Abductive reasoning shows us that an extended vacancy is the explanation that best fits the facts of the last sixty years or so. In fact, it is the only explanation that fits those facts.
For me, these sentences capture the relentless uneasiness one feels during these times in the Church:
<<The Church is currently “crippled” in the sense that “controversies” and pressing questions cannot be resolved. These controversies include matters of doctrine, as well as personnel (viz., who is and is not a member or officer in the Church). In fact, controversies over personnel are the defining note of our time>>
The very problems of doctrine and personnel are crippling the usual procedures for resolving them, leaving us in this extended state of "grave obscuration." Lord, have mercy, and break this cycle!
I call it the ‘talisman pope’ or ‘fetish pope’ option – like a rabbit’s foot; if you hang it round your neck and rub it occassionally you might not come down with a case of sedevacantism; but other than that it is worse than useless as a rule for the Catholic Faith.
For me, these sentences capture the relentless uneasiness one feels during these times in the Church:
<<The Church is currently “crippled” in the sense that “controversies” and pressing questions cannot be resolved. These controversies include matters of doctrine, as well as personnel (viz., who is and is not a member or officer in the Church). In fact, controversies over personnel are the defining note of our time>>
The very problems of doctrine and personnel are crippling the usual procedures for resolving them, leaving us in this extended state of "grave obscuration." Lord, have mercy, and break this cycle!
'Totem pope'.
I call it the ‘talisman pope’ or ‘fetish pope’ option – like a rabbit’s foot; if you hang it round your neck and rub it occassionally you might not come down with a case of sedevacantism; but other than that it is worse than useless as a rule for the Catholic Faith.