Position B is easy to understand and easier still to follow. Its proponents firmly maintain fidelity to the Hierarchy, even at times when it may seem disproportionate.  Widespread ignorance among the faithful as to the true degree of submission due to the Magisterium and the Hierarchy, permits certain ideologues and pressure groups to take advantage of the situation.

The defenders of this Position adamantly support whatever the Pope says, speaks of, thinks, or does, while momentarily or indefinitely putting into brackets (but never denying) fidelity to the intangible principles, including dogmas. This is done without emphasizing the true content, significance, and limitations of the Magisterium. Even less do they find the need to differentiate among Ordinary Magisterium, Solemn Magisterium, and speeches or opinions given here and there by various members of the Hierarchy. Needless to say, the necessity of integrating everything current with what has been said by preceding Popes never crosses their minds, since they are oblivious to the fact that the Magisterium cannot contradict itself. Summing it all up, as strange as it may seem: for the proponents of Position B, everything the Pope says is a dogma of Faith, no matter how outlandish it may be; and any deviation whatsoever is considered as infidelity to the Church.

One must acknowledge that Position B is by far the safest of the three Positions. It implies both leaving the principles and their interpretation solely in the hands of the Hierarchy (but can one be certain that it is the true Hierarchy?) and following the Hierarchy faithfully and blindly; thus fidelity is guaranteed and all problems are solved. On another note, adhesion to this Position is absolutely necessary for those who aspire to any position within the Church which would otherwise be unattainable: If a man desire the office of bishop, he desires a noble task…(1 Tim 3:1); and they will most likely achieve their goals, as long as they subscribe to this Position.

The most difficult Position to understand and the hardest to put into practice is Position C, a sort of Cinderella in this somewhat unique contest (although without a Prince in love or a happy ending). Some may think that it is not even worthy talking about it, and they may not be wrong. What can be assured in advance is that it is condemned attitude, one to be despised and even abhorred by all. Positions A and B agree to condemn it (as Herod and Pilate did); therefore, its followers will always be few, yet worthy of the title of Hero, whether acknowledged as such or not.

(To be continued)