Category Archives: arguments

Moral Relativism: legal does not define ethical

Posted on 26 February 2012 by Ron Conte

In ethics — not just Catholic ethics, but any sound philosophical system of morality — the point is often made that legal and ethical, illegal and unethical, are two different concepts. An act can be legal and ethical, or legal … Continue reading →

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Reply to Fr. Ryan’s Reconsiderations

Posted on 31 August 2011 by Ron Conte

Here is a link to Fr. Ryan’s post entitled ‘Reconsiderations’. This article discusses that post as well as Fr. Ryan’s writings in general. SYSTEMATIC ERRORS Fr. Ryan’s approach to theology includes a number of methodological errors: 1. There is no … Continue reading →

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Explaining the Catholic Faith online

Posted on 23 August 2011 by Ron Conte

Simplicity reigns supreme in internet discussions and controversies. The position, in a discussion or controversy on any topic, that can be explained most simply and in the most entertaining way is the position that tends to prevail. On the topic … Continue reading →

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My reply to Fr. Ryan Erlenbush’s personal attacks

Posted on 14 August 2011 by Ron Conte

See this summary of the heresies and doctrinal errors taught by Fr. Ryan Erlenbush. In the comments to a post on Jesus and the Canaanite woman, Fr. Ryan makes personal attacks on me. I’d like to use this blog post … Continue reading →

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On the idea of a limbo of children in Hell

Posted on 25 June 2011 by Ron Conte

My new article on this subject is here: All little children go to Heaven — On the salvation of infants who die without baptism, and the idea of a limbo of children in Hell. See also: Mystical Baptism and Limbo … Continue reading →

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The All-or-Nothing Attitude

Posted on 23 June 2011 by Ron Conte

There is a mistake that many Catholics make today toward their teachers, toward priests, preachers, theologians, authors of devotional books, etc. which I call the ‘all or nothing’ attitude. If they find one idea or conclusion, or a few, with … Continue reading →

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Are all wealthy persons thieves who are guilty of mortal sin??!!!

Posted on 12 May 2011 by Ron Conte

Yet another serious doctrinal error being spread among the faithful by Fr. Ryan Erlenbush, posting under the pseudonym Fr. Reginaldus at the New Theological Movement blog. Lest anyone think that I am exaggerating his views, here is a long quote … Continue reading →

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Catholic Orthodoxy Quiz

Posted on 9 May 2011 by Ron Conte

UPDATED WITH ANSWERS. For each of the following pairs of assertions, one assertion is a true doctrine of the Magisterium, the other is a doctrinal error. Which assertions are doctrinally correct? You may offer your answers (with commentary, please) in … Continue reading →

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contra Jimmy Akin on the Year of the Birth of Christ

Posted on 6 May 2011 by Ron Conte

In a recent post, Jimmy Akin does what he does best, take a complex topic within Catholicism, over-simply it, distort it, then over-simplify it some more, then present it to his readers as if he is explaining plain truths that … Continue reading →

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How to be “very very happy and perfectly fulfilled,” without God, while dwelling in Hell forever?!?

Posted on 2 May 2011 by Ron Conte

Yet another bizarre theological error from Fr. Ryan Erlenbush (aka Fr. Reginaldus) — “Briefly, regarding Limbo: If it exists, it is part of hell (though there is no punishment). Limbo would be the state of perfect natural happiness, and no … Continue reading →

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Do most non-baptized children commit a mortal sin as their first rational action?

Posted on 1 May 2011 by Ron Conte

Fr. Ryan Erlenbush, of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana, makes the reprehensible claim that “most non-baptized children” — and this would obviously include the children of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist families — “commit a mortal sin as their … Continue reading →

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The identity of Fr. Reginaldus of the New Theological Movement

Posted on 30 April 2011 by Ron Conte

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In general, a priest who preaches and teaches under cover of anonymity exempts himself from the oversight of his bishop. A priest who uses the internet anonymously preaches and teaches in effect in dioceses other than his own, even throughout … Continue reading →

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