Two Ways of Being Froward

I speak often about the sin of frowardness; mostly because it is so extremely prevalent today. Having encountered it recently in two occasions close in time, I want to point out once again that there are two different ways that people can commit the sin of being froward. Beforehand, however, I want to make sure that everyone knows exactly what it means to be froward. No, it is not the same as being "forward" (which means merely someone who is overly direct in his mannerisms and speech). A froward person is someone who is self-willed. This is someone who refuses to listen to correction because he believes he cannot be wrong.

The first way that someone commits the sin of frowardness (and by far the more common manner) is the person who is openly angry and contentious towards anyone who has a different opinion. This behavior is common in modernists, scientists, college professors, and politicians (to name only a few categories that come to mind quickly). Most often they will be labeled as "arrogant" or simply "stubborn" (which are not the same as froward).

The second way that someone commits the sin of frowardness (and though less common in general, is far more common in traditional Catholics -- so take note), is the person who seeks to appear holy and devoted to God, but inwardly is full of pride and self-deceit. This is the person who is willing to disobey any counsel of his bishop or priest, and even willing to reject the established teachings of the Church in the name of a superficial holiness, often accompanied by claims like, "the Holy Spirit told me".

The pride that fills this person's heart is especially pernicious. It disguises itself as holiness and leads the person more deeply into spiritual death every day of his life. It is the kind of pride that the Scriptures attribute to the devil. In some way Satan refused to subject himself to the wisdom of God and deceived himself into believing that he was wiser than our Lord.

Traditional Catholics who fall into this type of frowardness do not see what they are doing because they have redefined their pride as "perseverance" or "wisdom" or even "true faithfulness". The recognition that we cannot ever trust ourselves to know more than what Christ has revealed to the Church is humbling; it is also essential for our salvation.

Do you disagree with Church dogma (I refer to what is actually dogma and not a mistaken notion of it)? Submit your heart and mind to God and beg for His correction. Do you disagree with the authoritative counsel of a priest (I am not referring to the personal opinions of a priest)? Submit yourself to God and ask for His humbling grace to allow you to find obedience. Do not go first to your own understanding and presume upon your own superiority. Remember, the Holy Ghost tells us that God will humble those who exalt themselves, and exalt those who humble themselves.