Author Archives: Ron Conte

Proposal for Reducing School Gun Violence

Posted on 16 December 2012 by Ron Conte

School shootings have several prominent features that might be addressed in law and policy in order to reduce the likelihood of mass killings at schools. This proposal suggests the fewest changes that would have the greatest likely beneficial effects. 1. … Continue reading →

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The Filioque Clause and the Distinction of Persons

Posted on 13 December 2012 by Ron Conte

God is One. There cannot be many Gods for the following reason. Suppose a theological belief that there are several Gods. The first God is not only perfect, but infinitely perfect, lacking in absolutely nothing, and existing unbounded by time … Continue reading →

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On the Misuse of Internet Anonymity

Posted on 13 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The internet is one of many modern means of social communication. Like any means of communication, it can be used for good or for evil. That the internet can be used for good is abundantly clear: from its use by … Continue reading →

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Are Papal tweets infallible?

Posted on 10 December 2012 by Ron Conte

There is a great deal of misunderstanding about Papal Infallibility among non-Catholics. Even many practicing Catholics are not clear on the exact meaning of the term. So here is a quick primer on infallibility and the Pope. By His very … Continue reading →

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Proposed: the Hidden Mysteries of the Rosary

Posted on 9 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The Rosary is a mediation on the mysteries of Christ’s life. But the Virgin Mary is the most perfect disciple and the most perfect imitator of Christ, and her life, from its very beginning, was a reflection of the mystery … Continue reading →

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The Immaculate Conception and the “foreseen” merits of Jesus Christ

Posted on 8 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Did the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary occur by virtue of the foreseen merits of Jesus Christ? No, not really. Many authors make this type of assertion. But the actual text of the dogma says “in view of … Continue reading →

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Are the Anathemas of the Ecumenical Councils still in force?

Posted on 6 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Some time ago on his blog, Jimmy Akin claimed that all the anathemas of all Ecumenical Councils are null and void: Are YOU “Anathema”? How about Your Protestant Friend? His reasoning is simplistic and absurd. Anathemas are “a type of … Continue reading →

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Common Errors on the Immaculate Conception

Posted on 6 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The magisterial teaching on the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a dogma. It is an infallible teaching under Papal Infallibility and under the ordinary and universal Magisterium. All infallible magisterial teachings are required beliefs, under pain of … Continue reading →

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Scientific Support for an Historical Flood of Noah

Posted on 5 December 2012 by Ron Conte

In my book, Noah’s Flood: Literal or Figurative?, I discuss four different scientific theories — none of them from Creationists — that propose an historical and scientific basis for the Flood of Noah. Each theory shuns an entirely literal reading … Continue reading →

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Is the Latin phrase “extra ecclesiam nulla salus” a dogma?

Posted on 4 December 2012 by Ron Conte

An Ecumenical Council has taught “extra ecclesiam nulla salus” — outside the Church [there is] no salvation — definitively and infallibly. So this teaching is a dogma. But what does it mean, exactly? Fourth Lateran Council: “There is indeed one … Continue reading →

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What do Pontifex and Pontifex Maximus mean?

Posted on 3 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The Latin word Pontifex means “high priest” or “chief priest”. The word is supposedly derived from the Latin words for “bridge” and “maker”, but the Oxford English Dictionary says that this may be only a ‘folk etymology’. In any case, … Continue reading →

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How to find the Pope on Twitter and ask him questions

Posted on 3 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Pope Benedict XVI is now on Twitter @Pontifex Vatican Communications (PCCS) confirms this: https://twitter.com/PCCS_VA Actually, the Pope has several accounts in different languages, and each is the official Vatican-confirmed Twitter account for the Pope. He is scheduled to answer a … Continue reading →

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