The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-07-14
MODERNISM AND
NEW CATHOLICISM

prelate Plus X, has sent forth to the
world significant and widely cele-
hrated utterance against what he de-
dominates modernism in the Catholic
church. II is quite evident that a
spirit which may quite properly bear
this name is prevalent in the world Of
Christian thought. Catholic and Pro-
.estant. This dictum Of the Pope has
teen followed by measures looking to
Kidding the church of those holding
the obnoxious views, and many eccle-
slastics, high in position and largely
influential have been degraded from
their seats and in some cases oxcom-
municated from the church. So Wig
orous have been the measures in this
direction as to have provoked in
some quarters protest against what
was deemed their unnecessary severi-
ty. Over jealous detractors have call
ed forth rebukes from eminent con-
tinental prelates, and even Plus X,
himself has uttered words of caution
against 'pernicious activity"
What is Modernism? is a question
IL may not be amiss to ask. To answer
1t is one object Of an article in re-
cent North American Review by
Prof. Charles A. Briggs. Professor
Briggs has become quite widely known
through the controversy raised over
his advocacy of the methods and
results of the Higher Criticism of the
Scriptures. Less famous, because
less converted. is his advocacy OF a
reunion of Christendom under the
primacy OF the Pope OF Rome.
In the view of DIR. Briggs the Mod
einist movement, which he conceives
to be worldwide in its sweep, is the
most important religious movement
since the Reformation in the sixteen
IN century. 1t is esstenially the spirit
OF the modern age and Is in conflict
with mediavalism in government and
discipline.
Moderndsts, he says, use modern
methods in theology, differing from
Mediavalists not so much in doctrines
rs In foim and method OF stating
and defending them.
Modernists use the methods of Bib
lical criticism and accept its results.
Scholas'ics affirm and they deny the
inerrancy OF every statement OF scrip
ture.
Modernists apply historical criti-
icsm in the study of church history,
seeking TO eliminate the historical
fact from traditional theories.
Discredlting scholastic formulas,
Modern SITS study dogYas in the light
Of modren philosophy and would set
them in modern formulas for men OF
thop resent age.
Modernists accept the results OF
modern science, usually adopting the
principle OF evolution and applying II
In church history.
Modrenists would reform the church
in accordance with modern methods in
government and scientific principles,
social and economic.
Such. as DR.. Briggs c3nceives, are
the outlines of great movement In
tie church universal. It Is not op.
rcsed to mediaevalism, but a normal
outgrowth from It, Like other move
ments II has its radical and conserva-
tive wings, dts normal and abnormal
growths. Through its mediation DIR.
Briggs looks to see the coming Catho-
lic.sm. OF this he predicates certain
prominent features.
II will be church at peace with it.
self, NOT rent by the schisms and
beresies of past ages. The peace of
Christ. through the ministering Spirit
viii rest on 1t.
II will be reunited church. now
divided into warning factions. but then
coming to recognition Of the unity
o. ~ believers In one Lord. one faith