16 May 2021

The Popes and Democracy - Part III. On the Effects of Modern Ideas 26. Freedom of Opinion

Freedom of opinion, even before it is expressed in words or translated into actions, is in itself a deadly thing. True, Modern Democracy does not attack moral principles as such, but it makes them a matter of personal opinion only. It does not recognise the existence of the moral order - "an order which is transcendent, universal, absolute, equal and binding on all." (John XXIII "Mater et Magistra") Everything is regarded as a "matter of personal opinion". All opinions, therefore, are good and respectable. There is no objective truth, no fixed rules in Art; one must be "broadminded"; one must "march with the times". The result is utter confusion of the mind. If there is no Absolute Truth transcending human reason, the "truth" of one man is as valid as the "truth" of another, and you end with having as many truths as human beings. In these conditions, the fight against illiteracy, far from promoting understanding between people and nations, will only make discord more general by multiplying the number of human "truths". UNESCO, which is as godless as its parent-body, the UNO, is falling into this error. Moreover, if all opinions are good and respectable, it follows that, indeed, they should be respected - almost too obvious to be said. But if all opinions and viewpoints are to be respected, the door is open to compromise, conciliation and appeasement. The USA, which is the champion of modern Democracy, has been following this line since 1945 in its foreign Policy, allowing Communism to spread more and more since every new act of aggression can be settled by "compromise". Unfortunately, space does not allow even a brief review of American Foreign policy, but it would certainly be illuminating. It is no exaggeration to say that the West is committing suicide because of the misguided beliefs of its statesmen.

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