Episode 1677: St Edmund Campion

St. Edmund Campion's book "Decem Rationes" (Ten Reasons):
Decem Rationes, also known as "Ten Reasons," is a theological treatise written by English Jesuit priest and martyr Edmund Campion. It was first published in 1581, shortly before Campion's arrest and execution for treason. The book is a defense of the Catholic Church against the Protestant Reformation, and it is considered one of the most important works of Catholic apologetics of the 16th century.

In Decem Rationes, Campion presents ten arguments in favor of the Catholic Church. His arguments are based on Scripture, tradition, the authority of the Pope, and the historical continuity of the Church. Campion also addresses a number of common Protestant objections to the Catholic Church, such as the veneration of saints, the doctrine of purgatory, and the use of Latin in the liturgy.

Decem Rationes was a controversial work in its own time, but it has also been praised for its clarity, logic, and erudition. The book has been reprinted many times and translated into many languages. It is still considered a valuable resource for Catholic apologetics today.

Here is a summary of the ten arguments presented in Decem Rationes:

1. The true Church of Christ must be visible and known to all.

2. The true Church of Christ must be one and undivided.

3. The true Church of Christ must be Catholic, that is, spread throughout the world.

4. The true Church of Christ must be apostolic, that is, founded by the Apostles and their successors.

5. The true Church of Christ must be holy, that is, free from error and sin.

6. The true Church of Christ must have the marks of the true Church, such as miracles, prophecies, and martyrdom.

7. The true Church of Christ must be the guardian of Scripture and tradition.

8. The true Church of Christ must have the power to forgive sins and to excommunicate sinners.

9. The true Church of Christ must have the authority to define matters of faith and morals.

10. The true Church of Christ must be the judge of controversies.

Campion argues that the Catholic Church is the only Church that meets all of these criteria. He concludes that Catholics have a duty to remain in the Catholic Church and to avoid all forms of schism and heresy.

Decem Rationes is a powerful and persuasive defense of the Catholic Church. It is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or who is considering converting to Catholicism.