23 April 2021

The Popes and Democracy - Part I. General Notions 3. Liberalism

Liberalism, as a political philosophy (not party politics), is rooted in Rationalism, that is to say, in the belief that human reason can attain truth unaided by divine revelation. In its original sense, Rationalism was not necessarily atheistic; it did not always profess hostility to divine revelation, but simply independence from it. Since, according to its premises, human reason can attain truth unaided, it follows naturally that man must be free, that is, free to do what his reason tells him is right. Hence, the birth of Liberalism. As will be seen later, the concept of man's reasonableness and freedom is eminently Christian, but in a totally different sense, and this ambiguity, which has always been cultivated by the enemies of God, has been responsible for a great many evils.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.