In his classic work entitled "The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology," The Very Reverend Adolphe Tanquerey, S.S., D.D., has this to say regarding the pride of intellect:
"..pride of intellect which is more dangerous and more difficult to overcome than the pride of will...is the pride that renders faith and obedience to superiors difficult. One wants to be self-sufficient; the more confidence one has in one's own judgment the more reluctantly does one accept the teachings of faith, or the more readily does one submit these to criticism and to personal interpretation. In like manner, one so trusts to one's own wisdom, that it is with repugnance that others are consulted, especially superiors. Hence, regrettable mistakes occur. Hence, comes also obstinacy of judgment, resulting in the final and sweeping condemnation of such opinions as differ from our own. Herein lies one of the most common causes of strife between Christian and Christian, at times even between Catholic writers. St. Augustine calls those who cause unfortunate dissensions, destructive of peace and of the bond of charity, 'Dividers of unity, enemies of peace, without charity, puffed up with vanity, well pleased with themselves and great in their own eyes.'" (p. 388, citing St. Augustine, Sermo III Paschae, n.4).
We should all reflect on these words.
Paul Anthony Melanson
I think Fr. John Catoir should be more in line with Rome's papal and Magesterial moral authorities; He is a nice priest I'm sure but so were Luther, Zwingli, and Hus. But they were excommunicated for their radicalism; One should not rebel but be humble and "tow the line." Gratefully, Oraetlabora
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