Category Archives: arguments

Who is Fr. Reginaldus of the New Theological Movement blog?

Posted on 28 April 2011 by Ron Conte

I’ve determined the identity of the priest who posts at the New Theological Movement blog under the pseudonym of Fr. Reginaldus. update: I’ve now disclosed his identity in a new post here along with a photo of him and some … Continue reading →

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The single source heresy

Posted on 2 January 2011 by Ron Conte

In this heresy, a believer relies entirely or mainly on one source, such as one theologian or one Saint, as the basis for a doctrine. Instead of relying on the teachings of Sacred Tradition, and Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium, … Continue reading →

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The Moral Theology of Adam

Posted on 26 December 2010 by Ron Conte

Adam sinned, just as Eve sinned. But he used a different excuse for his sin. He blamed someone else, Eve. {3:12} And Adam said, “The woman, whom you gave to me as a companion, gave to me from the tree, … Continue reading →

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false argument: the transparent proxy

Posted on 12 September 2010 by Ron Conte

Another common false argument today, I call the ‘transparent proxy’ argument. A person argues a particular point of view based on the claim that he is merely presenting the views of someone else: a Saint, a Pope, a priest or … Continue reading →

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false argument: one Saint alone

Posted on 9 September 2010 by Ron Conte

The solus unus sanctus argument claims that a particular idea is either the teaching of the Church, or is at least a tenable theological position, solely because one Saint asserted the idea. This argument is not valid; the conclusion does … Continue reading →

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false arguments: pro hominem

Posted on 17 August 2010 by Ron Conte

I’ve noted with dismay the increasing use of the ‘pro hominem’ (for the man) argument by many Catholics. This argument seeks to support a particular conclusion or idea on faith or morals by heaping complements on the person, such as … Continue reading →

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false arguments: ipse dixit

Posted on 15 August 2010 by Ron Conte

The phrase ‘ipse dixit’ means ‘he himself said it.’ The term is used to describe a type of argument in which the person presents one or more assertions, as if each statement were certainly true, but without any support. This … Continue reading →

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