Choose a topic from Part 2B:

39. Schism

1. Schism is a breaking away, a division which disruptsunity. As a sin, it is the disruption of unity born of charity. Inspecial, it is the sin of cutting away from the unity of thefaithful under the rule of the Vicar of Christ; it is the refusalto submit to the rule and jurisdiction of the sovereignpontiff.

2. Schism is a grave sin, but it is not so grave as heresyand unbelief. Heresy cuts a person off from the unity of thefaithful just as schism does; but heresy adds to this the evil ofembracing false doctrine. {-When papal infallibilityand the primacy and jurisdiction ofthe sovereign pontiff weresolemnly defined, schism became a practical denial of truths of thefaith, and hence is itself heretical.-}

3. Schismatics lose the right to exercise spiritualpowers; they lose jurisdiction itself, and not merely its licituse.

4. It is right and just that schismatics, who severthemselves from the unity of the Church, should be punished by theChurch with the penalty their action invites, namely,excommunication.

"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"
Thomas á Kempis

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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP

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"Lord, here burn, here cut, and dry up in me all that hinders me from going to You, that You may spare me in eternity."
St Louis Bertrand

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