Those who say 'it's this or nothing' are heretics - Pope Francis

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/201...o_say_“this_or_nothing”_are_heretics_/1235939

In his June 9th homily, Pope Francis skewered the idea of rigidity in the Church. His theme seems to fit with the "Year of Mercy", and must give conservative/traditionalist Catholics fits, as can be seen by reading some of the reactions in their media and blogs. They can't stand the thought of everything not being black and white.

Now the Pope says those who consider themselves the 'defenders of the faith' are doing just the opposite, and may be so far from the true faith as to be considered heretics. Ouch!

Have we ever had a pope who was so tuned in to the Gospels as Francis is?

bettercallpaul said:

"Jesus, he said, asks us to go beyond the laws and love God and neighbour, stressing that whoever is angry with their brother will be liable to judgement."

I'd like to think liberal catholics are going beyond the laws and emphasising the gospel. Are we? What would the Pope think if he read our sub-forum? Well he would be pleased to read this thread at least.

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I think that is indeed the case. At least that seems to be the focus of many people on this forum. The Pope would generally be pleased with this forum, which I think has a nice mix of devotion, living the Gospel and community (being supportive of and caring for each other).

We don't want to be like the Scribes and Pharisees who placed strict obedience to laws above mercy and love. That is what Jesus tells us and his words are echoed by Pope Francis.

Just found this in a lecture that George Tyrrell gave at Oxford back in 1899. Seems to fit perfectly with what the Pope is saying.

Tyrrell warns against “the danger of mere externality and formalism in our religion, of being content with passive orthodoxy and with frequenting the sacraments and with conformity to the Church's laws—as though these outward things were ends in themselves, and not merely instruments to develop the latent Christ that is in each of us; to develop the light of Christ in our minds and the holiness of Christ in our wills and affections and the zeal of Christ in our activity."