Monday, February 17, 2020

Angels And Demons

 In our increasingly secular world, brought about by the evil of Vatican II, people seek to fill the void that only Christ and His One True Church can fill. Unfortunately, many seek refuge in various false religions and pagan beliefs. In the mid-1990s, there was a surge of interest in angels, which seems to be enjoying some renewed popularity. Driving through New York City, I saw a car with a bumper sticker that read "Protected by Angels." You might be wondering, "What's wrong with that?" The answer, depending on the circumstances, could be "nothing," or "everything." There was a bumper sticker to either side of the one about angels I saw on that same car. One read, "Magic Happens," and the other read, "Visualize World Peace." The driver was not Christian, but a New Ager, whose ideas about angels (and demons) are decidedly at odds with Church teaching.

This post will focus on the false teachings about both angels and demons, and will give the true teaching of the Church.

A Survey of The Angel and Occult Connection
Are there "counterfeit angels"? The Bible reminds us that  "For such false apostles are deceitful workmen, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no wonder: for Satan himself transformeth himself into an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11: 14-15; Emphasis mine). Angels are friends of God who would never do (or induced anyone to do) that which is contrary to the Will of God. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, we read, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you." (Emphasis mine). 

The teaching of the Church echos these prohibitions listed in Deuteronomy. According to theologian Jone, "Spiritism claims to be able to communicate with the spirit world and endeavors to establish such commerce with it. Although spiritism is for the most part fraud, still the intention alone to enter into communication with spirits is gravely sinful. Therefore, it is mortally sinful to conduct a spiritistic seance or to act as a medium." (See Moral Theology, pg. 100; Emphasis mine). 

With this in mind, let's see what some people are claiming is being performed by "angels:"

  •  In Angel Wisdom,by Terry Lynn Taylor and Mary Beth Crain (HarperCollins, 1994), people are encouraged to use mantras, shamanistic "vision quests," contact one’s power animal (a "spirit guide" who appears in the form of an animal), manipulate chakras, and get involved with psychic healing
  • Angelic Messenger Cards, ask people to learn and accept contacting the dead (See Angelic Messenger Cards: A Divination System for Spiritual Discovery [Walpole, NH: Stillpoint, 1993])
  •  In Creating with the Angels, people are told, "Dream time is spirit time and offers a great opportunity to play with the angels…. Allow the angels to help you interpret your dreams." (See Terry Lynn Taylor, Creating With the Angels: An Angel-Guided Journey into Creativity [1993], pp. 39, 41)
  •  In The Angels Within Us, angels are said to take people deep into altered states of consciousness in order to establish contact with them (See John Randolph Price, The Angels Within Us: A Spiritual Guide to the Twenty-two Angels that Govern Our Lives  [1993], p. 16)
  • Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author of Angels of Mercy and many books on the occult and mysticism, such as The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, recalls that her life has been directed by unseen presences, which she interprets as angels, who have guided her into her career (See Angels of Mercy, pg. 91)
It is obvious that these "angels" are demons. However, one of the leading "experts on angels"  mentioned above, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, a member of the Vatican II sect, seeks to counter this objection immediately to ensnare souls in evil practices. On page 217 of her book she writes,

 If we start mistrusting the agents of light, fearing that they are demons in disguise, then we paralyze ourselves—which is precisely what the dark side wants. They would like us to trust nothing and encase ourselves trembling in fear. Fear is the best weapon the darkness has. Fear is the fertile breeding ground for all evil…. The engines of darkness have terrible power, but nonetheless, they cannot stand up to the greater, more awesome power of light and love. (Emphasis mine). 

Delusions About Demons
On the flip side, there are also many incorrect ideas about demons that I've read in both books and online sources. In order to effectively battle an enemy, you must first "know thy enemy." Here are three incorrect beliefs about demons:
  • Spirits of a Pre-Adamic Race
This theory claims a pre-Adamic race existed on Earth before it became "dark and void" (See Genesis 1:2). These human-like creatures lived under the government of God and were presided over by Lucifer, "the anointed cherub that  covereth" (See Ezekiel 28:14). When these pre-Adamites joined Lucifer in revolt against God, a disaster fell upon the Earth, killing all inhabitants prior to Adam and Eve. The souls of these creatures roam the Earth seeking to possess people because they were meant to be united to flesh.

Errors: Despite what New Age literature would like you to believe, there is not even a hint in the Bible or Church teaching that would justify belief in any intelligent creatures upon Earth prior to our First Parents. It is also heretical in that it denies Hell, and has God leaving rational souls "wandering about the Earth" to possess human bodies. The original thesis was adopted by racists who claimed whites (or Gentiles) came from pre-Adamites, and non-whites (or Jews) came from Adam and Eve.This was to justify ideas that some had of "racial superiority." The New Age version puts a twist on it to explain the origin of demons.
(For more details of this erroneous opinion, See http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12370a.htm)

  • Aliens
This theory comes from a book written over 50 years ago. In 1968, Eric Von Daniken wrote a runaway bestseller entitled Chariots of the Gods. It sold more than seven million copies worldwide and was made into a movie of the same name in 1970. The thesis of the book is that extraterrestrials came to Earth and are the basis of religion. For example, the angels of the Bible were really aliens in spacesuits, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was by an alien nuclear weapon. These aliens also allegedly explain the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge which were built by them. Hence, demons are "evil aliens" that come to Earth to wreak havoc.

Errors: It denies the existence of God. It also fails to explain why "evil aliens" would not just take over. Scientifically and historically, there is so much wrong with it, I would need another post to explain it all. For a great and thorough refutation of Von Daniken's nutty theory, See Crash Go The Chariots by Clifford Wilson.

  • Spirits of the Deceased Wicked
This theory is purely pagan. It teaches that good people who die will have their souls assume a "god-like" state in Heaven, while the evil who die will roam the Earth to incite the living humans to do evil. This pagan conception (with its roots in ancient Greek myths), has been used by Hollywood in movies. In the horror movie franchise Nightmare on Elm Street, the main character of Freddy Krueger is the maniacal killer and indestructible soul of a deceased child murderer.  In Child's Play, a doll is possessed by the soul of a dead voodoo strangler.

Errors: The souls of the Blessed in Heaven do not become "god-like," or "demi-gods," rather they enjoy the Beatific Vision of God for all eternity. Likewise, the souls of the damned suffer the pains of Hell forever; they do not "roam the Earth."

The Teaching of the Church
The following section is taken in large part from the eminent theologians Tanquerey, A Manual of Dogmatic Theology, (1959), 1:371-393 and from theologian Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, [1955], pgs. 114-122. Theologian Pohle is cited on one point, as is theologian Delaporte, and are given due attribution. 

1. In the beginning of time God created spiritual essences out of nothing. It is a dogma declared by the Fourth Lateran Council and the First Vatican Council that "simultaneously at the beginning of time He created from nothing both spiritual and corporeal creation, angelic and mundane." The creation of the angels is directly attested to in Colossians 1:16, "For in him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and in him." (Four of the angelic choirs are mentioned; Emphasis mine).

2. The number and hierarchy of the angels. There is no definitive teaching on how many angels exist, although it is certain they are very numerous. Apocalypse 5: 11, "I heard the voice of many angels...and the number of them was thousands of thousands." The so-called "orders" or "choirs" of angels are not an article of faith, but the theologians hold it to be a theologically certain truth. The theological schools have put them into three hierarchies with three choirs in each hierarchy. The supreme hierarchy has the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The intermediate hierarchy is composed of the Dominations, Virtues, and Powers. The lowest hierarchy is made of the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. It is speculated that the difference in rank is due to the supreme hierarchy assisting at the Throne of God and getting their orders directly from Almighty God Himself. They then hand these orders down to the intermediate hierarchy which, in turn, hands them down to the lowest hierarchy, and the angels bring messages (when necessary) to men. The name angel means "messenger."

3.  The angels have an intellect superior to men and are endowed with free will. The angels were given a test, like humans, to earn the Beatific Vision. They were subjected to a probation which a number failed and became demons in Hell. The angels are vastly superior to humans, but cannot produce a true miracle which is something only God can do. The leader of the rebellious angels became known as "Satan" or "adversary" and it is conjectured that approximately one third of the angels followed his rebellion against God, Who created and condemned them to Hell. What was the test? We don't know for certain. Most theologians agree it was a sin of pride. Some theologians speculate that they did not want to serve God. Other theologians, most notably the great Suarez, teach that the sin of pride was in refusing to obey and worship God the Son when it was made known He would take on a human nature (Hypostatic Union).

4. Every human being has a Guardian Angel who should be venerated and invoked. There are four points on this:
  • Angels have a general guardianship over the human race. It is good and salutary to pray to them and venerate them. All humans, not just members of the One True Church are given a Guardian Angel upon conception. Theologians agree that even the Antichrist will have a Guardian Angel, but all his efforts to turn him from utter wickedness will be in vain because of the sheer perversity of his will.It is to be rejected that every person also has a demon to tempt him. It is impious to even think God, Who wills the salvation of all, would permit it. 
  • Guardian Angels ward off dangers of body and soul consonant with the Will of God.
  • They inspire good and salutary thoughts and covey our prayers to the Throne of God.
  •  They assist us at the hour of death and bear the souls of the elect to Heaven. 

In regard to Satan and his demons:
Satan and his demons are fallen angels. As such, they are pure spirits with intellect and will. They are capable of things people cannot do, as humans are both body and soul. The Devil and his demons can hurt humanity in the following ways:

  • Temptation. According to theologian Pohle,"Satan and his demons...continually strive by lies and false pretenses to seduce men to commit sin and thereby incur eternal damnation." (See Dogmatic Theology,  [1945], 3:345). 
  • Physical injury. According to theologian Ott, "The evil spirits also seek to hurt mankind physically also, through the causing of physical evil (e.g., Tob. 3:8, Job 1:12, 1 Cor. 5: 5)."
  • Possession. Once more, from theologian Ott, "In some cases people are possessed, in which case the demon takes forcible possession of the human body, so that the bodily organs and the lower powers of the soul, but not the higher powers of the soul, are controlled by him. The possibility and reality of possession is firmly established by the express testimony of Christ, Who Himself drove out evil spirits and Who bestowed power over the evil spirits on His disciples (Church's power of exorcism---St. Mark 1:23; St. Luke 10: 17 et seq)." 
  • Diabolic Obsession . There is diabolic obsession, in which strong disturbances are imposed on the mind, e.g., thoughts of suicide, committing serious sins, or gender dysphoria. It can also take the form of an "infestation" in the house (e.g., hearing mysterious footsteps, bad odors with no cause--and all experienced by more than just the one primarily afflicted). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "But the influence of the demon, as we know from Scripture and the history of the Church, goes further still. He may attack man's body from without [obsession], or assume control of it from within [possession]." (See http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12315a.htm).  
According to theologian Delaporte, "Although very rare in ordinary life, obsession is very frequent in the heroic lives of the Saints...Persons of a nervous temperament and lively imagination, imagine themselves haunted by the  Devil, when there is nothing of the kind. People should not believe in obsession without the most convincing proof." (See The Devil, Does He Exist and What Does He Do?, [reprint from 1871], pgs. 129-130).  We must be on guard against Satan, yet not ascribe anything to direct demonic activity without ruling out natural causes.
Conclusion
Angels are very real. Unfortunately, so are the fallen angels. We must understand Church teaching about both. It is wonderful to pray and to be devoted to our Guardian Angel, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Gabriel, St. Rafael, and the Choirs of angels. However, we must be careful that we are are really praying to the angels, and not some New Age counterfeit. If anyone claims "angels" revealed something to them, is that so-called revelation at odds with Church teaching? Before you buy any book that references angels, check if there is anything regarding faith or morals that is incompatible with Church teaching, and therefore equally incompatible with the angels of God. When it comes to demons, we must understand what they really are so as not to get involved with other errors.

"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children." (Hosea 4:8). Make sure you understand Church teaching before getting involved with anything claiming to be "angel devotion" or something to "keep away evil spirits/demons." Truly, fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

49 comments:

  1. Hey Introibo, do you know in regards to angels, are they all males or some females? Or is that just a simply human idea to think of them that way?

    God bless.
    David.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David,
      “Male and female” in regard to angels is just a human way to think about them.

      According to theologian Tanquerey, there are many errors concerning angels. Their very existence is denied by atheists, and some Protestants who claim that the angels in the Bible are either good inspirations sent by God, or men sent by God to enlighten others. On the other hand, Some of the Fathers and early theologians were in error regarding the nature of angels, thinking they were united to special bodies. It is certain that angels are entirely spiritual. (See Tanquerey, “Dogmatic Theology“ (1:372)). Thus the angel Raphael says to Tobias, " I seemed indeed to eat and to drink with you: but I use an invisible meat and drink, which cannot be seen by men." From this we may infer that angels do not have a body but only an apparent body.

      Since it is theologically certain that angels have no body, it certainly follows they have no gender either.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    2. Ok thanks. Yeah I always wondered that esspecially since Our Lord took on flesh and became a man, so God technically has a gender. Always as well since He is always referred to by male pronouns,I was just curious if He also created angels in that way too, at least in the sense of them being a "male spirit or female spirit" without actual physical bodies. But it also makes sense, that since He created women from a mans body, that only humans have gender.

      David.

      Delete
    3. This is actually a matter that warrants some consideration in these days, where Radical Transgender ideologues seek to throw out all knowledge and wisdom regarding biology and the differences between the sexes.

      It should be important to note that sex is something intrinsic to biological essence; in the case of humans, it comes down to our chromosomes (XX for women, XY for men; those who possess chromosomes different from this baseline suffer anatomical or physiological disorders, and are not to be considered an alternative sex in and of themselves), which drive how the body's sexual characteristics develop. Historical conceptions regarding masculinity and femininity are thus driven by a combination of biology, social roles, and human tradition, as far as secular societies go; this isn't even going to what God has made known of the sexes through Divine Revelation.

      However, because of confusion regarding the nature of the soul and of biology, you have Transgender ideologues (some of whom are truly mentally disordered, while others are use it as a vehicle for attention, convenience, or a bizarre form of social credit or victimhood status) who spout off nonsensical platitudes about "being born in the wrong body" or "having a woman's brain in a male body" (or viceversa). Notwithstanding the physical absurdities of these statements, consider the insidious means by which these ideologues have tried to conflate gender (which was originally a grammatical term describing classifications for nouns sharing certain characteristics) with sex, using it to overthrow societal norms and traditional wisdom in a proverbial orgy of Modernism. As of the 1970s, gender overtook sex as the term of choice in various social sciences precisely because of how malleable it is; now it has made ground in even the harder sciences. Witness one more: a fundamental misunderstanding of first principles and true philosophy brings one to intellectual ruin.

      Since sex is a characteristic of physical bodies, there cannot be said to be a male soul or a female soul; there is simply a human soul, acting through a body of a particular sex; your biology determines whether you are a man or a woman, not your soul.

      In like manner, this idea of spiritual beings have a "gender" of their own (such as angels, which are predominately characterized as winged humans in art, and hence as being male or female) is also rooted in this misunderstanding.

      Alas, if you've ever looked around social media recently, it seems to currently be "in vogue" to try and be as abnormal as you can be; normalcy is shunned, strangeness is demanded!

      Sincerely,

      A Simple Man

      Delete
    4. Simple Man,
      Interestingly, I have a post on “transgender” coming up soon!

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    5. A Simple Man, you are not suggesting that a soul can't be masculine or feminine, correct?

      There is no reason to think a spirit cannot be masculine/feminine if it does not have a body. Our soul is our form and is the very essence of our person. Our human body simply reflects that which is invisible, which is why transgenderism is a perversion and denial of truth.

      Feel free to jump in and give your thoughts, Introibo.

      Thanks.

      Delete
    6. CM7,
      A person is a COMPOSITE of body and soul. It is not the Cartesian “ghost in the machine.” Therefore, souls are bound by the gender of their body.

      Angels have no body at all, so they have no gender. On what basis would we call them “male” or “female” if no body is involved?

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    7. Souls are not bound by the gender of their body. Introibo, the body does not determine the attributes of the person or soul. I also did not say there was a basis for calling pure spirits male or female. Is God masculine or feminine? Is He our Father or mother?

      Delete
    8. CM7,
      I’m not claiming you said anything. I was making a statement. The soul of a man is intimately bound up by the body. We need the Resurrection to make us whole. God is masculine. He took on a male body in the Hypostatic Union.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    9. Ok. Sorry for sounding contentious. It looks like we are on the same page. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my comments.

      Delete
    10. CM7,
      Ask me anything you want anytime my friend!

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  2. Media conceptions certainly don't help promote the true understanding either. "Angels in the Outfield," anyone?

    Consider the presence of true angels as revealed in Scripture: whenever they did not disguise themselves, their very appearance and power was practically overwhelming, such that they had to prefix their message with "Fear not!"

    One particular exception to this was the Blessed Virgin Mary, who rather than being assuaged to not fear the messenger, was instead exalted with "Hail, full of grace!"

    Sincerely,

    A Simple Man

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simple Man,
      Yes, pop culture does much to spread false ideas about angels too.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  3. Angels have no sex (male or female) properly speaking. Thinking grammatically they have a gender, such as a table, or a crayon, or a cat does in foreign languages. They have been thought of as male in gender by humans from the beginning, but that may be simply for convenience in speaking about them. Just my opinion
    -Jannie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jannie,
      You are correct. The angels that appear in the Bible have taken on a masculine appearance (think of the two angels sent to Lot), or are portrayed as having shown themselves as male (e.g. In Luke 1:29, the Bible says of the angel Gabriel “Mary was greatly troubled at HIS words “ This may be mere grammatical construction, yet all portrayals of angels have been masculine.

      As you rightly point out, despite the appearance, angels have no bodies and no biological sex being pure spirits.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  4. @Anonymous 6:43
    Yep. And in all Her humility, that must've threw Her for a loop.
    Ave Maria. Thank You, Blessed Mother. I love you, now and forever. Amen.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice reminder about our Angel Guardians.

    I think I'll pass on your upcoming post on transgender.
    What is the point? Are sedes in anyway interested in that subject?
    Besides, you already have a post here:
    https://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2018/12/when-harry-became-sally.html

    You mentioned: "The souls of the Blessed in Heaven do not become "god-like,"..."

    What about the Church Father's teaching on deification?
    That God can deify our souls, begotten unto immortality, where we can partake of the Divine Nature, making of the soul "like unto God".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Introibo,
      I agree with Anthony.
      Why waste time on the Transgenders?

      Delete
    2. Anthony and Anon12:28
      The purpose of my blog is to expose the Vatican II sect, to highlight points of Catholic doctrine, and to warn of modern errors and dangers that the V2 sect completely neglects (when they are not part of the problem).

      I’m very aware of the subjects upon which I have written. There are always new developments and new dangers that arise. I’ve written on Sedevacantism more than once; and with good reason; it doesn’t stop becoming relevant after one post. I also wrote the “Singing For Satan” series. I have been working on an updated post, and hopefully it will be ready in another few weeks.

      The souls of the just do not become “Demi-gods” or achieve “god-like status” such as is taught in Mormonism and forms of New Ageism.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    3. Introibo,
      Doesn't the Eastern Orthodox believe in "Deification", or "God like status"?

      JoAnn

      Delete
    4. Joann,
      Not exactly. It is a strange teaching called “theosis” : even as it is not possible for any created being to become God, they may become “God-like.” It thereby avoids Mormonism and pantheism, but the full import of what it means remains mysterious. I doubt even the EO understand it!

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    5. Thanks for reminding me that you are an idiot who, like the Dimond brothers, should not be answering questions about Orthodox Christianity. Ignorance coupled with arrogance is what you get from sedevacantists. Even Catholic Answers provides a better answer than you: https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-so-that-we-might-become-god-means.

      Delete
    6. @anon3:31
      Thanks for reminding me why I’m not an Eastern Schismatic. Catholic (sic) Answers uses the heretical Catechism of Wojtyla. Moreover, it is not referring specifically to the EO. I know an EO priest and his explanation was both convoluted and imprecise. He was humble enough to admit he didn’t fully understand it.

      You come onto my blog, begin by calling me an idiot, compare me with Feeneyites, don't make proper distinctions in citing a source that is neither Traditionalist nor addressing the EO—-and sedes are “ignorant and arrogant”? LOL

      Thank you! I needed a good laugh today, even if your intention wasn’t comical.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    7. You called it a "strange teaching" as to imply that it is basically unheard of and only used by those "polytheist" Orthodox. This proves you're an idiot. Sedevacantists know next to nothing about the teachings of the fathers. You and the wicked dimond liars need to shut up about things you know nothing about. The damage you continue to do to people is great.

      Delete
    8. @Anon4:28

      1. I said the EO teaching of it is strange.

      2. I never said EO were polytheistic. That’s a provable lie. I wrote, “ It thereby AVOIDS Mormonism and polytheism...”

      3. If people who were ignorant had to “shut up” you’d have to join an EO monastery and take a vow of perpetual silence.

      4. Do you understand Christian Charity and the Bible? Contemplate this saying of Our Lord:


      “But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. “ (St. Matthew 5:22).

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    9. Introibo,
      I had lengthy conversations with an Eastern Orthodox a few months ago and she was equating Deification with something called Hesychasm. She stated Hesychasm consisted of specific body postures and deliberate breathing exercises. That one could attain Deification by practicing Hesychasm. It sounded alot like Yoga to me. Also, we are saved by Grace, not works.

      JoAnn

      Delete
    10. Joann,
      Salvation by grace alone is heresy. Good works are needed. Hesychasm has many problems. For a complete explanation of the issue, please see the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia at:
      http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07301a.htm

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    11. Introibo,
      Let me clarify what I meant:
      The EO I spoke with claimed that doing Hesychasm would lead one to Deification. Therefore, Hesychasm being the "works" I was referencing. I realize we are not saved by Grace alone.

      JoAnn

      Delete
    12. Joann,
      Ah! I understand! Sorry for misunderstanding you. You already know how strange and dangerous such a practice is for people.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  6. Introibo,
    How do you explain the following Bible verse:

    "And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels". Thanks.

    JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joann,
      The passage you cite is Hebrews 13:2. According to Theologian Haydock we should always be kind to those in need (“hospitality” was more than just being a nice host in those days). You never know that the person you help might be even an angel. This is a reference to the two angels that came to visit Lot in Sodom, appearing as mere men.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  7. New developments.. new dangers?..
    There are very few true Catholic websites/blogs as options. Catholic readers must be aware that if you frequent a sedevacantist site which has the objective of unmasking the fake church, you expose yourself also to the moderators and clique of commenters opinions.
    And if you are already convinced about sedevacantism, you have no need for this. They certainly have no authoriy over your Faith whatsoever.
    They cover some doctrine but not all of doctrine.
    So, it will never take the place of a good old catechism, scripture, practicing virtue, spiritual reading, piety, devotions, and the sacraments.
    Perhaps all this criticism and gossip about the modern errors and dangers could be consolidated into a weekly rag for the grocery store check out line.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anthony,
      Yes, new dangers such as Transgenderism, AI in the Home, and Vacancy Pushers like Ibranyi and Bizzaro; all of which were unheard of even 20 years ago.

      Better than me are Novus Ordo Watch, Steven Speray, and DailyCatholic. Many people who visit here and read are NOT convinced Sedevacantists. I’ve had no less than 5 people convert by the grace of God after reading here—and they sent me messages to let me know.

      No one can cover all doctrine, but far better are the approved theologians (more than catechisms). Many Sedes don’t have access and/or time to read them, but a short post about a point or two can greatly help deepen the faith.

      Before I go and try and compete with the National Enquirer, why don’t YOU start a blog? You could call it “Commies are Everywhere” by Anthony. You might not be as entertaining as the Enquirer, but the truth content would be about the same (or lower) than Bigfoot and Elvis sightings.

      Now, please leave. I have no time or patience for boors with nothing of substance to contribute and just want to argue.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  8. For those wondering why Introibo would want to discuss Transgenderism:

    1) First of all, why not? It's his blog, and he can write about whatever he wants to.

    2) This also isn't a blog primarily about sedevacsntism.

    3) Since Gender Ideologues are a vast and disproportionately powerful force among pop culture, social media, and academia, it stands to reason that addressing it from a traditional Catholic perspective is absolutely warranted, even if it doesn't directly tie into sedevacantism per se.

    For crying out loud, we have biological males beginning to take over women's sports, and all because we're supposed to cater to their whims (be they delusional or deceitful)?

    It's at least a topic worthy of discussion.

    Sincerely,

    A Simple Man

    ReplyDelete
  9. Introibo,
    I seriously wouldn't doubt that the Vatican II sect will have a transgender "Pope" in the near future.

    On another topic, what do you think of the CBD craze? Do you think it is harmless as is claimed? I am surprised about the amount of people who are actually taking the stuff.
    JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joann,
      I wouldn’t be surprised about a “transgender” V2 sect pope either. I believe CBD to be dangerous. I know someone involved in it. There’s not enough research and it’s driven by profit, not by true benefit to the people.

      God Bless,

      ——Introibo

      Delete
  10. What do you think about stem cell treatment?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poni,
      I am not opposed to stem cells from adult tissue and umbilical cord blood, which poses no moral problem. Treatment with such cells is fine. Any stem cells obtained by murdering innocent unborn babies is an immoral abomination and may NEVER be used.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    2. Do you think if a person was in a life or death situation in which there was no possible way out that God would send an angel in the form of a man to rescue them?

      Delete
    3. @anon3:52
      Is it possible? Yes. Has it happened? Yes. Credible accounts in various lives of the saints prove it has happened. MUST it happen? No. This might be the kind of death God has chosen for that individual.

      Why the form of a man and not angelic splendor? There could be many reasons, but those are known only to the angel, God, and anyone God has so chosen to tell.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  11. What do you think about Vincent Van Gogh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poni
      In regards to what? His painting “Head of an Angel”?

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    2. In regards to his death. Many say he killed himself, but other peoples say he did not - it was an accident. Do you think he glorifies suicide?

      I had never looked that picture before. It looks like an hybrid between a novus ordo painting, a photograph of a woman reading and the typical Van Gogh psychotic strokes.

      Delete
    3. Poni,
      I do not know enough about Vincent Van Gogh to even speculate. I’ll say this: If he were truly insane, God does not impute culpability for those sins committed while crazy. That includes even suicide.

      God Bless,

      —-Introibo

      Delete
  12. Introibo,

    I have something for you to consider and comment on. In my St. Andrew's Missal, on the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, Oct. 2nd, the commentary states, "That there is one for each JUST man, there can be no doubt..."

    It is interesting that the word "just" was placed there, implying that an unjust man would lose his guardian angel for at least some time. What are your thoughts on this?

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CM7,
      Some theologians (a minority) teach that only those who have been justified by baptism receive a guardian angel. The Church has never decided the issue.

      —-Introibo

      Delete
    2. Guardian Angels existed long before baptism though so the just man would make more sense if it simply meant, one in a state of grace.

      Delete
    3. CM7,
      Yes, pre-Christian it would be the state of Grace.

      —-Introibo

      Delete