Overcoming Heresy, Schism, & Error

"There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and even deny the Master who ransomed them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their licentious ways, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled." (St. Peter, 2 Pt. 2:1-2)

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Introduction

Resources

What Can Be Done?

What if There is a Problem in My Own Parish?

Coming Soon: Defeating Heresy

Introduction

False teachings, error, schism, and heresy have been exceedingly disruptive throughout Church history, even from the earliest days of Christianity, and continue rampant in our day. Thankfully, Jesus instituted the papacy (click here for Vatican Section) so that those who remain in union with the pope and adhere to the infallible teachings of Jesus' true Church would be kept from error in matter of faith and morals. The importance of the papacy, therefore, cannot be overstated. Those outside the one true Church do not have an infallible teaching authority, and the result has been that they have fractionated into many thousands of denominations and teach all sorts dangerous errors. Our Savior and the apostles clearly warned us that heresy would occur and is to be expected. The apostles strongly condemned error and warned believers against the dangers of false teachers.

Due to the strong evil forces presently at work in our society, it is especially important today to remain vigilant against all errors in matters of faith. One must cling with all one's might to the constant teachings of the Church, regardless of pressure from those outside (or even from within) the Church. Therefore, an attempt will be made to provide useful resources herein regarding certain traditional teachings of the Church (e.g. quotations from Scripture, the popes, saints, councils, etc., as well as other resources). Although the number of errors is unlimited, there are, unfortunately, a number of limitations here. Although the resources provided herein are not comprehensive, it is hoped that they will nevertheless prove somewhat useful for identifying and combating certain errors of today.

Resources

You may wish to consider the following resources...

Reflections:

Against Human 'Progress' in Religion

Against Modernism / Novelty

Against Religious Indifferentism

Against Religious Liberty

All Should Agree With the Holy See

All Truths Require Assent

Attacks on Scripture

Being at the Service of Truth

Catholic Basics

The Catholic Church / Religion

Catholic Life Reflections

Church Dogmas Are Unchangeable

The Church is Not a Democracy

The Church Rests on St. Peter

Church Talk Reflections

Coming Home Reflections

Duty to Profess / Defend the Faith

Duty to Reject Strange Doctrine

Education [Pg.]

Error / Truth

Fallen Away Catholics / Those Who Leave the Church

False Opinions Influence / Pervert Actions

Freedom / Liberty

Freemasonry / Secret Societies

Government [Pg.]

Heresy/Heretics & Schism/Schismatics

Marriage, Family & Home [Pg.]

Mary, Our Mother

Misinterpretation of Scripture

Modernists / Scripture

Necessity of a Teaching Authority

Necessity of Union With the Roman Pontiff

Novel Teachings Are Forbidden

Novelty & The Clergy

One Should Not Be Open Minded to Error

The Papacy is Indestructible / Perpetual

Papal Primacy

Papal / Saintly Advice & Instruction

Parents / Parenting

Personal Interpretation of Scripture / Rejection of Truth

Prayers & Devotions

Priests & Vocations

Private Interpretation / Twisting Scripture

Propaganda that Misrepresents / Distorts Should be Rejected

Proper Interpretation of Scripture

Those Outside the Church

Those Who Wander From the Apostolic See Wander From the Church

True vs. False Church

Truth & the Nature of Man

Truth / Error / Nature of Man

Truth is Unchanging

Unity / Truth

Vatican View Reflections

What Jesus Says vs. What Protestantism Says

More Reflections: A-Z | Categorized

Classic Encyclicals:

Syllabus of Errors

Syllabus Condemning the Errors of the Modernists

Economics / Government / Social Order / Liberty

Errors / Modernism

Freemasonry / Secret Societies

Religious Unity

More Classic Encyclicals

Topical Scripture:

Church

Error / Heresy / Those Who Reject Truth

Pope

True

Truth

Wariness of False Doctrines

More Topical Scripture: A-Z | Categorized

Other:

Catholic Basics Section

Current Issues

Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition: Q & A

Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition Section

Mary, Our Mother Section

Necessity of Being Catholic for Salvation

Non-Catholics Section (apologetics)

Possible Dissenters (Listing)

Prayers & Devotions

Priests & Vocations Section

Sacraments Section

Saints

Scripture / Parables Section

Selections From the Baltimore Catechism

Tough Love in the New Testament

Vatican View Section

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What Can Be Done?

Depending upon the nature of the problem encountered, various actions may be considered. It is certain that many of the doctrinal problems today among persons of good will in the Church may be traced to ignorance. As Pope St. Pius X has said, "How many and how grave are the consequences of ignorance in matters of religion!" Such errors can be most easily overcome with proper catechesis. Other errors, unfortunately, may be more difficult to overcome.

Important points to remember when dealing with errors include:

(1) Do not leave the Church, no matter what (you may, however, switch parishes as necessary)

(2) Learn as much as possible about your faith (from orthodox sources)

(3) Do not expose yourself to dangers unnecessarily and without proper preparation

(4) Be persevering in prayer

(5) Do not neglect the sacraments

(6) Avoid the trap of religious indifferentism

(7) Hold fast to traditional teachings and practices

(8) Follow the biblical precepts

(9) Do not support heresy or schism

(10) Pursue your rights, as applicable, in the Church

Click Here for Traditional Catholics: 'What to Do / How You Can Help'

Finally, do not lose hope. Remember that Christ has promised victory to His Church. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, his promise has never failed - and will never fail: "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Mt. 16:18)

What if There is a Problem in My Own Parish?

It is known that in recent times, many Catholics have become concerned about innovations (and errors) which have occurred within their local parish - often these novelties seem to be initiated by persons (both lay persons and prelates) with agendas contrary to the traditional teachings of the Church. In other cases, the situation is merely a case of unintentional error or oversight.

Should you encounter problems at your parish, you may consider...

(1) Discussing the matter with those involved

(2) Reporting the problem to the hierarchy (the bishop, and, as necessary, the Pope) - and following up as appropriate

(3) Educating yourself and others about the problem

(4) Engaging in appropriate activities to resolve the problem (e.g. letters, petitions, etc.). Don't forget to persevere!

(5) Engaging in prayer, fasting, etc.

Note that if a violation is egregious (e.g. invalid sacraments), you may have no choice but to switch parishes.

Finally, you may also consider telling us about the problem (click here). Although this is not a substitute for other appropriate actions, your efforts may help to keep us informed.