On top of that no one would ever voice contempt for the pope or mock His Holiness. It was simply unheard of prior to the Council. But now the "spirit of Vatican II" affects these neo-catholics. I have always felt that they are more Protestant than Catholic. They seem to think the Church is ruled by the laity and if the laity don't get what they want, they form a new community--very, very Protestant to say the least!
Thus Fr. Dwight Longenecker at his blog hits the nail on the head! Who would know better than an Evangelical Protestant who became an Episcopal priest and then converted to Roman Catholicism and was allowed under the pastoral provision of Pope St. John Paul II to be ordained a Catholic priest although married with a young family!
Ten Traits of Catholic Fundamentalism
March 7, 2016 by
Within Catholic ultra traditionalist circles a new wave of ugliness has arisen. Numerous traditionalist blogs, websites and publications spew disrespectful hatred towards the Catholic church. They mock the Mass by despising the “Novus Ordo” they denigrate the Holy Father referring to him as “Pope Frank” or “Bergoglio” and refer to their mother the Catholic Church with adolescent disrespect as “FrancisChurch”.I avoid commenting on the filth because, why wallow in sewage? I’m not going to link to the aggregators and websites in question because if you’re interested all you have to do is snoop around a little and follow a few links. You’ll see how they lie, misrepresent and tear down fellow Catholics, how these self appointed prophets ridicule, gossip and slander their fathers in God, and how these self righteous, pretentious Pharisees vomit their bile on all they meet.
It is pointless to ever argue with these people because they are always right. They have no true repentance in their hearts, but are driven by the worst kind of pride: spiritual pride.
Instead of arguing I would like to point out what is going on. First of all, I think it is unfair to use the term “traditionalist” for these people because it pulls down the many good, sensible and holy Catholics who are traditionalist by nature and by their devotions and worship. These people are my friends and family. I am on their side.
They work hard for the church. They live their faith. They build up their families and their parishes in the faith. These good folks deserve to keep the term “traditionalist” and to honor it with their good, strong, faithful and humble Catholicism.
We should separate the paranoid hate mongers from the rest of the traditionalists. They are not traditionalists. They are Protestant fundamentalists wearing traditionalist Catholic clothes.
I know about Protestant fundamentalism. I was raised and educated among Protestant fundamentalists. Among them were many good and sincere Christian people, but also among them, and driving their religion–was a certain type of religious person whose attitudes mirror exactly the Catholic fundamentalists on the rise today.
Here are ten principles things that connect them:
- Private Interpretation – Protestant fundamentalists rely on their own private selection and interpretation of the Scriptures. Their interpretation is always the right one. Catholic fundamentalists rely on their own selection and interpretation of church documents. Like the Protestant fundamentalists they know better than the Pope.
- Cafeteria Christianity – The Protestant fundamentalist picks and chooses which parts of the Bible he wants to adhere to. Catholic fundamentalists do the same. They pick which parts of Catholicism they consider “authentic” and ignore or denigrate the rest.
- Private Prophets – Protestant fundamentalists alway raise up their own preachers and prophets. Mini demagogues–they cultivate a celebrity status and promote them as infallible mini popes. Catholic fundamentalists fall down before their own prophets and preachers who they also raise to a status of authority that supersedes the bishops and even the Holy Father.
- Fortress Mentality – Protestant fundamentalism thrives on the fortress mentality. The little group gets together and builds walls and peers over them at al the “sinners” who are outside the enclave. Catholic fundamentalists practice the same ghetto mentality. “We few, we faithful few!” We are the Remnant of faithful ones who remain. Their response to this blog post, for instance, will be to retreat further into their self made holy fortress and throw stones over the parapet at me–no
- Invincible Self Righteousness – Protestant fundamentalists are totally convinced they are right. There is no argument or discussion. Catholic fundamentalists are the same. The have their proof texts. They have their watertight world view. No discussion. No dialogue. It’s their way or the highway. Their response to this blog post will prove my point, for the ones to whom I am referring will not engage my points, but dismiss me and my message.
- Anger and Violence Fundamentalism is always tinged with anger. There’s no sense of humor here. There’s no joy. There’s no laughter. Especially there is no sense of humor about themselves. Fundamentalists are angry and aggressive, and given enough rope they will move from verbal violence to physical violence. The Catholic fundamentalists who bother to read this far and react in anger to this blog post, for example, will prove my point and they will not even be able to see this themselves.
7. Fear and Loathing Protestant fundamentalists are fueled by fear and loathing. Catholic fundamentalists are the same. There is little light, joy, peace and confidence in their lives. Instead life is narrowed down by fear and loathing. Where there is fear there is darkness.
8. Suspicion and Separation Those who are outside the group are the sinners and suspect ones, but those who seem to be inside the group, but do not share the group think are suspected even more. The only ones who are worse than the sinners outside are the sinners inside the fortress. Therefore everyone inside must conform constantly, and anyone who steps outside the rules or exhibits the wrong attitude will soon be shunned, then excluded.
9. Conspiracy Theories – the atmosphere of suspicion and fear inevitably breeds conspiracy theories. The big, dark nefarious secret powers are always thought to be behind the scenes planning some sort of hostile attack on the select few of the faithful.
10. Persecution complex Fundamentalists do just about everything possible to make themselves obnoxious and unlikeable, then when people dislike them or get down on them they love to play the persecuted victim. It is almost as if they are not only looking for persecution, but are anticipating it with a sick kind of thrill.
Why take time to analyze these ten principles? Because what we see in the extreme religious behaviors of fundamentalists is not limited to Protestants or Catholics. It is actually the sick form of any religion. There are fundamentalist Muslims, fundamentalist Hindus, fundamentalist Jews, fundamentalist Mormons.
You name it. This is the form of religion that is a kind of anti-religion.
Furthermore, as we approach Holy Week, remember that it was this kind of religion which drove the Scribes and Pharisees who eventually scapegoated Jesus and made sure he was killed.
Finally, the analysis is not just a critique of fundamentalists. It should be a sober critique of all Christians because all of us, at one point or another, if we are not careful and prayerful, will fall into these traps to a greater or lesser extent. I know what I’m talking about because, on my worst days, I see that kind of Catholic looking back at me from the mirror.
29 comments:
Father McDonald said..."On top of that no one would ever voice contempt for the pope or mock His Holiness. It was simply unheard of prior to the Council."
Father Longenecker said..."...they denigrate the Holy Father referring to him as “Pope Frank” or “Bergoglio..."
The vicious verbal attacks that certain Catholics engage in daily against His Holiness Pope Francis is something to which I'm unable to rate. I go back to the days of Pope Saint John XXIII. There were some right-wing Catholics who insisted that Pope Saint John XXIII was a "communist".
I recall when millions of Catholics abandoned Pope Blessed Paul VI in 1968 A.D. in regard to their rejection of Humanae Vitae. I never heard anybody insult and berate the Holy Father.
In fairness to the laity then, many Churchmen had for several years led them to believe that the Church would embrace contraception. As in the video that Father McDonald had posted of Father James Lloyd's 1966 A.D. interview with Jackie Gleason, they had talked favorably of the Church's then-"wide-open" revolutionary status (which remains unchanged). The laity had been setup for a tremendous disappointment by far too many bishops, priest, and theologians.
Again, even among Catholics who abandoned Pope Blessed Paul VI in 1968 A.D., one simply did not encounter vicious verbal attacks against His Holiness. They believed simply that he was wrong in regard to contraception. They didn't hurl vicious attacks against him.
Conversely, on many Traditionalist blogs today, it's a daily occurrence to encounter in comment boxes the most vicious statements imaginable directed against Pope Francis. There isn't any need to repeat said comments. We know what is said against him.
I remain in disbelief as to how nasty that certain Catholics are in regard to their Pope. But then, I recall that decades ago, it was standard practice among people to refer to our Presidents by "President". That is, "President Eisenhower", etc.
I don't recall that many people referred to President Eisenhower, for example, as simply "Eisenhower". They would refer to him affectionately as "Ike". However, today, it's simply "Obama" or years ago, it was simply "Bush", "Clinton"...
What I find fascinating is that many Traditionalists berate non-Catholics who speak ill of and mock our Popes and the Papacy. However, those very Traditionalists don't hesitate to do so themselves. They even draw vicious cartoons and produce "funny" videos that berate Pope Francis and, in turn, even of unwittingly, attack the Papacy.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
“It is actually the sick form of any religion. There are fundamentalist Muslims, fundamentalist Hindus, fundamentalist Jews, fundamentalist Mormons.”
To borrow a phrase sometimes used by my psychotherapist wife: “Same process, different content.”
Just another example of secular culture spilling over into the Church. Incivility, especially in the internet comments, by now is ubiquitous. On the other hand, the provocation to over react is invited by schismatic and heterodox behavior among certain laymen and clergy has rarely been this widespread as it is today. Careless rhetoric is unattractive no matter who indulges in it.
Father I give up,with you. Francis speaks wayyyyyyyy to much and this causes problems.
My opinion is this. The Church IS in a state of total collapse. The liturgy, education, priesthood, religious life, morality have all been decimated since Vatican II. The good name of the Church has been thrown in the mud by priests and bishops who committed not only grevious sins but crimes on a monumental scale. A reasoned mind would think that these issues would be the priority of a pope. But they aren't.
How many millions of innocent children have been murdered by their mothers since people have been taught that abortion is a good and a right? For the most part except for one sentence a year Francis has remained silent. Yet he NEVER stops railing against sovereign nations trying to enforce their borders. Even making a public judgement about a private American citizen that h is not a Christian for wanting to build a wall. Which a sovereign nation has every right to do and it is not a sin. Francis is the first pope to address the US congress and he never mentions Christ once. He never tells those pro abort "Catholics" that what they are doing will condem them to hell. A false love lets people continue merrily on their way to destruction. A good father does not remain silent when his children are destroying themselves.
Francis has publicly said heretical things, i.e. Allowing contraception in certain circumstances, which IS against a doctrine teaching of the Church. He has no right to do that. He can't make things up. Humanae Vitae is clear, the teachings of John Paul II are clear. Francis is a problem.
To try and demonize faithful Catholics who are rightly scandalized by the things this pope is doing and saying is in itself a betrayal. We don't have issues with Francis because he doesn't conduct himself with dignity or maturity but because he undermines Catholic teaching at every opportunity. I know he hasn't sat on the throne and officially changed anything but never the less he is causing immense damage to the Church. I pray more that God preserves the office of the papacy than I do for the person of Bergoglio. He will be judged one day for what he has done, God will not be mocked.
To state that criticism of this pope or any pope who undermines Catholic teaching as something Protestant or sinful is evil. It is indeed a Christian virtue to admonish sinners. And Francis is a sinner. St. Paul did it and was proud to have done it.
The Catholic Church did just fine for almost 2000 years without pope's having to visit every country in the world or give public audiences every Wed or talk to reporters.
Heterodox always abandon our Holy Father. God may bring good from this but it is the mortal sin of presumption to de heterodox in hopes of Divine intervention.
A. Hopelessness and willful despair are mortal sins!
Even the Mexican bishops are saying the Pope was wrongly informed. I wonder what Fr Longenecker will say about that. I wonder what he thinks about what Bishop Schneider and Cardinal Burke have had to say that those who are upholding Catholic truth are being called schismatics etc. How long does someone's neck have to be buried in the sand before they will admit we are in a total mess? I really wonder about those priests who don't have the gumption to speak up for truth themselves but criticise the laity for doing so. If priests were doing their job there wouldn't be any need for comment from the laity. Perhaps then, afterall, what Pope Francis has to say about them (which isn't pretty - career minded priests, isn't it?) is true.
"Hopelessness and willful despair are mortal sins!"
Again you judge and condem. I am far from hopeless. Christ has already one. Scripture and Tradition teaches that the great apostasy must take place before Christ returns. Scripture teaches that men will be deceived giving the appearance of religion while actually hating it. When Francis says or does anything contrary to Catholic teaching I ignore him. I will NEVER abandon the Catholic Faith for anyone let alone an imprudent pope who will be dead and forgotten one day. I don't worship the pope like some do. I worship God and God alone. Christ established his Church. There are laws imposed on us by God and articulated by the Church throughout history and Francis can't change or alter anything. Pope worship is not Catholic. Never has been and never will be.
I have to agree with everything that Anonymous says at 6.04 and 6.45. I wonder if it's okay to be wilfully ignorant of everything that is going on. I wonder if it is okay to wilfully turn a blind eye and say nothing against evil. I wonder if it is okay to allow the faithful to be led astray by remaining silent. Each priest must examine his own conscience in this regard. We have good examples in Bishop Schneider and Cardinal Burke who don't remain silent. Truly they are following the Master, ready to risk all for truth. If I were a priest I know whose example I would be following. We have to take the narrow road and we know few are on it.
@Jan
Bishop Schneider's inexplicable adulation by a sector of traditionalists is a perfect example of what Fr. Longenecker is talking about when he refers to 'private prophets'. If I was Pope Francis, I'd ask Bishop Schneider to quit being an 'airport bishop' and quit talking of crisis at every opportunity.
James, obviously you are going to be the last one to turn out the light. Bishop Schneider is simply stating the obvious and failing to face up to the truth of the matter is simply being myopic. It may soon be Catholic bishops asking the question of Pope Francis if he crosses any more lines. Some believe they are being remarkably restrained as it is.
Bishop Schneider is no private prophet. But if you have read anything he has written, he certainly does one thing well - he re-presents what the Church has always taught. It isn't new or creative or done with any flair. He hands on what was entrusted to him simply and clearly. That resonates with people who are starving not for new ideas or perspectives but for Truth, simple and clear.
Steven
Careful distinctions are critical. It is an entirely different matter to mock and insult and demean the holy father from criticizing him. And it makes a huge difference when criticism proceeds out of genuine charity and concern, and when it does not.
No sensible Catholic thinks that every utterance and every decision of the holy father is sacrosanct. We all understand that not every statement even represents a decision or a teaching. And we all know that the pope is a man, and therefore is subject to human frailty, which means he can misspeak or make a mistake in judgment. Therefore, of course his statements and actions can be evaluated and, if found wanting, this can be pointed out.
As a priest, I tend to mute all such commentary, not because I have to, but because I think it is fitting that I refrain from such.
Fr. Longenecker's list provides a valuable diagnostic tool, not to mention a useful form of shorthand:
--Jan, your comments suggest you have a severe case of Longenecker's Syndrome, with clear signs of symptoms 2,3,4,5,7,8 and 10! ;-)
I really don't think you are being fair to Cardinal Burke by mentioning him in the same breath as Bishop Schneider. While some ultra-trads have tried to co-opt Burke as a figurehead, he has always shown humility and loyalty to the pope (and been humble and loyal in disagreeing with him).
In general, I think we need to avoid confusing so-called crises in the blogosphere with genuine crises in the Church. So many bloggers, as anon commented above, get trapped into the 24/7 hysteria of the secular media, not to mention the me, me, me individualism which takes affront at anything which doesn't perfectly suit our own preferences.
Sorry, Jan, I hadn't realized when I wrote my last comment that Julian had already accused you of having Longenecker's Syndrome on another thread. I still think it's a pretty useful list though.
I think the Zika virus, the VW exhaust scandal, the loss of cole slaw at Chik-Fil-A, and the death of Elvis can ALL be blamed on the post-Vatican Two "wreckovations."
Fr. Fox makes excellent points. When a pope, any pope is given bad advice or makes statements that are confused, there is a way to respectfully critique and offer advice. When the critiques degenerate into all out hatred and disrespect as is often seen on some websites and Pewsitter is a prime example, then we've become something else, not Catholic and not Christian.
Sounds like Father Longenecker is describing the mindset of most "progressive" Catholics. I've not run into traditional, faithful, Catholics with these attributes.
Anonymous at 6:04 is right. Further: The first pope denied Christ three times. The first collective decision of the college of bishops was to run away and let Christ be killed. One of Christ's first bishops sold him for money.
It is not heterodox to make these observations, or to analyze critically the failures of a pope or of a hierarchy. To note that popes and bishops have done horrendous things in the past is neither to mock them nor even to show contempt for them. If we, the laity, cannot in good faith publicly voice our concern for even prudential errors of Francis, then what was the point of the much-ballyhood VII statements about giving the laity more of a voice in the Church? Did not St. Catherine of Siena criticize the pope?
Too many trads can't see the forest for the trees and spend all their energy spouting about the latest papal infraction. I know because I am guilty to. the damage done in the last 50 years and still being done by the modernists is obvious. Trads need to find the best priest in their area and support strongly the restoration of the liturgy. Our biggest problem is that after 5 or 6 years of progress your good priest will be moved and replaced with a hippy or priest without a spine. In that case repeat the process, find the best priest you can and give him every thing you've got. Christ will sustain the Church in the hearts of the faithful regardless of what popes and bishops do and say.
Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle...
" When a pope, any pope is given bad advice or makes statements that are confused, there is a way to respectfully critique and offer advice. When the critiques degenerate into all out hatred and disrespect as is often seen on some websites and Pewsitter is a prime example, then we've become something else, not Catholic and not Christian."
What do you expect when Francis causes confusion on a DAILY basis. How many interviews does he have to give to that atheist before he learns that his imprudence is causing real, long lasting problems. Because of Francis' refusal to watch what he says the whole world thinks active sodomy is fine (who am I to judge), they think protestants can receive communion, contraception is allowed, divorced adulterers can receive communion. The list is endless. People have a right to freak out. This has been going on for 3 years. It is unjust of Francis to behave so recklessly.
Father Dwight Longenecker's Ten Traits of Catholic Fundamentalism.
4. Fortress Mentality – Protestant fundamentalism thrives on the fortress mentality. The little group gets together and builds walls and peers over them at al the “sinners” who are outside the enclave. Catholic fundamentalists practice the same ghetto mentality. “We few, we faithful few!” We are the Remnant of faithful ones who remain."
Interestingly, Father Longenecker has called attention unwittingly to the fact that "Fortress Mentality" describes the Catholic Church of centuries past. "Fortress Mentality" represented mainstream Catholic thinking prior to the work of Vatican II Era reformers who "razed the bastions" of the Church. Pope Francis, for example, has many times described the "old" Church as a "fortress" Church. Therefore, "Catholic Fundamentalists" who hold fast to a "Fortress Mentality" hold fast to centuries-old mainstream Catholic thinking.
5. Invincible Self Righteousness – "Protestant fundamentalists are totally convinced they are right. Catholic fundamentalists are the same."
Does that not describe as well the Vatican II Era Popes, Cardinals, and bishops who presented us with the liturgical reform, ecumenism, and countless changes to past teachings and practices? Said Churchmen have insisted that the novelties and changes are "irreversible". They insist that the "reformed" Church is in the midst of a "new springtime". That is the party line from which they will not budge.
6. Anger and Violence - "Fundamentalism is always tinged with anger. There’s no sense of humor here. There’s no joy. There’s no laughter. Especially there is no sense of humor about themselves. Fundamentalists are angry and aggressive, and given enough rope they will move from verbal violence to physical violence. The Catholic fundamentalists who bother to read this far and react in anger to this blog post, for example, will prove my point and they will not even be able to see this themselves."
I accept Father Longenecker's point. At least on various "Catholic Fundamentalist" blogs, particularly in the comment boxes, folks tend toward the humorless and dour...yep, they exhibit a mean-spirited attitude far too often. Father Longenecker's trait #6 is valid.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Father Dwight Longenecker's Ten Traits of Catholic Fundamentalism.
7. Fear and Loathing - "Protestant fundamentalists are fueled by fear and loathing. Catholic fundamentalists are the same. There is little light, joy, peace and confidence in their lives. Instead life is narrowed down by fear and loathing. Where there is fear there is darkness."
Pretty much a repeat of #6.
8. Suspicion and Separation - "Those who are outside the group are the sinners and suspect ones, but those who seem to be inside the group, but do not share the group think are suspected even more. The only ones who are worse than the sinners outside are the sinners inside the fortress. Therefore everyone inside must conform constantly, and anyone who steps outside the rules or exhibits the wrong attitude will soon be shunned, then excluded."
Yep...pretty accurate.
9. Conspiracy Theories – "The atmosphere of suspicion and fear inevitably breeds conspiracy theories. The big, dark nefarious secret powers are always thought to be behind the scenes planning some sort of hostile attack on the select few of the faithful."
Yep...Father Longenecker is on the mark with that one. However, in that regard, Popes, Cardinals, and bishops for centuries had warned the Faithful that conspiracies existed to destroy the Church and rig the world's economic system in favor of the super rich. The Church has for centuries sounded the alarm about a Masonic conspiracy designed to destroy the Church. The Church had long warned about a Communist conspiracy that existed to destroy the Church and enslave mankind.
"Catholic Fundamentalists" are very conspiracy-minded. Example: Pope Francis' kind treatment of the SSPX is part of a Vatican conspiracy to lure in the SSPX, then crush the Society, according to "Catholic Fundamentalists". "Catholic Fundamentalists" believe that a conspiracy forced Pope Benedict XVI's resignation and the election of Pope Francis.
However, within the Church, conspiracy theories have been promoted by Popes. Therefore, while they advance their pet conspiracy theories, which I believe are preposterous beyond belief, "Catholic Fundamentalists" are in the company of many Popes who also warned about conspiracies designed to destroy the Church and enslave mankind via a corrupt money system.
10. Persecution complex - "Fundamentalists do just about everything possible to make themselves obnoxious and unlikeable, then when people dislike them or get down on them they love to play the persecuted victim. It is almost as if they are not only looking for persecution, but are anticipating it with a sick kind of thrill."
I don't buy that. Point #10 is nasty and unproductive...almost conspiratorial on Father's part. Father Longenecker has attempted to read the minds and hearts of "Catholic Fundamentalists". Father Longenecker ended his commentary in poor fashion. He ended with a very nasty dig.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
I don't see any joy in Fr Longenecker commentary either. He is guilty of most of what he lists, especially of being judgmental himself. There are a long list of good people he has criticised. As for you, James, you have shown yourself as a liberal on a number of posts so you are just being true to form and no doubt you would prefer Pope Francis to be even more liberal than he is. Therefore you wouldn't have any idea of what Bishop Schneider is getting at, which is promoting the truths of the Catholic Faith. The Church is most certainly split into three: the traditionalists and the Neo cons and liberals - many Neo cons seem now to be embracing more and more the liberal agenda. Julian being one of those. While he may like the Latin Mass it seems to me only for its cosmetic value failing to understand the theological differences. I can also add that the numbers attending the TLM are most certainly on the rise, many those who attended the OF Mass but are now seriously questioning what is happening in the Church. All I can say is Deo gratias for the EF Mass as they would also be lapsed Catholics if there wasn't this oasis in the desert. And for your information, James and Julian I am the same Catholic I was from the age of seven, the product of a Catholic education by good Catholic nuns and priests, as was Bishoo Schneider, which is something, you, Julian and Fr Longenecker have never had and why you are all so sadly lacking and fail to uphold Catholic truths.
Blimey, Jan, you seem to have entirely missed the point of Fr Longenecker's article. He's not suggesting that any of us should suspend judgement entirely; rather, that we should call out those whose judgmental approach has developed into a disdainful negativity, a "holier than thou" attitude, and an impulse to divide and exclude.
I won't respond to your other comments since, as Fr Longenecker points out, "it is pointless to ever argue with these people because they are always right. They have no true repentance in their hearts, but are driven by the worst kind of pride: spiritual pride."
On a lighter note, you may be interested to know that there's a shop near us called "Holier Than Thou": it's a tattoo parlour.
James, I certainly do not think it is "holier than thou" to stand up for the truths of the Faith - but then maybe to those "Catholics" who now have a different more liberal conception of the Faith it is but just maybe when the criticise Bishop Schneider and traditionalists it is in fact their consciences clanging. You know, it is an old trick to try to shut people down by saying they are "holier than thou" or "pharisaical". In reality, those making those sorts of comments fail to see the plank in their own eye and that they too are judgmental if they make any negative comment against someone else and in fact they themselves then become "holier than thou" because they put their own personal views above those of others. Saying it is useless to argue applies equally to liberals because they consider they are always right. That is right on the button as well. So, James, everything is subjective but the traditionalists are on the high ground because they are merely following what the Church has always taught whether you and Fr Longenecker like it or not.
Anon @ 11:54 makes such a good, healthy point! We have been trying to do this for years. And, believe me, it is very trying at times...
We have no access to the EF, which we would love, but try our best to deal with whomever our local Ordinary sends. It is what faithful Catholics do and have done for generations in order to keep our Church alive for our families. I trust and somehow know that God honors and ultimately rewards the faithful trying day-to-day..
The Church is the pillar of truth, not your interpretation of Church teaching. If the magisterium teaches something that sounds fishy to you, you are the heretic, the Church is not in error. I know modernism is scary, but don't run outside the Church in your fear over modernist clerics. If you jjudge the magisterium, rather than the magisterium judging you, you have to make yourself a sedevacantist who denies that there is a visible Church, which is an error. Christ is in control.
Father Longnecker is confusing a "bunker mentality" with a "fortress mentality." The Catholic Church is indeed (or was, before Vatican II) a fortress against the world, the flesh and the Devil. It is a fortress whose walls are Tradition, Scripture, the Sacred Deposit of Faith, and the Traditional Mass. It is a fortress within which is the road to salvation - the only road to salvation, in fact. Furthermore, to claim that the Church's fortress mentality is a retreat from the world is absurd. The Church was fully engaged with the world before Vatican II's calumnies against her past ("triumphalism," for example).
Longnecker is a shill for the regime. It's sad to see so much virtue signaling by the same crowd that turns a blind eye -- literally -- to systemic sacrilege and ritualized rape going on in every diocese in America.
What a sullen spectacle you people are, dancing on the graves of the martyrs...
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