Fr. Longenecker asks: Is Doctrine Divisive?

From time to time one hears from the progressives that “doctrine is divisive”. We’re to have “a pastoral approach” and not speak about doctrine and discipline in the church.

This is a lie, and not even a very smart one, and yet it is amazing how many people fall for it.

What would you say, 90% of ordained men fall for it?

I don't even know if 'falling for it' is a fair assessment. Most of it is cowardice. They don't want to face the backlash of people who will stampede the sanctuary after Mass to complain or they don't want to deal with phone calls from their careerist bishop.

Doctrine is 'divisive' because it separates us from sin. Most people in the pews don't want to be separated from their sins.

Let's face it. Most bishops and cardinals don't want to be separated from their sins and misery loves company. Mortal sin is the foundation of their unity. When people come along expecting the Church to give them the tools to resist sin, they are accused of being 'divisive'.

What really divides the church is dissent. But why do people not point this out? Dissenting groups are just loved by progressives, but no one points out that they are divisive, and yet the whole purpose of their existence is to cause division and dissent in the church.

I actually think 'divisive' has run its course. The Holy Father seems more focused on caricaturing unity in truth as the treachery of antiquated sourpusses who don't like to dance. Each time he gathers heretics to explain his plans for a future course of a particular doctrine and we called his bluff, he lets loose a torrent of vilification. We are accused of dividing from him, which I suppose is accurate.

I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel for this dynamic. The more he surrounds St. Peter's Square with apostates and invites us to follow them into the rabbit hole, the more intense the battle for the souls of our children is going to get. He's divided himself from Church teaching and the hand that rocks the cradle. Good luck with that.

O God, you desire that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of your truth. Send laborers into your harvest and grant that they may spread the Word with all boldness so that your Gospel may everywhere be heard and glorified and all nations may know you, the one true God and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.