CATECHISM ON MODERNISM – PART I – THE MODERNIST AS BELIEVER – IV. PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES

PART I
THE ERRORS OF THE MODERNISTS

CHAPTER II

THE MODERNIST AS BELIEVER

I. RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
II. TRADITION
III. RELATION BETWEEN FAITH AND SCIENCE
IV. PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES

Q. Is the conduct of Catholic Modernists in keeping with their principles?

A. ‘This will appear more clearly to anybody who studies the conduct of Modernists, which is in perfect harmony with their teachings. In their writings and
addresses they seem not unfrequently to advocate doctrines which are contrary one to the other, so that one would be disposed to regard their attitude as double and doubtful. But this is done deliberately and advisedly, and the reason of it is to be found in their opinion as to the mutual separation of science and faith. Thus, in their books one finds some things which might well be approved by a Catholic, but on turning over the page one is confronted by other things which might well have been dictated by a rationalist.’

Q. Do they not play a double part in matters of history?

A. ‘When they write history they make no mention of the divinity of Christ, but when they are in the pulpit they profess it clearly. Again, when they are
dealing with history, they take no account of the Fathers and the Councils, but when they catechize the people they cite them respectfully.’

Q. And in matters of exegesis?

A. ‘In the same way they draw their distinctions between exegesis which is theological and pastoral and exegesis which is scientific and historical.’

Q. Is this done also in other scientific work?

A. ‘So, too, when they treat of philosophy, history, and criticism, acting on the principle that science in no way depends upon faith, they feel no especial horror in treading in the footsteps of Luther,* and are wont to display a manifold contempt for Catholic doctrines, for the Holy Fathers, for the (Ecumenical
Councils, for the ecclesiastical Magisterium; and should they be taken to task for this, they complain that they are being deprived of their liberty.’

Q. What is, consequently, the conduct of Catholic Modernists with regard to the Church s magisterium?

A. ‘Maintaining the theory that faith must be subject to science, they continuously and openly rebuke the Church on the ground that she resolutely refuses to submit and accommodate her dogmas to the opinions of philosophy.’

Q. As to them, how do they treat Catholic theology?

A. ‘They, on their side, having for this purpose blotted out the old theology, endeavour to introduce a new theology which shall support the aberrations of
philosophers.’

* Prop. 29, condemned by Leo X., Bull, Exsurge Domine, May 16, 1520 : It is permissible to us to invalidate the authority of Councils, freely to gainsay their acts, to judge of their decrees, and confidently to assert whatever seems to us to be true, whether it has been approved or reprobated bv any Council whatsoever.

CHAPTER III : THE MODERNIST AS THEOLOGIAN

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