Private Interpretation of Scripture

Posted on 23 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The Church has repeatedly condemned using any private interpretation of Scripture to contradict an infallible teaching of the Magisterium. The Magisterium is the authoritative interpreter of Scripture, and all infallible magisterial teachings are required beliefs. But in the case of … Continue reading →

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Excerpts from: The Immorality of Pornography

Posted on 22 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Excerpts from my booklet: There are no exceptions to the eternal moral law. Art is not exempt from the moral law. A particular work may be art and moral, or art and immoral, or moral and not art, or immoral … Continue reading →

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The Pope’s Christmas Speech: excerpts on gender and family

Posted on 21 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Pope Benedict XVI: “the family is still strong and vibrant today. But there is no denying the crisis that threatens it to its foundations – especially in the western world.” “the question of the family is not just about a … Continue reading →

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Why so much animosity toward the Pope and the Church?

Posted on 19 December 2012 by Ron Conte

Over at Twitter, in the #AskPontifex thread, there is an outpouring of animosity and ridicule directed at the Pope, the Church, and the Catholic Faith. On the internet in general, this type of animosity is found almost everywhere that Catholicism … Continue reading →

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Controversy about the Pope’s Message of Peace

Posted on 17 December 2012 by Ron Conte

The Holy See has released the Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace (1 January 2013) — BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. The Message relates peace, interior and exterior, to living a … Continue reading →

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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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