orthodoxy
"Anyone who is so 'progressive' that he does not remain rooted in the teaching of Christ does not possess God, while anyone who remains rooted in the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son." —2 John 9
Many Catholics, even priests, are not orthodox. They believe and teach things not in accord with the teachings of the Church. Many don't even care whether their teachings are orthodox.
This attack against orthodox teaching has been going on for centuries. Paul commanded Timothy to "stay on in Ephesus in order to warn certain people there against teaching false doctrines" (1 Tm 1:3). We are to "guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us" (2 Tm 1:14).
A leader in the Church "must hold fast to the authentic message, so that he will be able both to encourage men to follow sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it" (Ti 1:9). "People will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables" (2 Tm 4:3-4).
Therefore, "pray for us that the word of the Lord may make progress and be hailed by many others, even as it is has been by you. Pray that we may be delivered from confused and evil men. For not every man has faith, but the Lord keeps faith; He it is Who will strengthen you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thes 3:1-3).
Prayer: Father, purify Your Church. May we repent of holding and teaching unorthodox beliefs.
Promise: "Whoever tries to preserve his life will lose it; whoever loses it will keep it." —Lk 17:33
Praise: Making an effort to listen to Catholic radio and read Church documents has kept Thomas from falling into error.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Church in America on audio AV 115-1 or video V-115.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 1, 2008
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