Propaganda

[TerrorDæmonum]

The dogmatic issue is one of the very narrow view of a singular issue, but in practice, I have yet to see anybody actually hold a Sedevacantist position in isolation, as it usually extends to more than the current Pope, encompasses various views on sacramental validity, including Holy Orders, and there are a range of moral judgements on non-Sedevacantist participation.

For the prevalent view, which tends to reject or question all Popes after Pope Pius XII, this results in a very weird situation where the most prominent Sedevacantist tactic is to spread discouraging propaganda, scouring the world for examples of things that would support their arguments on an emotional level at least.

But the danger of this is that it is merely discouraging to Catholics, not actually supporting a positive view. People who have seen all these things and used them to reject or question the Popes (and other things) tend to not become Sedevacantists, but atheists, Protestants, Orthodox, or some other conclusion.

Also, the examples of Sedevacantist groups tend to be very poor, with a range of individuals of all sorts, none of which have any union. One has to pick one's cult of personality essentially.

Without being able to actually positively point people to the Holy Catholic Church, but willing to actively forge ahead in saying where it is not without regard to consequences is very imprudent at best, and extremely scandalous at worst.

Actively seeking to discourage Catholics without any care to consequences is the work of the Devil.

For every successful argument a Sedevacantist makes, how many people remain in the Church? Furthermore, for those convinces of the Sedevacantist argument, how many hold it for the long term?

It is no wonder those who are Sedevacantist find small groups to reinforce their views. How could one claim to be Catholic and be faithful while thinking the entire Church essentially was defective or gone? What tiny group of the baptised goes around drawing people away from communion with the Church which has a hierarchy, unity, and continuity without regard to consequences?

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.