For all the Self-proclaimed theologians.

In this video we cover (superficially) some of the studies that are undertaken in a Catholic Seminary with a good traditional curriculum.
Some of the books are available for purchase at shop.thecatholicwire.org/ though not all of them. We recommend anyone who undertakes these studies to be advised and guided by a Good Catholic Priest.

[@thecatholicwire]

By the way: this video is not meant to boast or to say that I am the best theologian. The point of it is that we should be prudent when issuing opinions or statements… there are many things we often ignore. Also This is what Priests in our seminary study generally. I can’t vouch for other seminaries.

[@therealsnaily]

Hello, Catholic Wire. I'm really interested in learning more about our Catholic Faith, philosphy and critical thinking by my own, but I have little to no time to read that much. Still, I think it's important for the people to educate themselves in the faith. What study resources woul you consider the most essential besides the Bible and the Catechism? In advance, God bless.

[@thecatholicwire]

I think one can start with the fundamentals of catholic dogma, the magisterium of the church and read papal encyclicals when you get a chance from Gregory 16 onwards. Every catholic should know those things

[@therealsnaily]

@@thecatholicwire Thank you so much! I'll keep these in mind.

[@JudeMalachi]

Yes, few seminaries today require Latin.

[@JudeMalachi]

@@therealsnaily If you don't have time to read a lot then outside of the Bible and Catechism there really is nothing for you. However, the Bible and the sacraments alone are our best teachers-but you really have to fast and pray. Along these lines, I would devote my time to praying with the Church through the Liturgy of the Hours before I would spend time formally studying theology. However, with that said the most condencsced treatments you will find are going to be Henrich Denzinger's Compendium or Ludwig Ott's The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. For a lay person without any theological or academic background probably Ott's book would be the best single source, and you can get a copy through Baronius Press.

[@hoyaloya]

I run into this as a lawyer. People "Google" a topic and think that the answer is right before them. I've spent 18 years practicing law, and 21, counting law school. One pleading for an appeal could involve reviewing 500 cases alone. You (and I) make it look "simple" because we do this for a living, but it is not "simple," nor is it "easy." I do not profess to have your knowledge. I am heading toward confirmation this year. Bless you Father for your channel, and its service to the Lord!

[@mpasaa]

This exactly demonstrates why we laity DEMAND faithful and Holy priests and bishops who (although human and fallible like the rest of us) take their vocation seriously and not as a way to mislead or provide their own personal interpretation of the Catholic faith.... good demo...

[@richyburnett]

EXACTLY

[@cmasdanz]

The scriptures says we r all priests.

[@damienc4174]

@@cmasdanz the scriptures also differentiate between ordained presbyters and kingdom priesthood

[@fr.timothygeckle1119]

Really like how you presented this Father. Nicely done

[@gunsgalore7571]

This is one of the best points made in a KZbin video that I've ever seen. This is one reason why, on my KZbin channel, I always keep my topics BASIC and appropriate for a teenage layman to cover. There is no use pretending to know more than you actually do.

[@DT-cz2sl]

You all have my respect father. May God bless you

[@Riposte821]

Not only did you make your point crystal clear but also made me want to delve deep into some of these books! I will be asking my priest for guidance. Thank you!

[@benjaminhancock9014]

My dad if one of the few lay-people to formally study cannon law and now works for an archdiocese. My parents house is still filled with book shelve upon book shelves filled with books like these covering all manner of theology, canon, biblical understanding, Latin, Doctrine and Dogma, and more. Massive to anyone and everyone that puts in this much work to understand the faith.

[@Paul9443]

I agree, we should not, after a few books reading, assume we know so much and fall pray to spiritual pride. But remind ourselves that we should do everything in good faith and with charity, and most importantly have reverance for the clergy. Thank you so much Father for sharing with us a part of a cleric's study. I found many books appealing for future reading, like the encyclical set I did not know was in print. God bless

[@danielsmallwood4310]

This is an excellent video. Point well taken, Father.

[@richardpogoson]

Thank you so much for saying that Philosophy is necessary before you study Theology! It's something I've noticed as I've become more interested in Philosophy, and it helps me to understand how to interpret things better as well as understand some teachings, like the Hypostatic Union, and the Eucharist! God Bless you Father.

[@DeAnneRidge]

The main takeaway I got is (whew) I don’t have to study all of this. I can rely on the true Catholic church God led me to. I’m not that studious so I often feel like I’ve not done enough to keep up. But memorizing the catechism (parts for baptism/ confirmation) and our prayers and paying attention to the readings, the commentaries on the readings and the sermons from you holy priests is enough for my brain! I prefer to spend extra time praying rather than dissecting things that I shouldn’t be concerned with. I do understand why some people are so into theology and philosophy though after experiencing the novus ordo “church” . However, I think most people ( lay people) find the true church by grace and prayer, not through intellectual reasoning. Thanks to you and all the CMRI & other true priests for studying for us!

[@VenomExtremeEF]

You´re a great example of humility! Congrats. In my opinion, it´s the most crucial part for a true faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, Whom was so humble that made Himself human to pay for the debts of our sins. And, humility, is the only part in which we can defeat satan, for as Saint Moses the Black said: “You fast, but Satan does not eat. You labor fervently, but Satan never sleeps. The only dimension with which you can outperform Satan is by acquiring humility, for Satan has no humility.”

[@franj1142]

Point well taken, thank you Father, God bless you and pray for me

[@J.RyanWhittlesey-uf3gc]

R.I.P. Father's beard, you will be missed

[@mamaof8gr8]

That's awesome. Haha

[@EarlyChristianBeliefs]

Thank you Father for studying all those books so we don't have to 😂

[@michaelmartinx714]

And then tell corny dad jokes the whole time when on the pulpit. Yes it’s great….

[@thecatholicwire]

If you are talking about me, the point wasn’t to say that Priests are perfect, it was to say that we should all be prudent before making theological assertions, specially if we are lacking any of these studies.

[@MikeDubya]

​@@thecatholicwireFather, how do we reconcile this video with 1 John 2:26-27 and then answer those saying this is merely a passive attempt at an argumentum ab auctoritate?

[@thecatholicwire]

By confronting it with Matthew 28:18 and ff. Also with what we see written in the acts of the Apostles. “St. John here referred to those he spoke of in verse 24. Who learned the word from the Apostles and received the wisdom of the Spirit. St. Augustine explains it thus: “behold brothers, the sound of my words touches your ears, but the teacher is within you…Is it not true that many now are hearing my discourse…? Yet how many will leave without putting it in practice? It is therefore Christ within us who instructs us…” Yet notice that even though he acknowledged it is the grace of God that makes the teaching give fruit, the instrument for that is the word of those sent by Christ.

[@thecatholicwire]

All of the teaching of revelation rests in an argument ab auctoritate. (Divinae). Nothing wrong with that.

[@eraimattei]

Bless are thee father. I'm studying religious sciences in Italy to work in history and Patrology one day and this is beautiful

[@sleepystar1638]

Powerful message for someone who loves to study

[@bassbasketball03]

Could you list the titles and authors of these works Fr?

[@rhorynotmylastname7781]

Makes me wanna become a priest even more tbh

[@sonnydiaz6821]

I do too but also don’t know if God is calling me to be one

[@alexdelosreyes6076]

niiiiceeeee

[@thecatholicwire]

Try the seminary. You will find out for sure. Mater Dei seminary CMRI.org

[@aaronsempa5820]

As an Anglican I've appreciated this Catholic perspective on what studying to become a priest involves. I've always been curious about the course materials covered and this video has help to provide an answer to that question. I have a desire to study Theology and if God wills become a Reverend one day. I know in the body of Christ we are all different and not everyone is really interested in this theology thing but personally I can't help but have this interesting desire to know these things and understanding. Though from all those books I can tell that condensing all that information in a bid to try and explain things to a lay person must be challenging at times. May God bless you and continue to sustain you in your ministry

[@monicamartens3659]

Thank you, Father.

[@syedhasanahmed3514]

Unfortunately many seminaries don't actually teach like this, I think we would live in a very different world today if they all did

[@dianneraimondi8382]

Im 75yrs old ,I ve read most of those books, Dogmatic and moral theology and mystical theology and more! its a lifetime work but worth it as it protects you from heresy and apostasy.

[@christianpraska2300]

Thank you Father for showing all of the books you have studied. It gives me a greater humility when comparing what little knowledge I have. I would love to read those books but the Latin is going to definitely give me a headache.

[@fabiopaolobarbieri2286]

By the time I'd got to the tenth minute, I was laughing out loud. Father, you certainly made your point, and one thing you did not say you were taught in seminars was the inventive use of video resources.

[@pasalasaga]

I need this kind of videos for every single topic.

[@LivingCatholic]

my brother got the whole library down there, God bless you from italy

[@BensWorkshop]

Thank you father. It is good to get a picture of what priests studied at sememary.

[@bernardjackson6594]

That really deterred me from applying for a seminary... My deep gratitude for the service of our faithful clergy in these dark times.

[@thecatholicwire]

Oh no. Apply to the right one. MaterDeiSeminary in Omaha NE

[@chucklumb3500]

Honestly, I think this guy is grossly exaggerating. I would guess that less than 1% of new priests have read and understood all those books.

[@ContriteCatholic]

@@chucklumb3500 He said it's what they learn in a Catholic Seminary with a good traditional curriculum. So while he's not exaggerating, your point also hold true.

[@chucklumb3500]

@@ContriteCatholic While I agree with his overall points, I am pretty sure that he's exaggerating as regards the reading required to become a priest even "in a Catholic Seminary with a good traditional curriculum." Rather, I think that he is more closely describing the reading load for a PhD in Theology, and even those students may not read the books specified but only some plus other books instead.

[@-John-Doe-]

I got that sense as well. To be fair, most of the literature we engaged with in higher education was very cursory - you’ll keep coming back to these repeatedly, and over time develop a deeper understanding. You can come back to a text after years with a new perspective and insights. If this is your hobby, however, then it’s something you’re going to be doing regardless. I started learning Latin for the purpose of reading these older texts.

[@ToqTheWise]

I think there are two reactions to this video, most laypeople are like “Thank God I don’t have to do all that” but then there’s the small number of my other autistic brothers and myself that are like “…I could be a priest!” 😂

[@njohn6995]

Thank you priesthood Father 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ibpopp]

What an exemplary post. Thank you very much, Father. When it comes to lay commentators who become a wee bit too adamant, "Fools rush in..." Pax Christi tibi.

[@gabbydator2095]

The more we study in depth about our faith, the more realize how much more we don’t and we cannot just rely on ourselves to have the answer to everything. Thank you Fr. for this one. May I ask if you can put the list here of all the books that you have mentioned and shown in the video. I hope it’s not too much to ask. Thank you and may God continue to bless and use your gifts to enlighten us.

[@danielbruceagra9022]

Father, God Bless you, Do you have a list of the name of the books so I can at leat try to learn about those topics?

[@thecatholicwire]

(This video wasn’t a selling scheme) many of the most important ones are in shop.thecatholicwire.org So you can see the list. Several are found free online. That’s not all but is enough for a serious beginning. I strongly advise to undertake such studies under the advice of a Priest.

[@danielbruceagra9022]

@@thecatholicwire ok, thanks, I understand what you have said and I usually like to have those lists so when I have more time, I sudy, and usually I like to be on advice of priests

[@buzztrucker]

I think many would have more respect for Roman Catholic clergy when they realize it takes more years (6) of seminary than medical school (4) to become a priest.

[@zatoichi1]

Appropriate since the health of the soul supercedes the health of the body.

[@JeremyConstantino]

Hi Father, where did you purchase the new Papal Encyclical set from?

[@wompwomp77]

Ty for showing us the way Padre!! Cristo es Rey!!

[@dianneraimondi8382]

Knowledge is vital in the practice of your faith, but virtue and growing in sanctifying grace is central to your relationship with God. After knowledge you must attend to your interior life.

[@eddybuckhorn7411]

I was once told by a Protestant preacher, that they more than the Catholic Priests. I want to track that person down now and just send this video to them. God bless you for making a very good point. You’re everyday priest has probably forgotten more than more laity know.

[@DivineKnight_115]

It’s nice to hear theology sparknotes that boil major teachings and concepts about God and the supernatural.

[@brysonstevens1431]

Can you post a list of all the books?

[@tinycheemsdog7005]

thank you for this video father

[@AlwaysKeepStirring]

can you share a list of all of the books, or can someone redirect me to them? It would be good to have the full list in the description - I know it's hard work, but it would be helpful!

[@ArmandoTheCatholic]

2:00 Hello Father, Firstly, I greatly appreciate this video, but I have a question. It would seem here you say "The Odyssey" as in the ancient work by Homer. I am curious; what philosophical value does this literature have?

[@thecatholicwire]

I said “Theodicy” the study of God according to our natural powers.

[@ArmandoTheCatholic]

@@thecatholicwire woops, my bad

[@wungabunga]

😂

[@ready1fire1aim1]

But can you tell the difference between the Genesis 1 character and the Genesis 2 character?

Father, there are also the many pneumatic music scores of liturgical music and chants of the Church. God Bless all our studious Priests!

[@eduardocavanagh]

Buenísimo, Padre!

[@ReboneMora]

I like the subtle smirk… this man has a sense of humor 😂😂😂

[@hoyaloya]

Would love your thoughts on the "fewness of the chosen."

[@mamaof8gr8]

Awesome Padre!

[@frankperrella1202]

Awesome love the Channel 🙏🙏🗝️🗝️💯 Catholic 🙏🙏 lot's of books 📚📚

[@otienuc299]

I wish to know the tiltle of all of these book hoho

[@oscarsheen3045]

Which maths books are recommended?

[@aLadNamedNathan]

What did he say about the book between introduction to philosophy and apologetics?

[@dakilla3228]

Criterilogy

[@aLadNamedNathan]

@@dakilla3228 Criteriology. Thanks!

[@aLadNamedNathan]

@@dakilla3228 Upon further investigation, I've learned that criteriology is more commonly called epistemology in English.

[@dakilla3228]

@@aLadNamedNathan do you want to study these things?

[@aLadNamedNathan]

@@dakilla3228 Yes, I do. I already have books on most of these subjects, although some not in the quantities Father shows here--for instance, I have some books of Papal Encyclicals, but not as many as Father has here.

[@DivineVirtue777]

Where can I find the Papal encyclicals?

[@DivineVirtue777]

Hello Carlos Aeda, I was just wondering as a layman what books should one read to get a good grasp of the catholic faith? I don't intend to be a theologian or a priest, but I would like to have an entry lvl knowledge of what makes our faith so unique and profound.

[@thecatholicwire]

Besides the Baltimore Catechism (in the USA) and the Bible; it’s good to add the Catechism of the Council of Trent, the fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, Denzinger (the magisterium of the Church) and papal encyclicals specially of the last 2 centuries 1800- onwards.

[@DivineVirtue777]

@@thecatholicwirethank u so much Fr, btw would I need to read books on philosophy, sociology, & psychology to have a more in depth understanding behind the aspects of the Catholic faith?

[@thecatholicwire]

I would start with the ones I mentioned and then move on if you’d like, specially with the philosophy by Glenn…

[@benrex7775]

As a protestant, I apprechiate all the reading that is done in a Catholic Seminary. It motivates me to read more myself.

[@southtechie]

Do you support idol worship?

[@thecatholicwire]

That’s an old lie against Catholic and you know it well. Catholics worship only God

[@southtechie]

@@thecatholicwire I have seen catholics kneel down before idols.

[@southtechie]

@@thecatholicwire My eyes do not lie.

[@benrex7775]

@@southtechie If I got it right then the solid defence of "idol worship" shows that it is not actually worship. But when we look at how some catholics practice it then it may very well be idol worship. And if someone worships an idol, as in gives it glory that is only reserved for God, then I'm against that. If they don't do that then I think I should practice some humbleness as this doesn't seem to be a salvation relevant topic and people don't need perfect theology to enter heaven, as long as they follow Jesus.

[@IvanBeritic]

Very interesting! Im glad catholic priest are so well equipped. Could someone who doesnt want to be a priest study this program?

[@thecatholicwire]

With guidance

[@Christianity_and_Perennialism]

It’s funny, it’s normal for those who state that actual sins like lust, greed, pride, are sins, to say that they also struggle with those sins, but I have yet to encounter a person who accuses others of having ‘bad theology’ of admitting that they themselves also struggle with bad theology. Those people always have the perfect theology.

[@thecatholicwire]

I am actually very bad at retaining these studies. I could use to study continuously.

[@Solideogloria00]

Thank you for this video, father. Much respect. I’m just surprise you don’t have to study Hebrew or Greek in Depth, or biblical exegesis, Biblical Theology. That area would be a great compliment 😊

[@HoradrimBR]

As a Catholic I take this observation at heart. I get that there's the biblical study as a specialization, but, at least for the practical use facing protestants, a sharper biblical knowledge would be only a positive.

[@rafaelxgonzalez5236]

Which seminary still uses Noldin in Latin?! Amazing!

[@thecatholicwire]

We don’t use it as a textbook. It’s up to each seminarian to peruse it.

[@katemcpherson4146]

🙏

[@gj4303]

Saddest part is that with all this required reading, many priests that I have met do not know the Bible very well or the child’s gospel.

[@nobey1kanobey]

Can I get a list of all of these books please?

[@thecatholicwire]

You will find many of them on the link provided in the description.

[@JorgeLopez-yb1ct]

Interesting takes father, I'm curious though, why does your collection of papal encyclicals go up to 1958? Surely you're missing out on Humanae Vitae from St Paul VI?

[@thecatholicwire]

We do not accept Vatican II due to its erroneous teachings

[@JorgeLopez-yb1ct]

@@thecatholicwire wait, but aren't you catholic?

[@thecatholicwire]

I am a Catholic. That’s why I can’t accept Vatican II when it teaches that there is “holiness” in false religions and that in Hinduism one can come in contact with the divine, and in Buddhism one may attain supreme illumination….

[@thecatholicwire]

Almost a direct quote from Nostra Aetate.

[@matheusTM87]

​@@thecatholicwireSSPX?

[@jakedesantis8957]

I don't mean this as an insult in any way, just genuinely curious, is knowing Hebrew to go through the original text of the Old Testament not required? The Lutheran seminary I plan to attend requires Hebrew and for exegetical classes on Old Testament books goes through the original language and the same with Greek. I know you mentioned Greek, but it sounded like there was not much of an emphasis there either.

[@thecatholicwire]

In a catholic seminary one studies both sources of revelation, tradition (the word of God transmitted by word of mouth) and scripture. Hence there is more to cover. We do have available different translations from the original. The Protestant seminary disregards tradition and focuses on scripture, that disregard is an error, since tradition precedes scripture. For the first 60 years the Bible wasn’t even completed yet tradition was already formed. You could think of tradition as the “living magisterium of the whole church; what was held at all times, in all places, since the times of the apostles, by Christ revelation.” It has the same authority than scripture. Thanks for your comment!

[@jakedesantis8957]

@@thecatholicwire I understand this is true of many protestant seminaries, but as mentioned I plan on attending a Lutheran Seminary( attached to the LCMS). Confessional Lutherans put a lot of value in tradition, much of our seminary's curriculum is historical theology(includes things like our creeds, confessions, and overall church tradition) as well as systematic theology which involves studying the work of past theologians who have shaped Lutheran theology. But yes there is a heavy emphasis on the original text because a full understanding of the text requires studying the primary source. I appreciate your response but I would suggest not making so many assumptions.

[@thecatholicwire]

You will excuse me if I made assumptions. I don’t mean to be rude at all, it’s just that it seems to me, If you are a Lutheran it would be incongruent to give any importance to tradition or theologians since one of the main points of the teachings of Luther was “Sola Scriptura”. (I say this with respect and kindness to you, that’s what I know). So my assumption would be warranted I thought. Just for your info, I would say the Catholic Church also promotes the study of Holy Scripture in the original texts. But as you will experience the study of Hebrew is a career of itself. Greek is more attainable. I would love to expand this conversation!

[@jakedesantis8957]

@@thecatholicwire I appreciate you clarifying that what you said doesn't come from an attempt to be rude, and I want to clarify that I did not think you meant it as such. It seems a common misunderstanding among Catholics and Orthodox that all protestants are as you described and to be fair much of American Protestantism can give off that idea. I would suggest looking into the topic more, as you seem to have a misunderstanding of the original and true doctrine of Sola Scriptura which simply means scripture is the primary authority and does not mean tradition, theologians, or the church itself do not have any authority. The doctrine simply means all other authorities, such as those mentioned, fall under scripture and must be in accordance with it. If you are interested, I would suggest Dr. Jordan B. Cooper, he is a Lutheran theologian with a great KZbin series on Sola Scriptura. And thank you for the extra remarks on the use of original language, I appreciate your quick responses.

[@theYAHA25]

Hello Father. Excellent video! Would you be down to be a guest on a podcast I have with a friend? We’re desperately looking for a catholic versed in theology since the episode we want to record is about what the Catholic Church teaches. Our podcast is in Spanish (which you seem to speak).

[@thecatholicwire]

Name the podcast please?

[@theYAHA25]

@@thecatholicwire The conversation we’d like to record is an interview where we ask questions about Catholic beliefs. Protestants tend to view Catholics and their doctrines in negative ways and we would like to contribute to a more respectful and friendly relationship between both groups. Plus we also have questions that we’re eager to explore with a competent Catholic theologian that would give us the chance. Thanks for even responding to the first comment! Hopefully you accept our cordial invitation :)

[@michaelmartinx714]

Still confused as to why my priest during his homilies makes people giggle with awful cheesy life stories??

[@DeAnneRidge]

Are you sede ( popes since 1958 not popes of the Catholic church because they taught heresy) Sounds novus ordo to me. I experienced that constantly in novus ordo ( those that have the buildings but not the faith)

[@DeAnneRidge]

@@CatholicDefender-bp7my because sedevacantists are true Catholics as the church was at the death of pope Pius XII. It’s wholly different than Protestantism.

[@uncreatedlogos]

This is a loooong mic drop. Awesome😂

[@haroldramirezmedina9153]

I admire you Fr. Zepeda, for your no nonsense, but yet humble approach to things. May the Lord grant you all the graces necessary to do the work you do. I hope to meet you one day

[@TheKevin9000]

One older priest proudly told me that he made it through his entire seminary formation without knowing a word of Latin. If he made it through, then certainly there are Bishops who made it through without studying much of what they should have.

[@thecatholicwire]

True! Specially in the Vatican II church. We don’t follow those changes…

[@virtuosyc]

Thoughts on preterism?

[@johnmb69]

Piece of cake, Father! I'm so kidding... You make a good point, quite visually. 👍

[@die_schlechtere_Milch]

Why did you bring up the Odyssey under philosophy books?

[@thecatholicwire]

Theodicy. It’s the study of the knowledge of God that is possible to attain with the use of reason without revelation.

[@zacdredge3859]

@@thecatholicwire Ah, not quite... Theodicy is an apologetic that addresses the problem of evil or suffering. What you're describing is just natural theology.

[@thecatholicwire]

Yes quite. You are giving the definition that appears when you google it. I’m giving the definition from the book Theodicy by Paul Glenn. The science has been expanded to mean all of natural theology.

[@die_schlechtere_Milch]

@@thecatholicwire the term "theodicy" has a much longer history than from its mention in the book which you are trying to sell. But please tell me, why should one study the Odyssey if one wants to have a better understanding of natural theology or in your language "theodicy"? I think that the Odyssey is a great work of literature and maybe especially married men should read, but I don't see how it is a philosophical book in the sense that it tries to lay out valid arguments or logically analyses our language used for a certain field like metaphysics or philosophical psychology. I also don't say that ongoing Priests shouldn't read it, I just don't know why you presented it as a work of philosophy. Btw, I think that especially in philosophy, there is much to be gained in wrestling with the "primary" literature and not merely through handbooks. This is probably also true for the great works of (exegetical) theology, but maybe to a lesser degree. Many seminaries are in this respect still in the "tradition" (or in this particular case: bad habit) of pre-romantic scholarly education. The High Scholastics read Plato and Aristotle and commented with great care and precision on their works!

[@thecatholicwire]

🤦🏻‍♂️… I guess all I can really say is thank you for proving my point.

[@aunomdescoeursunis]

So, all priests, bishops and the pope have no excuses, they all must guide the Lord's sheep well, right ? God bless you, father.

[@thecatholicwire]

Exactly. We will be seriously accountable before God, much more than anyone else.

[@ZachFish-]

But also the beginning priest just had scripture and life experience. (Of course, more books are useful, now that we’ve gotten so far from the apostolic age).

[@donnavanmaanen1110]

Respectfully we are all theologians. As we worship, read the holy Scripture, pray, participate in the sacraments…. We all grow as theologians. We must take care to learn from priests, teachers…. And we will be good theologians…

[@barelycatholic]

This is RC Sproul's claim, but it proves too much. We all practice practical theology and grow, but we all are not theologians properly speaking. Neither do we need to be, thank the Lord. We have an actual authority to appeal to.

[@contemplatinghistory]

This is a bit misleading. The majority of those books contain massive sections of appendix and footnotes. Additionally, many have dual languages (latin + english, greek + english), effectively doubling the size of the book + with the afformented appendix and footnotes most of what is actually read is often less than half of the actual books size. Print size as comes into play. Loeb Classical Library publishes books like this. If you spent everyday reading philosophy (Aristotle/Plato), the writings of the Church Fathers (Saints, Doctors, and heretics), the various Local and Ecumenical Councils, Papal Bulls, Papal Encyclicals, Various Catechism, Middle Age Apologetics, Church History, etc. It would likely take about 4-5 years of little sleep.

[@thecatholicwire]

😂… I find it interesting how difficult to believe this seems to some people. Your remarks are not true in the case of these books. You can find them online and check. Our seminary lasts from 4 to 6 years btw, effectively with little sleep. 😉

[@Juanro_7]

Respect and empathy is the foundation of all fruitful discussions. It is good to see this shown in a visually way

[@JMOY19902]

Dios lo Bendiga Padre y la Virgen lo guarde, por abrir los ojos a la virtud de la prudencia al emitir juicios sobre la revelación. Ello no es un juego, nada mas y nada menos que el alma, es lo que esta en la linea de fuego, y es bien difícil salvarla, e intentamos combatir por ello cada día. Agregaría al video, cómo en los buenos serminarios la penitencia y el abandono a si mismo abren camino al amor de Dios real y práctico y preparan al Sacerdote a las virtudes que lo convierten en fiel servidor de Cristo. Prodigio que solo se halla en la verdadera Madre Iglesia Católica.

[@chucklumb3500]

Honestly, I would imagine that far less than 1% of priests have even a superficial understanding of all those books. Less than 5% have the intellectual capacity.

[@thecatholicwire]

In the Vatican II church (which I don’t follow) they don’t study these anymore

[@jamesottman6559]

@@thecatholicwireso you’re not in communion with Rome?

[@ywzx6275]

I would be very happy to guided by priests with that formation and that desire for the truth. But someone or something took it from us. I can't imagine not a single one of the priests or bishops around me having something close to this level of study. For me, the self-proclaimed theologians are just a symptom of the spread of the disease.

[@thecatholicwire]

Very true! Try to find Priests that don’t follow Vatican II

[@ywzx6275]

@@thecatholicwire Thanks Father

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

Yeah… I would have all these books… but I’d be more the case of “to have them available “….. lol 😂 Thank you father and all good priests for what you do for the world!!

[@Bathoggywinger]

Every person who calls himself a Christian should know the Law, and not these man made fictions, but that Law, the Law of the Prophets left to us by the Lord Christ, that is found easily accessible in the Bible. It is not just the priest who should know that Law, but just as in antiquity every man was required to know the Law.

[@thecatholicwire]

What’s that in the Law… Deutoronomy 17:9? “Thous shalt come to the Priests…and thou shalt ask of them, and they shall shew thee the truth of judgment?…” But true, everyone should know the teaching of the Church, given to us by Christ. As he said: “He who heard you hears Me…” thank you! God bless!

[@Bathoggywinger]

@@thecatholicwire Most Catholic versions would state "Levite priest" in Deu. 17:9, a group of whom do not exist anymore. With the Second Temple gone, we do not do animal sacrifices either, but that's not the only thing that changed from the Old Testament(OT). The OT was not even the fulfillment of the Law. The one who came bearing the Word changed quite a number of things, one of the most famous examples being Christ's Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 5+) speech to the people , whom he educated in that Law. The reason Christ did this is obvious, because the temple where the Holy Spirit resides is in the body of man. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple[g] of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. It is requirement for a Christian to know that Law, just as Christ himself gave it freely to his people.

[@juliengonzales9867]

Father where can I find these books?

[@thecatholicwire]

Most of them are online. A great part (so you see the titles) are in shop.thecatholicwire.org

[@richyburnett]

I very much respect this. However, if this holds weight….then why is the church in such a mess? How is the church teaching against its own teaching? How can it be logically consistent to comprehend all of this and then end up with with a church rife with the errors of modernism unless a. Priests are deliberately ignoring what they know b. They don’t know what you’re saying they know c. They are convinced of something superior (which would destroy your argument) D. They are just sinful So. Respectfully Father, plenty of people have just cause to be angry with some of the clergy. This is just an appeal to authority. As the old English saying goes “you dont need the brains of an archbishop” to know something is wrong when it is. Even a cursory glance at the errors of modernism will prove this.

[@ninjason57]

Appeal to authority is the Roman Catholic way.

[@thecatholicwire]

I hold that the Bishops and Priests that adhere to the Vatican II have lost the faith and are therefore not truly Catholic.

[@thecatholicwire]

And yes, not all Priests know this.

[@HoradrimBR]

​@@ninjason57well, Saint Thomas Aquinas, the golden standard of Catholic Theologian, says that: "argument from authority is the weakest". So, no, authority is not what makes something being correct. However, authority has a role. If you study the history of all ecumenical councils and infalible Papal déclarations, *all* matters were object of study by faithful theologians for centuries prior - among other requisites. The father in this video points to two principles : humily and filial reverence. That streams from the the 4th commandment: honor father and mother, that includes all elders and superiors. Of course none of them are perfect, because only God is, so, part of the commandment includes tolerate and be respectful even when our elders are not wise, pure or holy. In some cases we can act - if our father is abusing our sister, we should fight him and save her - but that's not the majority of cases, far from it!

[@thecatholicwire]

Maybe you should watch this video again. 😉

[@casperdermetaphysiker]

Do Catholic priests study Jewish Kabalah?

[@thecatholicwire]

No…

[@twopintsofmilk]

This was brilliant 😂 God bless you

[@Tabascosause]

I find memorizing anything is only useful if you understand the text. I've studied belief concepts since I was 7 after a NDE. That unknown experience cased me to study Neurology, Philosophy and Psychology as well. I don't believe in magic or fairytales. For me they're not useful. I have practiced different forms of Religious concept throughout life without following the community/religion itself based on trust issues. I was actually fairly disappointed after I studied multiple Languages and Semiotics of Geometry and Mathematics. I metaphorically hit a wall. I understand everything I've studied from Science multiple Religions, from the Egyptians and studying hieroglyphs, I've studied Sanskrit for Hinduism and Hebrew for Judaism. I personally studied so many religions and mythological concept to realize we have have various interpretations and beliefs about the nature and attributes of God. However, that's what we see. That's what we can articulate with language and our eyes. After all of my studies, I've come to realize God is real, some concepts use metaphors and concepts of polarity, but after knowing rather than believing. I chose Catholicism. Many people in my life have asked me why, if I'm so smart why believe in something that may never be proven. My only response is. It's been proven time and time again, yet we ignore God and the beauty he gave us to be selfish. So I simply chose the people rather than myself. Something, cant come from nothing. I'm able to travel the world and still be at home with Catholicism. Every country I go, I get to experience the same consistent structure and culture. While sharing Gods light to remove the darkness from the world.

[@neoplatonicrelationship]

>tfw your "traditional" curriculum has almost no writings straight from the saints

[@thecatholicwire]

No, most saints did not write organized theology. The writings of the saints are read on a daily basis by each seminarian in private (not in a class) and that on personal recommendations. (Mater Dei Seminary)

[@neoplatonicrelationship]

​@@thecatholicwire blud has never read Bonaventure or Scotus. dawg these are my traditionalists 😭😭😭

[@thecatholicwire]

I actually have read both. But not their entire works, I am on the process to do that. God bless!

[@neoplatonicrelationship]

​@@thecatholicwire tbh all jokes aside it feels like the average seminarian get more in studying in philosophy if they stuck with the basics of Aristotle + SS. Augustine, Boethius, and Dionysius instead of being taught the manuals, which tbh suffer from mad amounts of the "second-hand author" problem. This prepares them to study the scholastics in a genuine way, by presenting them the works and first principles that formed the scholastics in the purest concentrate, instead of presenting them with Great-Value brand St. Thomas as exemplified in 20th century manualism. There's a reason, say, Thomism died out and it wasn't because of modernism, it was because people were trained on the manuals instead of the OG stuff. Like feeding a child formula instead of milk. And so a lot of the people raised in what was essentially discount Scholasticism grew up to either be weak philosophers, or straight up abandoned Scholasticism. I don't think the manuals solidly prepare someone to really think for themselves. They're not leading you through the dialectical mazes of Aristotle or the midwifery of ideas of Plato, which helped you develop the skills to really engage the medievals, who are extremely important for Christianity. Not to mention the manualists at times have really weird takes on what the philosophers thought. A personal gripe is there also isn't much mathematical training in this curriculum, which is a bit weird, considering the role that mathematics had in the formation of minds so as to prepare them for philosophy, in both pagans like Porphyry and Christians like St. Gregory the Wonderworker. I don't think this curriculum is exactly the best. It doesn't seem very rigorous, and to be honest, the philosophy portion seems kinda made for midwits. And I think young men deserve better.

[@thecatholicwire]

I see your point. This is the basics.

[@Lerian_V]

Father would your stipend be enough to pay my rent for a month? I need $800 for rent and food. Pax vobis.

[@thecatholicwire]

I actually get less than that from stipends. 😂

[@Lerian_V]

@@thecatholicwire Ok, never mind. In your charity please pray for me. I'm in a bad place in many ways.

[@thecatholicwire]

Sure will!

[@bobthebuildest6828]

hmmm thats strange he said canon law was changed up until 1956, but i know of reforms that were made last year……..

[@bobthebuildest6828]

maybe i shouldve been tipped off when he stopped reading papal encyclicals after 1958, classic heresy of sedevacantism

[@thecatholicwire]

My dear friend: The heresy is rather in teaching what Vatican II teaches. That there is holiness in Buddhism, Hinduism and other false religions. It takes but a short research to become horrified at the heresies Francis has been teaching all throughout his papacy. I exhort you to study particularly the previous encyclicals of the Popes. It will become evident how blatantly Vatican II contradicted previous infallible teaching.

[@IC-XC_NIKA]

In post-conciliar seminaries almost none of this is taught. In the official Church of St John Paul 2, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, The formation consists primarily what what could be compared to comic books in light off what you are discussing here. The traditional theological sciences in all their demanding rigor were thrown in the dumpster in many seminaries in the 1970s and 80’s.

[@dozidac]

you built yerslef a book fort :)

[@iamnotafraidiwasborntodoth5688]

WOW this video blew up!!!

[@dannyharvanek3908]

Benedictus

[@F1990T]

This is right, reading the Bible completely, repeatedly and carefully in order to selecting (cherry picking) verses to fuel their supposedly "biblical-only", "scriptural-only" narrative of their "chruch", does not make these guys theologians nor their org a church.

[@JudeMalachi]

The problem is that the faithful can clearly see that our bishops simply don't know a whole lot. What does it matter what they've studied if they've forgotten most of it along the way? I think every one knows a few good priests, but again as a whole they're not an impressive lot. Anyway, it's not the priest's job to be my theologian; it's his job to offer me the means for my own sanctification through celebrating the sacraments.

[@thecatholicwire]

I agree. I put no stock on the formation in Vatican II clergy and seminaries. This is what was done in seminaries previous to VII…

[@hs-srb6335]

Greeting. I am a student at the Orthodox Theological Faculty. You father (I call you that out of respect) only listed the books that should be read, you didn't mention how much effort it takes to learn it all. How much patience is needed, how many sleepless nights, how much sweat and tears are needed to get that diploma. No one understands how much effort it takes to learn ancient Greek or Latin. No one understands how much philosophy needs to be known in order to illuminate the path to theology at least a little. And now I have a case where I have to argue about dogmatics with some protester who has read the revelation twice. Give me a break. I don't care about your opinion. I don't know everything, don't get me wrong. I'm only halfway through my degree and I'm losing hope of finishing this on time. But these are some things that annoy me. I will mention you in prayer, father. Mention me too for the enlightenment of my mind.

[@thecatholicwire]

Yes, you are right. I cannot mention everything in a 12 min video. Pay attention at the end, I also say one needs formation, virtues, experience etc… Praying for you! Email me to talk about your position if you’d like!

[@vincentpainchaud7174]

For every know-it-all willing to argue with a priest without the proper credentials, there is at least half a dozen person who assume that priestly ordination provides supernatural knowledge about everything. During Advent, a friend of mine gave a conference on Saint Joseph in our parish. Very few people attended compared to the one a priest gave the week prior about Our Lady. Among those attending, someone asked : - "Why isn't Father Suchandsuch speaking here today?" - "Because I know more about the traditions around St Joseph than Father Suchandsuch, who's more versed in Mariology." - "How can it be? You're not even a priest." - "M'am, I teach priests the course about St Joseph at the Great Seminary." -"How can you pretend knowing more than priests at the Great Seminary? Isn't that a prideful thing to say?" Can we just respect and appreciate a person's knowledge for what it is?

[@thecatholicwire]

There are a lot of lay people that know more than I do I’m sure. The point of the video is to be prudent and to help know what we might ignore.

[@MC-nj1gn]

♥