There are members of false sects, like Jehovah's Witnesses, that come knocking door-to-door hoping to convert you. Instead of ignoring them, it is we who should try and convert them. In 1 Peter 3:16, our first Pope writes, "But in thy hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks thee to give the reason for the hope that thou hast. But do this with gentleness and respect,..." Before the Great Apostasy, the Church would send missionaries to the ends of the Earth to make as many converts as possible.
Those in false religions don't always come (literally) knocking at your door. It may be a Hindu at work who wants you to try yoga. It could be a "Christian Scientist" who lives next door and invites you to come to their reading room. Each month, I will present a false sect. Unlike the Vatican II sect, I do not see them as a "means of salvation" or possessing "elements of truth" that lead to salvation. That is heresy. They lead to damnation, and the adherents of the various sects must be converted so they may be saved.
In each month's post, I will present one false sect and give an overview of:
- The sect's history
- Their theology
- Tips on how to share the True Faith with them
Astrology
Astrology, like yoga, is not a false sect per se. However, this series is dedicated to equip you against those who would introduce you not merely to an actual false religion such as Mormonism, but also to seemingly innocuous practices that are quite evil and draw you into the false and anti-Catholic beliefs that underlie them. Astrology is one such practice. There are those who take it very seriously, those who use it only when facing big decisions in life, and those who claim to read their horoscope for "fun" or "entertainment" but pay it little heed.
If you're like most people, you've probably been asked numerous times in your life, "What's your [Zodiac] sign?" The pagan practice of astrology has so saturated our culture, I'm pretty sure no one reading this post doesn't know their Zodiac sign and most everyone has heard the names of the so-called "twelve signs" of the Zodiac. There are even those who contend that astrology is perfectly in accord with Christianity because the Magi (aka Three Wise Men) in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 2 are referred to as "astrologers" in some Bible translations (Vatican II sect original "New American Bible"). They supposedly used their knowledge of astrology to find Jesus when He was born of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.
So what, exactly, is astrology? What's wrong with it? Is it sinful? Were the Magi astrologers, and can you practice "Christian astrology"? These questions will be answered in this post.
If you're like most people, you've probably been asked numerous times in your life, "What's your [Zodiac] sign?" The pagan practice of astrology has so saturated our culture, I'm pretty sure no one reading this post doesn't know their Zodiac sign and most everyone has heard the names of the so-called "twelve signs" of the Zodiac. There are even those who contend that astrology is perfectly in accord with Christianity because the Magi (aka Three Wise Men) in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 2 are referred to as "astrologers" in some Bible translations (Vatican II sect original "New American Bible"). They supposedly used their knowledge of astrology to find Jesus when He was born of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.
So what, exactly, is astrology? What's wrong with it? Is it sinful? Were the Magi astrologers, and can you practice "Christian astrology"? These questions will be answered in this post.
Origin and Modern Day Revival
Astrology as known in the West today, began around the year 3000 BC in the Mesopotamia. The Babylonian belief system held that the celestial bodies were "gods" who influenced all of life. Astrology during this time was used by pagan priests who attempted to tell the fortune (or future) of their countries as opposed to today's practice of casting personal horoscopes. With the advent of Christianity, astrology was condemned, and the number of practitioners decreased.
It's modern day revival began in the early 20th century due to the writings of three people: Satanist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) who wrote a book entitled Astrology; Alice Bailey (1880-1949), an occultist who authored a three-volume work, A Treatise on the Seven Rays; and most influential was Carl Jung (pronounced "young" 1875-1961), one of the so-called Fathers of Psychology and an occultist. Jung used astrology in tandem with his theory of synchronicity (i.e., meaningful coincidences), and his work with symbols and myths were influential in the development of the North American humanist school of astrology which emphasizes psychology and therapy (called "astrotherapy").
The so-called "New Age Movement," which began in the United States in the 1960s and quickly spread to Europe, incorporated and helped to legitimize astrology. In striving to legitimize astrology and make it seem scientific, there is an ongoing attempt to make it square with the theories of certain schools of psychology--in particular those that incorporate Jungian principles. (See The Astrology Encyclopedia, [1994], by James Lewis). The New Yorker magazine references a 2017 Pew Research poll, which relates that approximately 30% of the U.S. population believes in astrology. The magazine notes that it is on the upswing due to its popularity among millennials:
In its penetration into our shared lexicon, astrology is a little like psychoanalysis once was. At mid-century, you might have heard talk of id, ego, or superego at a party; now it’s common to hear someone explain herself by way of sun, moon, and rising signs. It’s not just that you hear it. It’s who’s saying it: people who aren’t kooks or climate-change deniers, who see no contradiction between using astrology and believing in science. The change is fueling a new generation of practitioners...The popularity of astrology is often explained as the result of the decline of organized religion and the rise of economic precariousness, and as one aspect of a larger turn to New Age modalities. Then, there’s the matter of political panic. In times of crisis, it is often said, people search for something to believe in. (See https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/10/28/astrology-in-the-age-of-uncertainty).
Astrology is therefore based on the assumption that the stars and planets mysteriously influence people’s lives. It teaches that this influence begins at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. This is because the heavenly bodies allegedly influence or determine our future, and astrology claims to be able to "read" how the planets, stars, etc., affect people’s lives, and so offer helpful counsel about the present and the future. As an ancient pagan system of divination (attempting to predict the future), astrology easily traps people in occult practices and philosophy.
Before continuing, its important to know some key words/ideas in astrology:
The zodiac is an imaginary “belt” of sky comprising the 12 astrological signs that the ancients illustrated by mythological figures, both human and animal. In other words, the mythological “signs” of the zodiac are overlaid upon the actual clusters, or constellations, of stars. More importantly, the “signs” exist irrespective of the actual positions of the constellations to which they are said to refer.
The signs are the 12 “signs of the zodiac,” under which everyone is born (e.g., Pisces, Capricorn, Gemini, etc.)
The houses are the 12 divisions of the zodiac that are said to correspond symbolically to every area of life. The houses are also imaginary, and the planets are said to travel through the houses, influencing each area of life as they do.
The horoscope is a “map” of the heavens for the time of birth, or for any time thereafter. On the horoscope, or chart, an astrologer plots the positions of the planets, signs, and houses, and then from this “map,” after interpreting numerous complex rules, many of which vary greatly from one astrologer to another, the astrologer gives a “reading" aka, a "delineation" which tells your future. (See, Encyclopedia of Astrology [1976] by Nicholas deVore).
There is also this blanket-condemnation of divination:
"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." (See Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Emphasis mine).
Objection: "The Three Wise Men were astrologers, so there can be 'Christian Astrology'
This objection is frequently brought up by members of the Vatican II sect. Their "New American Bible" translation originally called them "astrologers" in the Gospel according to St. Matthew chapter 2. Even the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913 is not clear in this matter. That is why it is a good source for general matters, but to fully understand specific theological matters, it does not suffice in many cases.
Vatican II sect "priest," William Saunders writes, " From these possible definitions and the description provided in the gospel, the Magi were probably Persian priest-astrologers who could interpret the stars, particularly the significance of the star that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah. (Even the ancient historian Herodotus (d. 5th century B.C.) would attest to the astrological prowess of the priestly class of Persia.)" (See https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-magi.html). He claims the Wise Men were not kings and were pagans using a "detestable practice" (astrology) which God rewarded by showing them the way to the Savior.
The Douay-Rheims Bible gives the accurate translation of St. Matthew 2:1-2, "When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him.'" According to theologian Haydock, "Both the Latin and the Greek text may signify wise philosophers and astronomers which is the common exposition." (See The Douay-Rheims New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with Catholic Commentary, [1859], pg. 1249;Emphasis mine). There was no differentiation in those days between the legitimate study of the stars and planets (the science of astronomy) and pagan, superstitious astrology. Haydock continues, "They knew it was His star, either by some prophesy among them, or by Divine revelation." (Ibid).
That the Magi were recipients of private Divine revelation is borne out by verse 12, "And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country."(Emphasis mine). God revealed to them in their sleep that they were to return another way home and not to heed the wicked Herod. Haydock teaches, "Some ancient interpreters think these very men might have been magicians before their conversion." (Ibid; Emphasis mine). God will sometimes reveal Himself in a special way to those of good will. The Jewish "proper diaspora" began with the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC which sent them all around the Mesopotamia. Before the establishment of the Catholic Church, Judaism was the true religion. The Magi ("wise men") were either astronomers (or possibly astrologers who also learned astronomy) and converted. After all, if pagans, why would they go looking after a God in Whom they did not believe? They were rewarded for their faith by God. Hence, there is no "Christian astrology," nor would God reward it, contrary to what "Fr." Saunders would like you to believe.
What of those who visit astrologers or dabble in it themselves? More problems arise:
In its penetration into our shared lexicon, astrology is a little like psychoanalysis once was. At mid-century, you might have heard talk of id, ego, or superego at a party; now it’s common to hear someone explain herself by way of sun, moon, and rising signs. It’s not just that you hear it. It’s who’s saying it: people who aren’t kooks or climate-change deniers, who see no contradiction between using astrology and believing in science. The change is fueling a new generation of practitioners...The popularity of astrology is often explained as the result of the decline of organized religion and the rise of economic precariousness, and as one aspect of a larger turn to New Age modalities. Then, there’s the matter of political panic. In times of crisis, it is often said, people search for something to believe in. (See https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/10/28/astrology-in-the-age-of-uncertainty).
Astrology is therefore based on the assumption that the stars and planets mysteriously influence people’s lives. It teaches that this influence begins at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. This is because the heavenly bodies allegedly influence or determine our future, and astrology claims to be able to "read" how the planets, stars, etc., affect people’s lives, and so offer helpful counsel about the present and the future. As an ancient pagan system of divination (attempting to predict the future), astrology easily traps people in occult practices and philosophy.
Before continuing, its important to know some key words/ideas in astrology:
The zodiac is an imaginary “belt” of sky comprising the 12 astrological signs that the ancients illustrated by mythological figures, both human and animal. In other words, the mythological “signs” of the zodiac are overlaid upon the actual clusters, or constellations, of stars. More importantly, the “signs” exist irrespective of the actual positions of the constellations to which they are said to refer.
The signs are the 12 “signs of the zodiac,” under which everyone is born (e.g., Pisces, Capricorn, Gemini, etc.)
The houses are the 12 divisions of the zodiac that are said to correspond symbolically to every area of life. The houses are also imaginary, and the planets are said to travel through the houses, influencing each area of life as they do.
The horoscope is a “map” of the heavens for the time of birth, or for any time thereafter. On the horoscope, or chart, an astrologer plots the positions of the planets, signs, and houses, and then from this “map,” after interpreting numerous complex rules, many of which vary greatly from one astrologer to another, the astrologer gives a “reading" aka, a "delineation" which tells your future. (See, Encyclopedia of Astrology [1976] by Nicholas deVore).
Astrology: Occult and Pagan
There are many things wrong with astrology. First and foremost, it is a type of divination ("predicting the future," or as the Oxford Dictionary defines it, "the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means."). As such, astrology falls under the prohibition of the Church. According to theologians McHugh and Callan, divination is a sin of superstition against the First Commandment because "a creature is given the credit of Divine knowledge, when instruction about hidden matters which only God could bestow is asked from it..." (See Moral Theology, [1930], 2:360). Furthermore, "If there is no explicit invocation of the spirits of evil, the sin is of its nature mortal on account of its implicit commerce with the devil; but generally the sin will be light on account of the dispositions of the offender (e.g., because he is ignorant, or consults divination as a joke or from curiosity, or has no faith in it). Hence, the faithful should be warned not go to fortune tellers...All forms of divination, it is commonly held, belong to the same species of worship of a false god..(Ibid, 2:365-366; Emphasis mine).
Likewise, the Bible explicitly condemns astrology.
Isaiah 47:13-14, "All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up."
Deuteronomy 4:19, "And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven."
Jeremiah 19:13, "The houses in Jerusalem and those of the kings of Judah will be defiled like this place, Topheth—all the houses where they burned incense on the roofs to all the starry hosts and poured out drink offerings to other gods."
Acts 7:42, "But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?' "
There is also this blanket-condemnation of divination:
"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." (See Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Emphasis mine).
Objection: "The Three Wise Men were astrologers, so there can be 'Christian Astrology'
This objection is frequently brought up by members of the Vatican II sect. Their "New American Bible" translation originally called them "astrologers" in the Gospel according to St. Matthew chapter 2. Even the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913 is not clear in this matter. That is why it is a good source for general matters, but to fully understand specific theological matters, it does not suffice in many cases.
Vatican II sect "priest," William Saunders writes, " From these possible definitions and the description provided in the gospel, the Magi were probably Persian priest-astrologers who could interpret the stars, particularly the significance of the star that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah. (Even the ancient historian Herodotus (d. 5th century B.C.) would attest to the astrological prowess of the priestly class of Persia.)" (See https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-magi.html). He claims the Wise Men were not kings and were pagans using a "detestable practice" (astrology) which God rewarded by showing them the way to the Savior.
The Douay-Rheims Bible gives the accurate translation of St. Matthew 2:1-2, "When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him.'" According to theologian Haydock, "Both the Latin and the Greek text may signify wise philosophers and astronomers which is the common exposition." (See The Douay-Rheims New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with Catholic Commentary, [1859], pg. 1249;Emphasis mine). There was no differentiation in those days between the legitimate study of the stars and planets (the science of astronomy) and pagan, superstitious astrology. Haydock continues, "They knew it was His star, either by some prophesy among them, or by Divine revelation." (Ibid).
That the Magi were recipients of private Divine revelation is borne out by verse 12, "And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country."(Emphasis mine). God revealed to them in their sleep that they were to return another way home and not to heed the wicked Herod. Haydock teaches, "Some ancient interpreters think these very men might have been magicians before their conversion." (Ibid; Emphasis mine). God will sometimes reveal Himself in a special way to those of good will. The Jewish "proper diaspora" began with the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC which sent them all around the Mesopotamia. Before the establishment of the Catholic Church, Judaism was the true religion. The Magi ("wise men") were either astronomers (or possibly astrologers who also learned astronomy) and converted. After all, if pagans, why would they go looking after a God in Whom they did not believe? They were rewarded for their faith by God. Hence, there is no "Christian astrology," nor would God reward it, contrary to what "Fr." Saunders would like you to believe.
Astrology: The Fault Is Not In The Stars, But In Ourselves
There are numerous problems in the practice of astrology. They exist in the "professional astrologers" (See American Federation of Astrologers https://www.astrologers.com/), and in those who go to them. The dangers of both will be considered.
1. The Dangers of Astrologers
According to Tracy Marks,( The Art of Chart Interpretation, [1986], pp. 151-53), astrologers pose many threats:
- astrologers may pass their own values and ideas to "clients" under the cloak of astrological authority.
- the astrologer may give clients what they appear to want so that they continue to spend money to come back
- astrologers are, per se, committing an evil act, in which the client commits sin and opens himself to diabolic influence (this danger is from me not Marks---Introibo)
In addition, "professional" astrologers (those who give "readings" for money) are:
- unlicensed and unregulated
- require little or no education
- occultists who characteristically reject absolute moral values
- often use their powers over others in a manipulative and authoritarian manner.
2. The Dangers of Going to Astrologers or "Self-Practicing" Astrologers
What of those who visit astrologers or dabble in it themselves? More problems arise:
- Virtually anything can be rationalized, any sin or evil, because "the stars/planets control me"
- There are self-fulfilling prophesies. If you think something bad will happen, and it does, it must be because astrology correctly predicted it. It is really because your beliefs and expectations influence your behavior to a degree. If you think you will give a lousy oral report to your boss, you make yourself nervous and begin to stutter. However, the "stars" are credited.
- You no longer rely on God, but on "the stars" to tell you what to do
- You are in a habitual state of sin, and more likely to commit other sins
- The danger of doing astrology for "fun" will have disastrous results as you are going against God. Many people have suffered much spiritually, psychologically, and even physically from using a Ouija board "for fun"
Proselytizing Astrologers
In this section, there are two types of astrologers that you will encounter, (1) those who claim to be Christian and (2) those who identify as something else ("spiritual not religious" etc.). In addition, there are two subdivisions of each (a) those who "dabble" and "do it for fun" and (b) those who are serious about it either for themselves or as a "profession." You may use this for someone you know who is involved or as an answer to an astrologer who wants to "give you a reading."
Christian Dabblers
Do not claim they are "agents of Satan" (although they are doing something objectively wrong) because they will not hear you out. Explain Church teaching and/or Biblical verses condemning astrology. Ask them, "would you lie or commit any other sin 'for fun'?" You can also use the scientific debunking of astrology explained below.
Christians Serious about Astrology. Do the same as above, but add the part about the Magi so there is no mistaking astrology as "permitted in the Bible." You must trust in God, and if you make money off of something forbidden by God, that can't be good in the long run. "For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?" (St. Matthew 16:26). You can use the scientific argument below.
Non-christian Dabblers and the Serious. Theological arguments will not carry the day. Rather, use the scientific argument that astrology is universally rejected by all accredited scientists as pseudo-science. The core approach of astrology is to give out vague, blanket statements, like “You will have an important challenge this week”. This strategy is used for “predicting” future events as well as assessing personality traits. Furthermore, when astrology was created, it was based off the five known planets at the time. Since then, more planets have been discovered, and yet, astrologers didn’t bother to make the necessary changes. For an in-depth scientific challenge, please see https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/astrology_checklist.
They might object with anecdotal evidence, such as "Every time I've done a reading, what was predicted really happened." (Some could be due to demonic influence). Do not fall back on theological arguments. Instead, challenge them to "debunk the astrological skeptics through scientific validation--which shouldn't be hard if all or most of your readings come true."
Ask all of the astrologers, "Do you believe that the heavens are created by a loving and all-powerful God?" This would be your "in" to discuss the Faith. Make sure you're prepared with arguments for the existence of God first, before moving on to the truth of Christ.
Conclusion
Astrology is a forbidden practice. Do not be drawn into it. All astrologers are committing objective sin. Many astrologers are pantheists, people who believe the universe is living and that it is divine. The stars and planets are reverenced as part of the larger divine universe. The alleged power of the stars and planets over their lives evokes feelings of religious awe and devotion. To serve means “to perform duties for, to give obedience and reverent honor to, to wait upon.” All astrologers serve the heavens in this manner. That is, the positions of the stars are dutifully recorded and the information derived from them is carefully analyzed and religiously obeyed.
However, we must remember the words of St. Paul regarding whom/what we obey, "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16).
Astrology is a deception of the devil. It is better to follow the teachings of the Bible and the Holy Catholic Church than to be guided by charlatans who want our money. The Lord made heaven and earth, it is Him who must be followed.
ReplyDeleteSimon,
DeleteExactly correct!
—-Introibo
It is interesting reading about Carl Jung, who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud in the field of psychology; what is it with exemplars (so to speak) in that profession trending towards the bizarre?
ReplyDeleteBut regardless, that is a valid point made regarding how so many people who would probably decry Christians as "anti-science" probably dabble in astrology or manifold other New Age practices. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, I say.
On one final unrelated note, your note about the Magi and how likely it was that their astronomy knowledge was interwoven with astrological practices brought to mind just how much the development of natural philosophy (aka the natural sciences) was entangled with practices we now consider pseudo-science. One big example off the top of my head is alchemy, which drove the cultivation of the field of chemistry (for example, for all his contributions to the fields of physics and mathematics, Isaac Newton was also a dedicated alchemist). How strange and perverse it is, that common knowledge of things historical and scientific seem to be regressing as true religion recedes, and pagan ways reassert themselves!
(I wonder if there are any flat-earthers who practice astrology?)
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Simple Man,
DeleteYou’ve asked the right question here! I have had people comment who believe that the Earth is flat! There are some who comment believing in a Gnostic “Grand Conspiracy” wherein EVERYONE (except the enlightened few) don’t realize that ALMOST EVERYTHING is not as it seems with Jewish Freemasons lurking behind every door. The Moon landing, 9/11, Newton shooting, and 99% of all news is “fake.”
Will they come out of the woodwork this time? Who knows? Thank you for commenting; the comments of my readers improve the quality of the blog by giving all of us food for thought.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
What you write is true, Intro.
ReplyDeleteThe fascination with the occult has grown hugely since its original modern heyday in Victorian/Edwardian times. You can almost time the new occult era from the inception of the cult of V2.
TV shows like "Long Island Medium" have become a "thing" while they spread this misguided interest and rake in advertising bucks while doing it.
I was caught up in watching a true story series called "A Haunting", about dwellings that are considered infested by ghosts or demons (I never believed in the ghosts though). Interestingly, when shamans or non Catholic "exorcists" were called in to rid the houses of these spirits, the effects were never lasting.
One episode, though, centered on a beleaguered family who finally called in Bishop Robert McKenna, who succeeded in expelling the entity(ies) from the home for good. I had never realized the good Bishop was an Exorcist appointed to act by the True Church.
I don't watch those kind of shows anymore, they never did my mind or soul much good.
Sorry to wander off there, but to get back to your post: yes we need to keep preaching about these fake science substitutes for God. That is what they are. They are idols, superstitions that God forbids in His very First Commandment.
Thank you, Intro.
Jannie
Jannie,
DeleteWhat you say is true. I never realized the extent of the “occult invasion” after Vatican II. Those shows about mediums, astrology, pop/rock/rap music all infested with the occult. When the True Church was marginalized and “driven underground” the works of Satan have grown in leaps and bounds.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Bp McKenna was a sedevacantist.
DeleteTom,
DeleteHe was actually sedeprivationist. Same practical effect.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Are there still some totalist sedes that view sedeprivationists as heretics?
DeleteI've read before that European sedes prayed hard to prevent the consecration of Bp. Stuyver, IMBC, by Bp. McKenna, OP. I don't see why sedeprivationism is a heresy, even if it's wrong. Are many sedes really like that?
@anon7:00
DeleteI know of several sedes that reject sedeprivationism on theological grounds, but to the best of my knowledge and belief very few still consider it “heretical.”
—-Introibo
I'm afraid I know of at least one Sedeprivationist blogger who considers Sedevacantism erroneous, on the same level as recognize and resist. Whether he considers it to be fully heretical I couldn't say, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.
DeleteUnnecessary divisions in my opinion, when we should be focusing on our real enemy before us, the Novus Ordo apostasy.
Ratzinger is sick
ReplyDeletehttps://novusordowatch.org/2020/08/benedict16-seriously-ill-from-shingles/
@anon10:27
DeleteWhich means if he dies, Resignationists will be de facto Sedevacantists!
—-Introibo
anon@10:27 and Introibo,
DeleteI'm afraid there will be a Pope in Red 2.0 or another conclavist group.
Though we should still pray for Benedict XVI that he converts.
@anon6:54
DeleteI agree that no good will come from it. Just more confusion as those who accept V2 but reject Bergoglio try and come up with a solution. Ratzinger is responsible for the loss of millions of souls. He has much to account for on Judgement Day. Innumerable prayers are needed, and even then, a heart as black as his is unlikely to convert.
—-Introibo
We also should pray and have Holy Mass stipends offered for the remaining valid Bishops and Priests within the Novus Ordo.
DeleteGod bless -Andrew-
What you refer to is "Sun Sign Astrology" which is like explaining DNA by by one strand of DNA. Real Astrology takes the placement of all the planets and gives us information simply about influences at different times. It is no more evil than a weather report. Is it evil or pagan to watch your weather report? Of course we depend on God only. Astrology is not meant to replace our faith and a good astrologer goes through years of classes and training to be a registered Astrologer. The future cannot be predicted because God gave us free will and we are participants in our future. Astrology just shows trends and influences at different times just like the weather forecast.
ReplyDeleteCharlie,
Delete1. Who defines what is “Real Astrology”? How does it differ from the science of astronomy?
Neither the Federal government nor any State regulates astrology. I can rent out an office space tomorrow and call myself a “professional astrologer.” I can accept the money people give me and have them sign an “assumption of risk” that they alone are responsible for the actions they take based on my “reading” so I cannot be sued. There is no “astrology malpractice insurance.” Try setting yourself up as a lawyer or doctor without the necessary license and degrees and you’ll be charged with practicing law or medicine without a license—a serious offense. There’s no such thing as “practicing astrology without a license.” Please tell me what accredited university gives a doctorate in astrology and by what government body are you a “registered astrologer.”
2. There is NO demonstrable influence from the stars and planets which is why astrology is a pseudoscience. The difference between a weather report and astrology should be clear. Meteorologists are scientists who study weather and climate. If they tell me it’s going to rain, I will prepare accordingly by e.g., bringing an umbrella to work. If you’re analogizing the two you must think the stars somehow have control over some aspect of our lives and we should act accordingly. This is both unscientific and ascribing to something created a power which it does not possess.
3. Church teaching is clear that astrology in any form is superstitious and sinful. All moral theologians agree. The Bible also condemns the practice.
Please, for the sake of your soul, give up astrology.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
When I was in my 20's I experienced a horrible trauma. A friend of mine referred me to a therapist who she was seeing. Not knowing much of anything about therapy, psychology,etc., I went to see this person and put my trust in her as she was referred by a friend and had a diploma on her wall. Big mistake! This so called therapist told me I chose in a previous life all the things that happened to me in this life even who my parents were! Therefore, I chose this horrible trauma that was perpetrated on me!! Therefore, it was MY fault. She was pushing reincarnation which I didn't know at the time. Also, she kept preaching to me that because I was a Capricorn that was the reason for my feelings as the planets were the influence of them! I know this may sound unbelievable, but it really did happen - I couldn't make this up if I tried. Thankfully,I didn't see this therapist very long, but the repercussions from the visits I went to affected me for a very long time.
DeleteJoAnn
Joann,
DeleteHorrible experience. I’m glad God pulled you through! Any therapist who pushes astrology and/or reincarnation should not be allowed to practice—or at the very least, be made to advertise as “astrotherapy.”
—-Introibo
Introibo,
DeleteWhat had added to my confusion regarding the therapist and her New Age quackery was that her office was located in a Hospital which happened to be the #1 rated Hospital in the Country!!
JoAnn
Joann,
DeleteUnfortunately, quacks are found even in the best of hospitals.
—-Introibo
You ought to have a "When strangers coming knocking" about Contact Tracers. They have turned this whole thing from Covid to Communist 19. It's like a new religion of hysteria over a 99% recovery rate. Check points in tunnels and bridges in New York with the Governor begging the rich to come back from having you electricity and water cut off for simply having a gathering at your own house in L.A.
ReplyDelete@anon3:42
DeleteThe overreaction is now becoming cult-like. Point well taken.
—-Introibo
I wonder if Dr. Fuchi will declare himself “mystical Pope”, or if Cuomo will tell us the Russians are spying us so we need to speak in code language.
DeleteBut I wonder if the antichrist will be woke. I think he will blend the SJW with old school liberalism so everybody falls for it. But then that is only my opinion.
Liquor stores deemed essential is pure nonsense unless it is to keep the people inebriated and unconscious to the big picture of BLM and it's Marxist Agenda to overtake and transform the Country and culture. Psychiatrists are doing a big business as well medicating the hysteria caused by the virus. Between the alcohol and drugs Americans are sleeping and slumbering while the Communists take the Country over.
DeleteJoAnn
Joann,
DeleteWithout a doubt, drugs and alcohol are contributing factors to an already crumbling culture.
—-Introibo
Dr. Fauci is a red herring, in my opinion. There's really only two ways that one can argue about the source of Covid-19 in the American consciousness.
DeleteYou can take the tack of the Democrats and blame it all on Trump for his methods of responding to the virus, regardless of how unfair or false, because Americans have come to view the President as someone with a level of national executive power that they should exercise, rightly or wrongly. Hence why, even if you try to explain about how the disasters in places like CA and NY are due to local and state government malice/incompetence, the average Joe will still think that Trump should have done something to keep people from dying. Democrats are banking on this strategy, and they don't seem to care how dishonest they and their fellows in the media have to be about it (even when it comes to attributing deaths wrongly to Covid).
Or, you can blame China, because it was THEIR malfeasance and secrecy that allowed Covid to escape Wuhan and ravage the world.
Blaming Fauci - as some Republicans and conservative commentators are doing - is an utterly brainless tactic from a political standpoint, because who is Fauci? Director of the NIAID, an Institute of the NIH, which is an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is part of the executive branch, of which Trump is the putative head.
So regardless of the fact that Fauci wasn't appointed by Trump (he's been with the NIAID since 1984), and regardless of how much the federal bureaucracy has tried to stonewall Trump at every turn, the average Joe is just going to see Fauci as someone representing Trump in some form or fashion (regardless of how much his own medical advice has flip-flopped with regards to Covid).
Attributing so much power, celebrity, and status to Dr. Fauci is to ascribe to him characteristics he did not earn or deserve.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Nowtwithstanding Dr. Fauci's title as Director of the NIH, he is nothing more than a shill for Communist China. Back in January he was stating that there was no human to human transmission of the virus!! How were we to assume the virus got transmitted? By bat to human? How many people have direct contact with bats? Utter nonsense!
DeleteJoAnn
Introibo,
ReplyDeleteWould you consider doing a post on the Woke Cult and QAnon. The left's cult of Woke denies reality and seeks to rewrite history and believes and pushes a pack of lies. On the right there is QAnon with their cult of conspiracy theories. As man has pushed away from the True Religion and Catholic Faith it has been replaced by the Cults of Woke and QAnon. What we now have are violent, lying and diabolical Cults to try to replace the True Church. See below link:
https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/03/americans-are-turning-away-from-religion-toward-dangerous-secular-cults/
Joann,
DeleteI think I will add that to my series! Thank you for the information!
—-Introibo
In the interest of fairness, I think there's a great degree of difference between the two, both in subject matter and intent.
DeleteEssentially, the "Woke" ideology is based on an entirely subjective view of the world, where there are tiers of "oppressed" groups that "intersect" with each other. In other words, a gay black man is more oppressed than a straight black man, and so on. It takes an utterly perverse view of human history and culture and denigrates Western civilization (as far as its classical philosophical and juridical principles go) as inherently corrupt. The only thing that the Woke believe is an objective fact is that white people are the cause of everything wrong in the world, as far as I can tell. It is a philosophy and worldview rooted in Envy.
QAnon is a different creature altogether. (In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not someone who follows Q, but my father is, and his position as an executive for a company involved in DoD/NSA/DIA work, which means he has Top Secret clearance, gives him a more up close perspective for a lot of things that I'm not privy too, so I'm likely biased.) In essence, it postulates that there is a bureaucratic Deep State that controls the levers of America's government from behind the scenes (which is plausible, as no matter who gets elected, the civil servants tend to stay the same), and they have a view of the world that feeds on creating division (artificially or otherwise) for the sake of maintaining their control. The narrative then goes as follows: with Trump's election serving as a catalyst, various patriots within the military and intelligence sectors of American government set out on a covert campaign to weed out the Deep State, and the vitriol directed at Trump - no matter how fictitious or fanciful - by all sectors of media and government are a symptom of this covert cold war. Through the channel known only as "Q", someone in the government is letting like-like-minded civilians in on the "truth", so as to galvanize them and prepare for any trouble that may come when this covert struggle comes to light, and all the evils of the Deep State are made unmistakably public. (There's a whole website, IIRC, dedicated to validating Q's legitimacy, Q Proofs, I think it was called.)
Conspiracy theory or not, my particular issues with Q as a concept are twofold:
1) It could be said to influence people to *not* try and improve their own situation, by telling them to "Trust the Plan." What plan? To what end? Who's accountable? To what degree is it legitimate or a psyop? How does it benefit your covert campaign to clue in your Deep State enemies about your existence? And so on.
2) Although Q's posts tend to use a lot of Scripture and biblical imagery to convey that the battle is a spiritual one as well (which it is), they also utilize a lot of humanitarian language (in terms of liberty, fraternity, and so on) that seem downright Masonic in character. (One of my favorites is about how "they" use religion as a way to divide Americans. Well, there's only One True Religion, so that division was going to exist regardless, between the Church of Christ and all false religions.)
As such, both are problematic for different reasons. However, QAnon can charitably to be said to have a *naturally* good end in mind, even if I disagree with their rhetoric and overall tactics (much less the effect Q has on people who take it too seriously).
The Woke ideology of the Left, however, is a worldview that I would argue is objectively sinful to hold (much as Communism is), and as such is far worse than QAnon as a result.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Simple Man,
DeleteThank you for all of that information! I must reassess my idea for a post. You have good (and personal) insight into these matters.
—-Introibo
Introibo,
DeleteFYI, see below info on QAnon:
Where did it all start?
"In October 2017, an anonymous user put a series of posts on the message board 4chan. The user signed off as "Q" and claimed to have a level of US security approval known as "Q clearance".
These messages became known as "Q drops" or "breadcrumbs", often written in cryptic language peppered with slogans, pledges and pro-Trump themes."
https://www.bbc.com/news/53498434
Introibo,
DeleteJust as a brief addendum on Q: regardless of any naturally good ends QAnon has in mind with regards to stopping the Deep State in American government, it nonetheless has a very Americanist outlook on the world and current events, in the sense that its philosophy and Biblical worldview is at once both Protestant and naturalistic: Protestant in that its language with regards to Scripture and our spiritual battle is heavily flavored by the evangelical/Reformed flavor of Protestantism common to America (and as such, is divorced from the truth that we all must be subject and obedient to the true Church of Christ as He commanded us to be, regardless of your country); and naturalistic in the sense that although it ascribes spiritual qualities to the battle lying ahead, it revolves around what merely amounts to a political/cultural/social struggle within the United States of America, which - despite its material wealth and position as the proverbial world hegemon for many decades now - is not of particular importance in the grand scheme of salvation (in my personal opinion) as compared to say, Israel (not necessarily the modern nation-state, but the historical Kingdom of Israel), or Rome, or Russia (not necessarily a positive role, as per our Lady of Fatima), or the Catholic Church most of all. Yet, if you talk to a number of American Protestants (Evangelicals in particular), there's a high tendency to ascribe some sort of prophetic/religious status to America that is entirely unwarranted (because I can tell you that America's Constitution, despite its good points, is still fundamentally flawed with regards to issues like religious liberty and freedom of speech, as past Popes have made more than clear; see Pope Leo XIII's Testem Benevolentiae Nostrae on Americanism for but one example).
There is no guarantee that Christ will return within our lifetimes; likewise, there's no guarantee that America will exist forever (probabilistically speaking, that chance is a big zero). It's entirely possible that certain countries as we currently know them will cease to exist entirely within the upcoming centuries, replaced by others (after all, no one ever expected the Roman Empire to ever fall, and yet fall it did, both in the West to the various barbarians, and then centuries later in the East to the Ottomans after the sack of Constantinople in 1453; likewise the Ottoman Empire, or the British Empire, or the Soviet Union, etcetera). As such, if America ceases to exist as a nation-state within my lifetime (regardless of the upheaval that this will undoubtedly coincide with), I will accept what comes with that and soldier on regardless.
After all, if outright persecution is deemed by God to be necessary to secure the greatest number of souls for Heaven (as was the case in the early centuries of the Church against the pagans), then I will embrace it in accordance with His Divine Will to (hopefully) the best of my ability.
And that's why I consider Q to be mostly irrelevant to my life, because QAnon is utterly minor in terms of securing personal sanctity compared to other, more important things. Alas, there are many who don't see it that way.
Lastly, a couple of quick points on the Woke:
1) This article provides a good summary on why the current manifestation of Woke ideology is so troublesome: https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/02/05/why-im-anti-woke/
2) All you need to know about the current Woke ideologues is that they would consider Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech ("I Have a Dream") as racist. Why? Because it includes the words: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." In the eyes of the Woke, judging people by their merits is an inherently "White" idea, and therefore racist/wrong.
It's gotten **that** absurd.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Simple Man,
DeleteThank you for the additional information.
—-Introibo
At 19 or 20 I had tarot cards read upon my behalf.
ReplyDeleteThis is 1 of my greatest regrets & it literally scares me to think of the
Spiritual havoc I brought upon myself.
God bless -Andrew-
Andrew,
DeleteYou learned your lesson and God has forgiven you. You can continue to warn others and in so doing gain merit as an act of great charity!
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Father Feeney was right. The mother of all heresies in Vatican II is the denial of Salvation Outside the Church and Baptism of Desire being infiltrated in theological works
ReplyDeleteNo. Leonard Feeney was a heretic, child abuser, and demonically influenced (if not possessed).
DeleteFor Proof of Feeney’s sick behavior see my post:
http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-sickness-of-soul.html?m=1
For the heretical denials of Baptism of Desire and Baptism of Blood, see my posts:
http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2019/07/feeneyite-follies.html?m=1
And
http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2019/08/more-feeneyite-follies.html?m=1
—-Introibo
I love when they come! I don't have to look for them. I am nice and talk of Mt 16:18-19. Telemarketers, i read Sacred Heart of Jesus prayer or 15 Promises. John (can't remember Google pw)
ReplyDeleteThis is tremendous service, esp for people like me from novos ordo maltrained John
ReplyDelete