A Step Away from the Truth

A man once took a wrong step. He was seeking to walk in a straight line towards a certain destination, but took a step only one degree off from straight. That might seem like a small variation, but if you know geometry, then a small variation in direction moves further and further away from the original path. Five feet from the original wrong step might seem small, but what about a mile from the first wrong step; what about ten miles? That man will never reach his goal, all because of the first wrong step. The biggest problem with these small steps is that they are barely noticeable, and those following that faulty path will usually be unaware that they have left the path and are now on a different path.

The modernisms that were adopted in the Catholic Church (lax liturgy, moral relativism, worshiping pop culture, etc.) fifty-something years ago have created a whole new manner of "being Catholic" (which was the modernists intent, so we should not be surprised). For those of who insist on staying on the original path, those who have veered off are clearly not behaving like "normal Catholics" but more like theologically mushy protestants. At the same time, they look at us and think we are crazy; as though our commitment to the historic Catholic faith is some kind of "flavor" that we just prefer and not true consistency with the divine revelation given to us by the Apostles.

If something major does not happen to change the course of the modernists, then it will not take long for them to become fully protestant. The Council of Trent was called to respond to the protestant heresy and to make sure that it did not take root in the Church; it did well in that task. Today, these non-catholic ideas have crept back in with a subtle form and yet when we speak against it they say we are "mean" or "unloving". It is certainly mean to be hateful in correcting others, so let us not give fuel for their criticisms. Speak the truth in love (as St. Paul said), and let them know they are following the wrong path. If they do not see it, then pray for them. If they do see it, remind them (quickly) that God is merciful and will joyfully help them to come back to the right path.