PART I
THE ERRORS OF THE MODERNISTS
CHAPTER V
THE MODERNIST AS HISTORIAN AND AS CRITIC
I. APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AGNOSTICISM
II. APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF VITAL IMMANENCE
III. APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EVOLUTION
IV. TEXTUAL CRITICISM
V. CONCLUSION
Q. How, then, do you sum up the historical method of the Modernists ?
A. We believe that We have set forth with sufficient clearness the historical method of the Modernists. The philosopher leads the way, the historian follows, and then, in due order, come the internal and textual critics.
Q. Since a certain philosophy is the basis of this historical method of the Modernists, and is, as it were, its primal cause, how may we characterize their historical criticism ?
A. Since it is characteristic of the primary cause to communicate its virtue to causes which are secondary, it is quite clear that the criticism with which We are concerned is not any kind of criticism, but that which is rightly called agnostic, immanentist, and evolutionist criticism.
Q. May one, then, make use of such criticism without detriment to the Faith ?
A. Anyone who adopts it and employs it makes profession thereby of the errors contained in it, and places himself in opposition to Catholic teaching.
Q. This being so, what must we think of the praises that certain Catholics bestow on such criticism ?
A. It is much a matter for surprise that it should have found acceptance to such an extent amongst certain Catholics.
Q. Why do certain Catholics allow themselves to be drawn to think so highly of criticism contrary to their Faith ?
A. Two causes may be assigned for this : first, the close alliance which the historians and critics of this school have formed among themselves independent of all differences of nationality or religion ; second, their boundless effrontery.
Q. Do all the Modernists of different nationalities support one another ?
A. Yes. If one makes any utterance the others applaud him in chorus, proclaiming that science has made another step forward.
Q. And how do they league together against anyone who criticizes them ?
A. If an outsider should desire to inspect the new discovery for himself, they form a coalition against him.
Q. To sum the matter up, what tactics do they pursue with regard to such as defend or attack this or that novelty of theirs ?
A. He who denies it is decried as one who is ignorant, while he who embraces and defends it has all their praise.
Q. Is not the result of these Modernist tactics to make fresh recruits ?
A. In this way they entrap not a few who, did they but realize what they are doing, would shrink back with horror.
Q. What has come to pass as a consequence of the audacity of the Modernists and the imprudent thoughtlessness of those who allow themselves to be imposed upon thereby ?
A. The domineering overbearance of those who teach the errors, and the thoughtless compliance of the more shallow minds who assent to them, create a corrupted atmosphere which penetrates everywhere, and carries infection with it. But let Us pass to the apologist.