Every age of the Church presents its trials. Some are moral, some political, some disciplinary. Ours, however, is doctrinal in character, and therefore touches the very nerve of Catholic life. It is no longer sufficient to speak in generalities about confusion, ambiguity, or crisis. The faithful are increasingly forced to confront a more precise and uncomfortable question:>What, exactly, does the Church require of us in regard to obedience to the Pope and the Magisterium, and what follows if that obligation collides with the faith that Catholics have always professed?>This is the question I wish to face in this essay, cautiously and, I hope, with charity. I know my readers. Many of you are passionate souls, and the comment section has often become the stage for spirited and sometimes heated debate. My hope is that, in a spirit of patience and goodwill, we might together move a little closer to the truth.

Originally published in Radical Fidelity. Read original article