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Philip's avatar

"But whatever the cardinals’ intentions, the questions — both sets — and answers have now been released. In some corners, the questions themselves are controversial, in others, the answers given by the pope are the controversial part."

For me, it is not the way in which the dubia Cardinals solicited and worded their questions that interests me. Nor is it the voluminous "No, but" response in which Cardinal Fernández/Pope Francis gave them. What is most interesting, and demoralizing, is that we have gotten to such a state in the Church during this Pontificate that the faithful are unsure of where the actual doctrinal boundaries lie.

Where are the playground fences? What I once thought were solid, chain-link fences appear to be dangerously rotted at the bottom and ready to collapse over the cliff. Is it any wonder that the faithful fearfully huddle together in the center of the playground as prominent churchmen run recklessly into the fence to see how far they can make it bend? Prominent internet figures like Michael Lofton strive to downplay the force that that the fence is being subjected to and try to reassure the faithful that the fence has been promised not to fail. The principal (Pope Francis) stands by allowing the malcontents to act recklessly without correction.

I don't want to be afraid, but I am truly fearful for those who would wander to close to the fence. I am distraught that the principal continues to allow assaults on the fence to occur. I pray fervently that the light of clarity and truth shine again in the Church. But, until that time I will sit firmly in the center of the playground and grab tightly on to those around me should they stand up and look longingly at the fences.

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Nicholas Jagneaux's avatar

Every Tuesday, I think, "Boy, I really like JD's Pillar Posts, the best." Then, on Friday, I'll say, "Naw, it's Ed. who does them the best." But then another Tuesday rolls around, and it's back to "Nope, definitely JD." Thanks to both of you for your engaging, thoughtful, but humorous, assessment of the news.

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