In doing an Internet search this morning I came across this site. From what I can read on this site it is promoting a book that claims EWTN and its programming is leading Catholics astray. I'm surprised by this as I watch EWTN on occasion and enjoy what I watch there. I especially like Father Corapi and the Journey Home. ANd when I can I really love the re-broadcasts of Bishop Sheen.
Has anyone else heard of this site before or know if any of its claims are true?
No...
It's got SSPX written all over it (read between the lines).
Because EWTN is faithful to the current popes (especially John Paul II and now Benedict), then it "must be leading millions away from the TRUE Catholic faith" because these popes are not the true popes.
Have no fear. But don't bother buying it either.
Loretta,
I went to the Society of St Pious X website http://www.sspx.org/ .
I do not have the time to dig, please tell me their error.
In Christ,
Remember, the Sun is always shining!
I'm not fully versed in SSPX, but the bottom line is they are in schism (although they, I don't think, would agree) with the Catholic Church.
I'm almost sure anything I say here will not be 100% accurate, so I encourage you to do more research if you need to know.
They do not recognize the Novus Ordo Mass as being a valid/licit Mass. They are often referred to as the "traditionalists" (think Mel Gibson's father) although I think that term is broader than the SSPX. They do not recognize Vatican II and (I'm assuming) that any pope that does cannot be a valid pope.
The SSPX priests are true priests and their masses are valid (however, I don't believe they are licit). The bishops, however, have been excommunicated. Those that participate in the SSPX masses are not automatically excommunicated, however, there may be an issue regarding obedience.
Off of EWTN, I found this:
This group began with the ordination of 4 bishops, illegally, by its Founder, Cardinal LeFebre, thus establishing a schismatic group, not an heretical one. In time many ,if not most, schismatics fall into heresy. Thus no Catholic in union with the Holy Father should be attending their services, as valid as they may be, since it encourages further splits in Catholicism. God bless. Fr. Bob Levis
Their most common "identity" is their insistance that the Traditional Latin Mass (the Mass of 1962...or the Tridentine Mass) be restored. Now it has, although the Novus Ordo is still to remain the usual missal, and they are certainly not appeased. Remember, the Tridentine was NOT fully banned. It was just really limited.
The Vatican has been meeting with them to try to bring them back to the fold. It seems not to be going as well as would be hoped for.
This is merely an overview. I'm sure there is more, and I'm sure there are more that know more than I do.
Thanks for all the feedback on this. Years ago I discovered the SSPX via the Internet and was confused by them. And as I read more I felt that this book was indeed sponsored by them.
It is websites like this that (to me anyway) warrants a imprimatur being placed on the site by the Church.
Thanks!
tarheel
Loretta,
Thank you. On the front page of their website they have a picture of Pope Benedict XVI and express filial devotion and loyalty to him as the successor of Peter and the Vicar of Christ.
Can't judge a book by its cover...
In Christ,
Remember, the Sun is always shining!
This point was also made on the EWTN pages, with a response from one of their priests...that basically said exactly what you just said. You can't believe all websites either. That's what makes the internet so confusing.
The purpose for the website Tarheel mentions is to promote a book by Christopher A. Ferrara (EWTN: A Network Gone Wrong). So the real question is who is Ferrara and what is his beef with the Catholic Church. He has written before on the crisis in the Church since Vatican II. In his book The Great Façade (co-authored with Thomas E. Wood,Jr.), in which he used the term "neo-Catholic" to refer to those "who follow our bishops docilely down the primrose path like sheep being led to slaughter." As a "traditional" Catholic he is rightly critical of the public scandals the Church has experienced but he also points out how ferociouly the neo-Catholics denounce as "schismatics" those traditional Catholics they view as "vile extremists". His arguments are similar to some raised by SSPX, but it it not clear whether Mr. Ferrara is associated with them.
There may be something positive in what Mr. Ferrara challenges us to consider.
Peace,
To all who contributed to this thread, thank you.
This is the type of discussion we used to have, where we try to develop our faith and learn.
No one is attacking in a personal way anyone else in this discussion, yet each is writing in a characteristic way. There is respect and friendship among the contributors
As you know I have been very hurt here in this round-table, so I welcome discussions, as we used to have them, where it is taken for granted that we are Catholics trying to use this site to advance in our knowledge and love of the faith and of God.
One small point, Loretta, you quote:
This group began with the ordination of 4 bishops, illegally, by its Founder, Cardinal LeFebre, thus establishing a schismatic group, not an heretical one. In time many ,if not most, schismatics fall into heresy. Thus no Catholic in union with the Holy Father should be attending their services, as valid as they may be, since it encourages further splits in Catholicism. God bless. Fr. Bob Levis
Cardianal Lefebvre was a cousin of the founder of the SSPX, Archbishop Lefebvre.
God bless,
NoelFitz.
_________________________________________________
In necessariis, unitas; in dubiis, libertas; in omnibus, caritas.
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Probably either a non-Catholic or a disgruntled Catholic. For as many people that EWTN programming has lead into the Church (myself included), it appears that EWTN has brought more people into the Church than leading them away. Unfortunately, television programming cannot carry an impramateur like a book can to ensure authenticity to Catholic teaching, but EWTN is authentic to Church teaching in every way. It is a huge network, built by a humble nun, which makes it a big target for someone.
I guess the burden of proof lies on the accuser and they will have a hard time and rest assured, they won't get very far challenging Mother Angelica.
neoflitz- You wrote:
I welcome discussions, as we used to have them, where it is taken for granted that we are Catholics trying to use this site to advance in our knowledge and love of the faith and of God.
Amen! Unfortunately, we get these fly by nighters (no pun intended wings), in here who like to stir up a bunch of trouble, and then, when they hit a few theological road blocks, they disappear. When this happens, we need to continue to do as Paul instructs us, and that is to stand firm in our faith.
Pax Christi
Catalina22
Excellent! In just a few posts I have learned a lot already. And it is refreshing to hear that many feel positive toward EWTN. I actually wish there were more Catholic TV and Radio programs out there. Somewhere out there there is another Bishop Sheen that needs to get out and spread the word.
As for the fly-by-nighters there will always be a flock of them to deal with. And the correct thing to do is to stand firm in our faith.
Tarheel
Tarheel,
After reading paragraph 2 referencing sspx....game over! KEEP AWAY FROM ANY OF THEIR MATERIALS, you will know them from their fruits.
My our true Mother in heaven, our Blessed Mother, keep you in her protection.
I do try to stay away form SSPX sites or info, but they do a fine job of disguising their identity.
Tarheel
Tarheel wrote:
I actually wish there were more Catholic TV and Radio programs out there.
Here in Ireland EWTN is popular. It can be looked at via satellite.
However would anyone be able to suggest other Catholic stations one could look at via the www or satellite?
God bless,
NoelFitz.
_________________________________________________
In necessariis, unitas; in dubiis, libertas; in omnibus, caritas.
_________________________________________________
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I just visited this site and it is one I can watch via my computer. Be a nice way to spend a quiet lunch at the desk on those days when I can't get out of the office. And here is another reason why I love this site so much. There are so many people on here in the forums and articles on the main page, that know so much "stuff".
Thanks to the web masters and editors of CE and all of you that contribute to these forums. My daily visits to this site are often times a bright point of my day.
THANK YOU ALL!
Tarheel
michaelme,
You have done a great job sorting out the "types" of "traditionalists". I had heard of all 3, but didn't really realize that they are unique (I thought they all blended together). I note you said that there can be varying degrees of types. However, I can see now how SSPX is different from the other two (at least, do not necessarily imply the other two). You've helped me out tremendously. Thanks again!
Micheal,
I, too, appreciate your post that distinguishes differences in the various groups of “traditionalist Catholics” I wonder how many Catholics unknowingly are attracted to one of these groups because these sects adhere to the Latin Mass?
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Rock Solid with Mark Shea: April 14, 2008 - Confirmation: Piety and Knowledge