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Introduction: An enemy with a friendly face
In an age when many ideologies disguise themselves under the language of “human rights,” “freedom,” and “progress,” few dare to point out that many of these banners actually conceal a deep rupture with revealed Truth. Liberalism, so celebrated in political forums, universities, and even in ecclesial circles, is not just a school of thought: it is a revolution against God.
An exaggeration? Absolutely not. This article aims to dismantle liberalism from its root, expose the Church’s position with clarity, and offer concrete tools so that modern Catholics not only understand this evil, but can combat it spiritually with the light of the Gospel and Tradition.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
There is no true freedom outside of the Truth that is Christ.
1. What is liberalism? Definition and essence
Liberalism is not merely a political ideology. It is a complete worldview, which proclaims the autonomy of man from God, the sovereignty of reason over faith, and the primacy of individual freedom over all authority, including divine authority.
We can summarize its fundamental pillars in three dogmas:
- Absolute freedom of thought: every individual has the right to think and express any idea, regardless of whether it is true or false, good or evil.
- Separation of Church and State: faith must have no public influence, only private.
- Sovereignty of the people over God: laws should no longer derive from natural and divine law, but from the will of the majority.
Liberalism proclaims freedom, but in reality it denies the Truth.
2. A bit of history: from paradise to exile
Liberalism emerged in the 18th century, during the Enlightenment. Philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Kant inspired a new religion: the religion of autonomous man. This thought powerfully influenced the French Revolution, during which the Church was persecuted, altars were desecrated, and the “goddess Reason” was enthroned in Notre Dame Cathedral.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw liberalism consolidated in governments, constitutions, schools… and yes, even within the Church. The poison was subtle: it began with talk of “tolerance,” continued with “pluralism,” and ended by denying all objective truth.
Today we live the consequences: moral relativism, secularism, the destruction of the family, the loss of vocations, empty churches, and wounded hearts.
3. The Church’s condemnation: firm, prophetic, and tireless
The Church has clearly and forcefully condemned liberalism since the 19th century. The popes have not been afraid to call it by name and denounce its incompatibility with the Catholic faith.
a) Mirari Vos (1832) – Gregory XVI
This was the first major encyclical against liberalism. It condemned freedom of conscience as a “delirium”:
“This shameful and never sufficiently detestable freedom of opinion, that for the ruin of Church and State is now spreading far and wide, and which some with excessive impudence dare to call a benefit of our age, cannot be sufficiently abhorred and detested.” (Mirari Vos, n. 14)
Gregory XVI affirmed that truth cannot be placed on the same level as error. Faith is not just one opinion among many.
b) Quanta Cura and the Syllabus of Errors (1864) – Pius IX
In Quanta Cura, the pope condemned the principles of modern liberalism. And in the Syllabus, attached to the document, he listed 80 errors of modern thought, including:
- “Freedom of worship is a natural right.”
- “The Church should not interfere in civil matters.”
- “The Roman Pontiff can and should reconcile himself with progress, liberalism, and modern civilization.” (Error 80)
With prophetic authority, Pius IX declared that liberalism was incompatible with the Catholic faith.
c) Libertas Praestantissimum (1888) – Leo XIII
Here the Pope deeply reflects on true liberty, clarifying that freedom without truth is a dangerous illusion. True freedom is to live according to truth and goodness, not to do whatever one pleases.
“There can be no liberty without truth.” (Libertas, n. 26)
He also rejected liberalism as a perversion of liberty.
d) Pascendi Dominici Gregis (1907) – St. Pius X
Although this encyclical is against modernism, St. Pius X denounced how liberalism paved the way for modernism. Modernism, called “the synthesis of all heresies,” was born from the same false autonomy of liberal man, who no longer recognized Christ as King nor the Church as Teacher.
4. The root problem: denial of the Social Kingship of Christ
Liberalism denies an essential truth of Christianity: Christ is King not only of souls but also of societies. He has the right to reign over laws, governments, schools, and customs.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18)
To deny this kingship is to commit a practical apostasy. That is why liberalism is not only a political error, but a cultural apostasy.
5. What are the consequences of liberalism today?
Liberalism has succeeded in emptying the faith of its social and public dimension. The average Catholic, formed by this mentality, says things like:
- “Religion is something personal.”
- “Everyone has their own truth.”
- “The Church should stay out of politics.”
And thus, the world has become pagan without realizing it. Wicked laws are passed, perversions are promoted as “human rights,” life is denied, truth is persecuted—and many Christians are unaware that they are collaborating with this system.
6. How to resist liberalism? A practical guide for Catholics
a) Form yourself in traditional doctrine
Read the Magisterial documents that condemn liberalism. Study the Catechism of St. Pius X. Listen to saints like St. Pius X, St. Augustine, or St. Thomas Aquinas.
b) Do not fear the truth
Do not be ashamed to defend the faith in public. It is not about imposing but about clearly proposing what we believe. Christ is not an opinion. He is the Truth.
c) Live a coherent faith
You cannot be Catholic at Mass and liberal at the ballot box. You must be coherent: in what you think, vote for, educate, and live.
d) Promote the Social Kingship of Christ
Recover in your environment the awareness that Christ must reign in all areas: family, work, politics, culture. As the motto of St. Pius X said: “To restore all things in Christ.”
e) Pray and make reparation
Liberalism has wounded the Heart of Christ. Make reparation with your prayer, penance, and self-offering. And ask for light for yourself and your loved ones.
7. Liberalism within the Church: a silent betrayal
We cannot deny that liberalism has penetrated even sectors of the Church, where sin is no longer spoken of, dogmas are relativized, and a “pastoral of inclusion” is promoted that forgets about conversion. We hear more about ecology than eternal salvation.
But let us not lose hope. The Lord always raises up faithful souls, who fearlessly proclaim His truth. You can be one of them.
Conclusion: Choose today whom you will serve
History is full of radical decisions. Moses cried out to the people:
“Choose today whom you will serve” (cf. Joshua 24:15).
We must cry out the same:
Christ or the world? The Truth or the illusory freedom of liberalism?
The Church does not need more lukewarm and comfortable Catholics. She needs brave witnesses, well-formed, steadfast, and holy. Liberalism will pass. The Truth will remain.
Final Prayer:
Lord Jesus, King of the Universe,
we renounce the idols of modernity and liberalism.
We want You to reign in our souls, our families, and our nation.
Give us strength to defend Your truth, wisdom to discern error,
and charity to convert the world without letting the world convert us.
Amen.
