this thread gets totally hijacked, I would say I agree with puzzleannie. First determine if the issue is doctrine, dogma, etc., and then ask him why his statements don’t jive with what the Church teaches. After all, it’s always good to know how someone balances their opinions with the Church’s teaching. Then, if you’re not satisfied, write a letter to the Bishop.

Place the whole ordeal in God’s hands and leave it there. We never know what difference we make in the long run. Don’t be intimidated by people who harrass you for taking a stand. It is a way to silence you and allow dissent (or their opinion) a voice. Afterall, they are not the only ones who are allowed a voice in the Church. You belong too.

Then, follow your (informed) conscience and allow God to do the rest. It may not be in your time, but He will always prevail, just keep the issue and this priest in your prayers.
Thank you for the mature advice and support. I was clearly in the right and this priest was clearly in opposition to Church teaching. Even to the point that I borrowed his CCC and read 2 pertinent paragraphs and he remained unimpressed and would not concede that the teaching contained in the CCC was binding on the faithful. I am considering a follow up meeting with this priest and then writing the bishop a summary letter if he persist in his dissident stance. This time I would take the good advice of puzzleannie and follow up with a letter or phone call in weeks if I do not get a response.

As a by the way: Does anyone else get something like a spiritual hangover the next day after such an encounter with a clergy? …this has happended in varying degree in each of my personal encounters.
 
Originally Posted by cheese_sdc
And if what I have posted is spurious, please (!) prove it, …
Er… no, gave my reasons for posting what I did.

Er… no. I don’t see any accusation there. Maybe I don’t know in what sense you mean “accuse”?

Er… yeah, that’s the whole point. I rationalized and justified my post. You did ask that I not hijack the thread, and I gave you my rationalization and justification why I though I didn’t hijack the thread.

:confused:
Enough already.
 
Still circular.

Q. How do you know that the original copies were accurate historically?
A. The magisterium.
Q. How do we know that the magisterium isn’t wrong?
A. The original copies say so.

I’m not Protestant. I’m Catholic. Went to Mass yesterday and everything. :cool:
We know that the original copies are historically accurate because they match with Jewish, Roman, and other pagan histories.

Why would you go to the religious service of a religion you consider absurd?
 
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