Obviously, if a candidate can "shop around" for seminaries with differing standards, then that seems like a serious problem. But at the same time, if we have different schools of thought/interpretation on this question existing at all, then that's indicative of a much deeper deeper problem – which I happen to think that links back to (ev…
Obviously, if a candidate can "shop around" for seminaries with differing standards, then that seems like a serious problem. But at the same time, if we have different schools of thought/interpretation on this question existing at all, then that's indicative of a much deeper deeper problem – which I happen to think that links back to (even if it also goes beyond) the definitional disagreement/confusion I was referencing above. In any case, there will always be a component of subjective evaluation, even when measuring against the most clear-cut requirements. But we can't successfully create or enforce a clear requirement at all if we don't fully agree on what that requirement should be, and why it should be that way. To be clear, I do happen to believe that the best "bright line" rule should be linked to behavior, and corresponding evidence of successful adherence to chastity/celibacy, regardless of orientation (which is, after all, a very modern notion/category lacking deep roots in the Church's moral tradition, which is far more concerned with actions and habits of vice/virtue than it is with "orientation"), etc.
Obviously, if a candidate can "shop around" for seminaries with differing standards, then that seems like a serious problem. But at the same time, if we have different schools of thought/interpretation on this question existing at all, then that's indicative of a much deeper deeper problem – which I happen to think that links back to (even if it also goes beyond) the definitional disagreement/confusion I was referencing above. In any case, there will always be a component of subjective evaluation, even when measuring against the most clear-cut requirements. But we can't successfully create or enforce a clear requirement at all if we don't fully agree on what that requirement should be, and why it should be that way. To be clear, I do happen to believe that the best "bright line" rule should be linked to behavior, and corresponding evidence of successful adherence to chastity/celibacy, regardless of orientation (which is, after all, a very modern notion/category lacking deep roots in the Church's moral tradition, which is far more concerned with actions and habits of vice/virtue than it is with "orientation"), etc.
Agreed entirely.