Conversations with John Lane - Episode 2: Defining "moderate sedevacantism," the role of Sacred Theology & visible membership in the Church.
Conversations on the CrisisShow Notes
Louie continues his discussion with John Lane asking him to define sedevacantism. John provides a brief description and discusses the various groups who hold associated positions that encompass broader theories including Guerardianism and John's position of "moderate" sedevacantism. There is a brief discussion of the authority of theology manuals and sacred Theology as the scientific expression of the Catholic Faith and that the core belief of moderate sedevacantists is that commonly held by theologians at the beginning of the 20th century. They also discuss the living magisterium, its infallible safety and why the new Mass could not have come from the Church. They also discuss the origins of the R&R polemic and how it is wrongly applied to the FSSPX as though it is their official position, which John describes instead as "hold onto the traditions we've received." They briefly discuss the history and refutations of the "no Una Cum" position, its rejection by the CMRI and how it works against the Unity of the Church (see episode 9 for a more in depth discussion of this topic). Finally they discuss the unity of the Church, the relative importance of/and differences between Sacred Theology, Divine Positive Law and Canon Law, how these relate to membership in the Church and ways in which an individual can lose membership in the Church. Originally Published March 2020.
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More from Conversations on the Crisis
John joins Louie to tackle viewer questions focusing on the No Una Cum position challenging the claim that naming a false pope in the canon renders a Mass non‑Catholic or that Catholics holding the sedevacantist position are forbidden to attend such masses. Drawing on theology, canon law, and historical cases—from St. Vincent Ferrer to the English Reformation—Lane argues the issue is a modern novelty, not a traditional teaching. He explains why presence at such a Mass does not imply consent to error, why the faithful are not required to resolve papal legitimacy in confusing times. He also discusses his position in relation to groups like the SSPX, FSSP and the broader crisis in the Church. As Lane puts it, “It’s a non‑issue… and it can only be built up to appear to be an issue by vague rhetoric" and emotional arguments that cloud right reason.
Louie concludes the series with the second of a two-part discussion of Vatican II's Pastoral constitution on the church in the modern world, Gaudium et Spes and contrasts it with Catholic teaching alongside host Kevin Davis. Follow along with the original text available at: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html You can find Louie at akacatholic.com
Louie begins a two-part discussion of Vatican II's Pastoral constitution on the church in the modern world, Gaudium et Spes and contrasts it with Catholic teaching alongside host Kevin Davis. Follow along with the original text available at: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html Francis I's speech to economists mentioned by Louie can be found at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2014/july/documents/papa-francesco_20140712_seminario-economia.html
Louie concludes a two-part discussion of Vatican II's declaration on religious freedom Dignitatis Humanae and contrasts it with Catholic teaching alongside host Kevin Davis. From the Catholic Family Podcast. Follow along with Louie by reading the document available here: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html You can find Louie at akacatholic.com
Louie begins a two-part discussion of Vatican II's declaration on religious freedom Dignitatis Humanae and contrasts it with Catholic teaching alongside host Kevin Davis. You can find the text being discussed here: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html You can find Louie at akacatholic.com