What Is Modernism?

THE CATHOLIC KNIGHT: Our newly arriving brethren from the Anglican Communion are more than familiar with the evils of Modernism. The Modernist Rebellion was widespread throughout Christianity during the latter half of the 20th century. Churches most closely tied to the state succumbed to this especially, such as the Evangelical (Lutheran) Church of Germany for example, and the Church of England. Though the Episcopal Church USA was not officially tied to the state, it's connection to American politics is unmistakable, as a large portion of American presidents have been Episcopalians as well as an enormous amount of Congressmen and Senators. All of these have succumbed to the errors of Modernism to the point where the organizations themselves are nothing more than activist clubs for the Modernist movement.

What is Modernism anyway? Popes Pius IX, Leo XIII and Pius X railed against it as the greatest heresy of the modern world. There are plenty of books written about their crusades against Modernism, but for our purposes I think the Anglican explanation better suites us. As we welcome our Traditional Anglican brethren back into the Catholic Church, let us view for a moment what their experience with Modernism has been. These good chaps have been virtually persecuted by Modernism. It has destroyed their institutions, ravaged the faith of their young, and marginalized anyone who dared cling to the doctrinal conservatism of the 19th century Anglo-Catholic Oxford Movement. Brits have a wonderful sense of humor, if you can learn to appreciate it. It's terribly dry, and that's what makes it so funny. Keep in mind that if you're not English, you're probably only going to laugh at about 40% of the jokes, but the overall message of it is blisteringly accurate, hence the humor.

In the Church of England, it is the duty of the state prime minister to recommend to the queen an appointment of a bishop for a vacant diocese. (Yes, in England the church and state really are that intertwined.) So here we have a situational comedy in which a fictional prime minister is being advised on episcopal candidates for a vacant diocese. Enjoy....