(06-10-2015, 11:46 AM)brian_g Wrote: I found a cd class on the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas by John Vennari. It sounded interesting, but then I heard some of his other stuff is very critical of the pope. Now, I understand there is a place for Catholics to be critical of the pope, but it needs to be done with caution. Does he cross the line? Should I be leery of purchasing his CDs?
I think one should be careful not to confuse criticism of a popes words, actions or inactions, apparent political ideologies or ambitions, with a rejection of the papacy.
History is littered with personally ambitious popes and antipopes who have caused great scandal to the Faithful but, all the same, the succession of the Peterine office, and the temporal governance and order of the Church has persisted through them and in spite of them.
Popes are not impeccable and the integrity of the Mystical Body is not dependent on a pope's integrity.
Papalatry is a sin against the First Commandment just is in any other leader-worship. He has his role in the economy of Salvation and will be judged by the Judge like everyone else... even so, the Mystical Body will have a head till the end of time even if the head is sick from time to time.
You don't get to be schismatic by observing that the head is drunk.
I don't know what Vennari has been saying recently but I think that if you can't criticise Frank's antics you don't know the Faith of our Fathers.