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Liberalism Is A Sin
"Liberalism is necessarily sympathetic with the depraved nature of man, just as Catholicity is essentially opposed to it. Liberalism is emancipation from restraint; Catholicity the curb of the passions." —From inside
Born in Barcelona in 1844, Fr. Felix Sarda y Sarvany wrote in the latter half of the 19th century in Spain. The editor of La Revista Popular, the "Popular Review," a Catholic magazine with political emphasis, Fr. Sarda y Sarvany conducted an immense apostolate against the spirit of the age, which sought to overthrow the old order of a religion-imbued society and prop up in its place an idol of man.
In Liberalism Is a Sin , Fr. Sarda y Sarvany excoriates the political and social moves being made at his time and which have come to fruition in the 20th and 21st centuries—namely, the aggressive and total separation of Church and State, the removal of religion and especially Catholicism from the public eye, and the unmooring of morality from anything other than private choice. Writing in the backdrop of a secularizing and anti-clerical revolution that had deposed the Spanish monarchy and stripped the Church of many rights and privileges, Fr. Sarda y Salvany comments that "Modern Liberalism . . . imposes a false notion of charity: our neighbor first, and, if at all, God afterwards. By its repeated and trite accusations toward us of intolerance, it has succeeded in disconcerting even some staunch Catholics." But he himself remains unabashed and unashamed, holding fast to the truth of the Faith and spurning the errors of the age. In our own time, when the errors have almost completely taken root and nearly everything is overturned in what was once Christendom, this book comes as a useful guide to understand some of the origins of the present predicament.
Born in Barcelona in 1844, Fr. Felix Sarda y Sarvany wrote in the latter half of the 19th century in Spain. The editor of La Revista Popular, the "Popular Review," a Catholic magazine with political emphasis, Fr. Sarda y Sarvany conducted an immense apostolate against the spirit of the age, which sought to overthrow the old order of a religion-imbued society and prop up in its place an idol of man.
In Liberalism Is a Sin , Fr. Sarda y Sarvany excoriates the political and social moves being made at his time and which have come to fruition in the 20th and 21st centuries—namely, the aggressive and total separation of Church and State, the removal of religion and especially Catholicism from the public eye, and the unmooring of morality from anything other than private choice. Writing in the backdrop of a secularizing and anti-clerical revolution that had deposed the Spanish monarchy and stripped the Church of many rights and privileges, Fr. Sarda y Salvany comments that "Modern Liberalism . . . imposes a false notion of charity: our neighbor first, and, if at all, God afterwards. By its repeated and trite accusations toward us of intolerance, it has succeeded in disconcerting even some staunch Catholics." But he himself remains unabashed and unashamed, holding fast to the truth of the Faith and spurning the errors of the age. In our own time, when the errors have almost completely taken root and nearly everything is overturned in what was once Christendom, this book comes as a useful guide to understand some of the origins of the present predicament.
198 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1884
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 22, 2016
Liberalism is the doctrine of error and this book, written by the Ultramontane priest Felix Sarda y Salvany at the end of the 19th century, is intended as an easy pocket-guide to the most popular value (non-value??) system in the world today. Salvany's book is intended for a Catholic audience but can be read by anyone who believes (as any person must) that there is one right way to go and that it is the duty of humans to live their lives accordingly. Salvany views Liberalism as the political offshoot of Protestantism. The common factor linking these two errors is the idea that Man is free to interpret Scripture as he pleases, without recourse to experts or the accumulated wisdom of centuries. This then means that he may do as he pleases since he can think as he pleases without respect to anybody or anything such as the Truth. This then induces moral decay and eventually atheism since all ways of life begin to look the same. Largely a rhetorical work, the errors of Liberalism are probed just enough for a 'lay-person' although the expert may desire a more searing analysis. Having said that, I do think it was the author's intention to appeal to the mass and he uses some very striking metaphors and examples to press home an uncompromising stance. A must-read for anyone who is trying to understand the seemingly irreversible decay of Western civilisation or who merely needs a simple reminder.
March 16, 2023
As a man whose entire brand has become hallmarked by a fierce opposition to the ideology of Liberalism coupled with overt Catholic teaching, a book titled "Liberalism is Sin" was simply too attractive to resist. I had high hopes for this book, which is always a dangerous precedent. However, after having read it, I can confidently say that I was not let down.
Right off the bat, the author begins by claiming that his writings will not be specifically targeting the political ideology of Liberalism. This instantly concerned me. After all, that was why I bought the book. He goes on to explain that his concept of liberalism was of a moral relativism, a religious universalism, and a general neglect of orthodox social teaching. Even if the author claimed to overlook the letter of Liberalism, he certainly aimed for the spirit of Liberalism.
Though a very short read, every sentence felt like a punch to the face. It was one of those books that articulated in full force and emotion everything you have known subconsciously but have been unable to bring into words. He doesn't simply argue against abstract philosophical theories. He directs his attention towards real, tangible problems in the world. The author laser focuses in on the people and attitudes that drive religious liberalism and then offers uncompromising solutions to confront such attacks.
As for the book itself, every chapter was divided into very manageable chapters, often only a page or two long. One of the few complaints with the book was that it sometimes felt like it was preaching to the choir, but of course it is. For anyone already opposed to Liberalism, this book may be redundant, although it was still a welcome refresher. For everyone else, I believe this is an essential read for any catholic.
Liberalism is Sin is powerful, provocative, and pragmatic. It draws a line in the sand as to what we can and cannot tolerate in our religion. It does not flinch when confronting even the most well-intentioned of heretics. This book is more applicable today than ever before and it is one that I recommend whole-heartedly.
Right off the bat, the author begins by claiming that his writings will not be specifically targeting the political ideology of Liberalism. This instantly concerned me. After all, that was why I bought the book. He goes on to explain that his concept of liberalism was of a moral relativism, a religious universalism, and a general neglect of orthodox social teaching. Even if the author claimed to overlook the letter of Liberalism, he certainly aimed for the spirit of Liberalism.
Though a very short read, every sentence felt like a punch to the face. It was one of those books that articulated in full force and emotion everything you have known subconsciously but have been unable to bring into words. He doesn't simply argue against abstract philosophical theories. He directs his attention towards real, tangible problems in the world. The author laser focuses in on the people and attitudes that drive religious liberalism and then offers uncompromising solutions to confront such attacks.
As for the book itself, every chapter was divided into very manageable chapters, often only a page or two long. One of the few complaints with the book was that it sometimes felt like it was preaching to the choir, but of course it is. For anyone already opposed to Liberalism, this book may be redundant, although it was still a welcome refresher. For everyone else, I believe this is an essential read for any catholic.
Liberalism is Sin is powerful, provocative, and pragmatic. It draws a line in the sand as to what we can and cannot tolerate in our religion. It does not flinch when confronting even the most well-intentioned of heretics. This book is more applicable today than ever before and it is one that I recommend whole-heartedly.
December 5, 2018
I rarely give 1-star reviews, but I really did not like this book.
Called "Liberalism is a Sin" in English, this was published towards the end of the 19th century by a Spanish Catholic priest to decry liberalism (think Locke, de Tocqueville, JS Mill, etc.) as a heresy against the Catholic Church. Although I admire Catholicism and enjoy reading various Catholic authors and saints, I'm not Catholic myself. I also often appreciate conservative religious traditions more because I find them to actually have something authentic and worth preserving -- as opposed to very liberal "traditions" that are just a reflection of whatever political sentiments prevail in their day.
However, I could never get on this author's side. His writing reminds me of the street preachers with big signs and megaphones saying everything is Satanic. I think my dislike for this book was amplified by reading the Spanish edition; instead of reading something I didn't like quickly, I had to take almost twice the time by reading the Spanish version. Otherwise I might have given it two or three stars. Anyways, I would still consider it somewhat important to read just to understand the point of view, since it is more common than you might think for people to think this way.
Called "Liberalism is a Sin" in English, this was published towards the end of the 19th century by a Spanish Catholic priest to decry liberalism (think Locke, de Tocqueville, JS Mill, etc.) as a heresy against the Catholic Church. Although I admire Catholicism and enjoy reading various Catholic authors and saints, I'm not Catholic myself. I also often appreciate conservative religious traditions more because I find them to actually have something authentic and worth preserving -- as opposed to very liberal "traditions" that are just a reflection of whatever political sentiments prevail in their day.
However, I could never get on this author's side. His writing reminds me of the street preachers with big signs and megaphones saying everything is Satanic. I think my dislike for this book was amplified by reading the Spanish edition; instead of reading something I didn't like quickly, I had to take almost twice the time by reading the Spanish version. Otherwise I might have given it two or three stars. Anyways, I would still consider it somewhat important to read just to understand the point of view, since it is more common than you might think for people to think this way.
August 28, 2018
Salvany does a good job at explaining the teachings of the Catholic Church concerning Liberalism. He references many encyclicals and Apostolic letters about this subject. And Catholics can go to the Vatican website and download these same documents for further reflection.
I found it interesting that Pope St. Pius IX was thought to have been a liberal pope by the mainstream media of his day, and wrote many condemnations of Liberalism.
It's an easy read, and just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago when it was first published.
This book has the impramateur so faithful Catholics can know that they are getting solid teaching.
I am giving the book 4 stars instead if five because it did lose my attention in the middle.
But, I would read it again.
I found it interesting that Pope St. Pius IX was thought to have been a liberal pope by the mainstream media of his day, and wrote many condemnations of Liberalism.
It's an easy read, and just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago when it was first published.
This book has the impramateur so faithful Catholics can know that they are getting solid teaching.
I am giving the book 4 stars instead if five because it did lose my attention in the middle.
But, I would read it again.
October 10, 2016
Very interesting. I've heard these ideas before, but never under a blunt title such as this. Liberalism is certainly insidious, eating at the Church from the inside as it does.
August 16, 2024
This was SO GOOD! I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to expand their Catholic political argument or just for a good read.
Lots of talk of conforming to societal norms and shying away from telling the truth, which is fitting for today. Also lots of Pius IX, problems of secular education and covered truly how much of a problem moral and religious relativism is.
“For everyone that doth evil hateth the light.”
I really loved this book because it was totally straight forward and blunt, stressed how the truth is the only thing that sets us free and how freedom is knowing, loving and serving God.
Lots of talk of conforming to societal norms and shying away from telling the truth, which is fitting for today. Also lots of Pius IX, problems of secular education and covered truly how much of a problem moral and religious relativism is.
“For everyone that doth evil hateth the light.”
I really loved this book because it was totally straight forward and blunt, stressed how the truth is the only thing that sets us free and how freedom is knowing, loving and serving God.
August 21, 2018
The title may seem aggressive, but the book was published in 1899, almost a universe away from the polarized discourses of today. While a familiarity with the revolutionary movements of 1848 and beyond in Europe would make the reading even more profitable than it would be, the book does an excellent job of identifying Liberalism for what it is, how and why it is opposed to Catholicism, and why it must be resisted, pushed back, and where possible, eradicated. It must be understood here that "liberal" is much broader than the silly "left vs right" politics of our time, but rather encompasses those who believe man is at the center of all things, subject to no authority other than his own, and certainly not God's. While those in 1899 may not have had enough evidence (though there was already plenty) of the destructiveness of liberal ideas, in 2018 we certainly have a surfeit of it. Our problem is our own inertia and self-loathing that prevents us from changing what we know to be killing us in body and soul.
"To live without enervation amidst an heretical and infidel population requires a robust religious constitution." (p. 6)
"Nonetheless Liberalism is in itself dogmatic; and it is in the declaration of its own fundamental dogma, the absolute independence of the individual and the social reason, that it denies all Christian dogmas in general." (p. 15)
"Liberalism is the dogmatic affirmation of the absolute independence of the individual and of the social reason. Catholicity is the dogma of the absolute subjection of the individual and of the social order to the revealed law of God. One doctrine is the exact antithesis of the other. They are opposites in direct conflict." (p. 28)
(speaking about Liberalism) "It means that society is independent of God, its Author; that while individuals may recognize their dependence on the divine law, civil society should not - a distinction whose sophism is founded on an intolerable contradiction." (p. 29)
"The Liberal Catholic assumes as the formal motive of the act of faith, not the infallible authority of God revealing supernatural truth, but his own reason deigning to accept as true what appears rational to him according to the appreciation and measure of his own individual judgement." (p. 32)
"Modern error largely owes its success to its use of terms of an ambiguous character, or rather, by injecting a meaning into its words which hitherto carried a different signification." (p. 64)
"...fallen man, by a very natural tendency, loves a system which legitimatizes and sanctifies his pride of intellect and the license of passion." (p. 122)
(regarding the secular state) "Between her (the Church) and the people, it seeks to dig a deeper and deeper abyss of hate, prejudice and calumny. Naturalism, the denial of the supernatural, it inculcates everywhere. To divorce the entire life of the people from her influence - by the institution of civil marriage, by civil burial and divorce, by teaching the insidious doctrine that society as such has no religious relations or obligations and that man as a social and civil being is absolutely independent of God and His Church and that religion is a mere private opinion to be entertained or not entertained, as one pleases - such is the program, such is the effect, and such, in turn, is the cause of Liberalism." (p. 127)
"To live without enervation amidst an heretical and infidel population requires a robust religious constitution." (p. 6)
"Nonetheless Liberalism is in itself dogmatic; and it is in the declaration of its own fundamental dogma, the absolute independence of the individual and the social reason, that it denies all Christian dogmas in general." (p. 15)
"Liberalism is the dogmatic affirmation of the absolute independence of the individual and of the social reason. Catholicity is the dogma of the absolute subjection of the individual and of the social order to the revealed law of God. One doctrine is the exact antithesis of the other. They are opposites in direct conflict." (p. 28)
(speaking about Liberalism) "It means that society is independent of God, its Author; that while individuals may recognize their dependence on the divine law, civil society should not - a distinction whose sophism is founded on an intolerable contradiction." (p. 29)
"The Liberal Catholic assumes as the formal motive of the act of faith, not the infallible authority of God revealing supernatural truth, but his own reason deigning to accept as true what appears rational to him according to the appreciation and measure of his own individual judgement." (p. 32)
"Modern error largely owes its success to its use of terms of an ambiguous character, or rather, by injecting a meaning into its words which hitherto carried a different signification." (p. 64)
"...fallen man, by a very natural tendency, loves a system which legitimatizes and sanctifies his pride of intellect and the license of passion." (p. 122)
(regarding the secular state) "Between her (the Church) and the people, it seeks to dig a deeper and deeper abyss of hate, prejudice and calumny. Naturalism, the denial of the supernatural, it inculcates everywhere. To divorce the entire life of the people from her influence - by the institution of civil marriage, by civil burial and divorce, by teaching the insidious doctrine that society as such has no religious relations or obligations and that man as a social and civil being is absolutely independent of God and His Church and that religion is a mere private opinion to be entertained or not entertained, as one pleases - such is the program, such is the effect, and such, in turn, is the cause of Liberalism." (p. 127)
February 23, 2014
A book like this exposes Liberalism for what it is, exposing and attacking the Philosophy of the Age from many positions. This book was originally composed at the end of the 19th Century, just within the beginnings of the turn of the 20th Century, if the author was alive today to see the world he would have thought his book was in vain, for Liberalism is the air we breathe and water we drink, it has invaded all quarters of living. If this author believed that we are all infected, even the most devout, then surely today we are more than infected we are walking carriers of this disease of the soul and the mind.
This book I felt did a wonderful job of explaining what Liberalism is by breaking it down into subsequent parts, its causes and its effects as well, it explains well how to identify and relate with those who are subject to the Liberal Mentality, in the varying degrees it manifests in. It would seem his writings are prophetic, for it shows that the Liberal position has argued the same thing over and over again, calling and acting those who disagree with it essentially the same thing it has always called it at least since the late 1800s.
This book I felt did a wonderful job of explaining what Liberalism is by breaking it down into subsequent parts, its causes and its effects as well, it explains well how to identify and relate with those who are subject to the Liberal Mentality, in the varying degrees it manifests in. It would seem his writings are prophetic, for it shows that the Liberal position has argued the same thing over and over again, calling and acting those who disagree with it essentially the same thing it has always called it at least since the late 1800s.
April 15, 2014
The title is catchy but I think misleading. A Spanish Catholic priest wrote and published this book in 1886, under the title, El Liberalismo es Pecado. People that know Spanish better than I do say that it should be translated, Liberalism Is Sin, which would point more to a condition than to a behavioral violation. That might sound like a small matter but I think it isn't. The book has a retro tone but I could see a professor of philosophy or theology using the book as a way to understand Spain and Catholicism of the pre-Vatican II days. (I felt like I was not getting the full effect of the book because I don't have a detailed knowledge of what was going on in Spain when the author was alive.) Another problem with this book is that Conde Pallen, the translator when it was first published in 1899, and I believe the current publisher Thomas A. Nelson, took liberties with the text, making it as they say "adapted for American readership." It would've been nice if the altered portions were either identified or confined to footnotes. Otherwise, the reader has no easy way to tell what is the author's work and what is the adapters' work. Frankly, that fits my definition of dishonesty.
August 20, 2008
More of a lengthy discourse on self loathing than a theological argument.
November 9, 2017
Great book. Great insight into the liberal mind and how to combat getting infected by liberalism. No to put it into practice...
September 2, 2018
Great book
This book was a great read. It really puts into perspective the evil of liberalism and it's incompatibility with Catholicism.
This book was a great read. It really puts into perspective the evil of liberalism and it's incompatibility with Catholicism.
June 5, 2024
Dated in presentation, but not in content.
"Hence we find Liberalism laying down as the basis of its propaganda the following principles:
1. The absolute sovereignty of the individual in his entire independence of God and God's authority.
2. The absolute sovereignty of society in its entire independence of everything which does not proceed from itself.
3. Absolute civil sovereignty in the implied right of the people to make their own laws in entire independence and utter disregard of any other criterion than the popular will expressed at the polls and in parliamentary majorities.
4. Absolute freedom of thought in politics, morals, or in religion. The unrestrained liberty of the press."
"The Liberal Catholic assumes as the formal motive of the act of faith, not the infallible authority of God revealing supernatural truth, but his own reason deigning to accept as true what appears rational to him according to the appreciation and measure of his own individual judgment. He subjects God's authority to the scrutiny of his reason, and not his reason to God's authority. He accepts Revelation, not on account of the infallible Revealer, but because of the 'infallible' receiver. With him the individual judgment is the rule of faith. He believes in the independence of reason."
"A government, whatever be its form, is Catholic if its constitution, its legislation, and its politics are based on Catholic principles; it is Liberal if it bases its constitution, its legislation, and its politics on rationalistic principles. It is not the act of legislation—by the king in a monarchy, by the people in a republic, or by both in a mixed form of government—which constitutes the essential nature of its legislation or of its constitution. What constitutes this is whether it does or does not carry with it the immutable seal of the Faith and whether it be or be not conformable with what the Christian law imposes upon states as well as upon individuals."
"Hence we find Liberalism laying down as the basis of its propaganda the following principles:
1. The absolute sovereignty of the individual in his entire independence of God and God's authority.
2. The absolute sovereignty of society in its entire independence of everything which does not proceed from itself.
3. Absolute civil sovereignty in the implied right of the people to make their own laws in entire independence and utter disregard of any other criterion than the popular will expressed at the polls and in parliamentary majorities.
4. Absolute freedom of thought in politics, morals, or in religion. The unrestrained liberty of the press."
"The Liberal Catholic assumes as the formal motive of the act of faith, not the infallible authority of God revealing supernatural truth, but his own reason deigning to accept as true what appears rational to him according to the appreciation and measure of his own individual judgment. He subjects God's authority to the scrutiny of his reason, and not his reason to God's authority. He accepts Revelation, not on account of the infallible Revealer, but because of the 'infallible' receiver. With him the individual judgment is the rule of faith. He believes in the independence of reason."
"A government, whatever be its form, is Catholic if its constitution, its legislation, and its politics are based on Catholic principles; it is Liberal if it bases its constitution, its legislation, and its politics on rationalistic principles. It is not the act of legislation—by the king in a monarchy, by the people in a republic, or by both in a mixed form of government—which constitutes the essential nature of its legislation or of its constitution. What constitutes this is whether it does or does not carry with it the immutable seal of the Faith and whether it be or be not conformable with what the Christian law imposes upon states as well as upon individuals."
August 6, 2025
Intéressant au niveau des idées, mais certaines de ses conclusions sont plus vraiment actuelles, peut être qu’il était trop white pilled
April 20, 2024
This hits right at the heart of the indifferentism inculcated throughout the world, recently and particularly in Vatican II and the post-Vatican II church, and in the United States. I've compiled a number of quotes to illustrate what it is, why it's so evil, to what degree it is evil, its characteristic traits, and its influence and imbuement in American society - its constitution, legislation, politics, and fundamental thought. Fr. Salvany is the Catholic Mark Levin. I comment very little as the wisdom with which it was inspired speaks for itself.
What is Liberalism?
"Protestantism naturally begets toleration of error. Rejecting the principle of authority in religion, it has neither criterion nor definition of faith. On the principle that every individual or sect may interpret the deposit of Revelation according to the dictates of private judgement, it gives birth to endless differences and contradictions. ... Therefore does it finally arrive, by force of it's own premises, at the conclusion that one creed is as good as another; it then seeks to shelter it's inconsistency under the false plea of liberty of conscience. Belief is not imposed by a legitimately and divinely constituted authority, but springs directly and freely from the unrestricted exercise of the individual's reason or caprice upon the subject-matter of Revelation," (Salvany, Ch. 2, p. 8).
And, "It knows no dogma except the dogma of self-assertion. Hence it is heresy, fundamental and radical, the rebellion of the human intellect against God. ... It is, therefore, the radical and universal denial of all divine truth and Christian dogma, the primal type of all heresy, and the supreme rebellion against the authority of God and His Church. As with Lucifer, its maxim is, 'I will not serve,'" (Ibid., Ch. 3, p. 15-16).
Principles of Liberalism:
"1. The absolute sovereignty of the individual in his entire independence of God and God's authority.
2. The absolute sovereignty of society in its entire independence of everything which does not proceed from itself.
3. Absolute civil sovereignty in the implied right of the people to make their own laws in entire independence and utter disregard of any other criterion than the popular will expressed at the polls and in parliamentary majorities.
4. Absolute freedom of thought in politics, morals, or in religion. The unrestrained liberty of the press," (Ibid., Ch. 2, p. 10).
"Liberalism is the root of heresy, the tree of evil in whose branches all the harpies of infidelity find ample shelter; it is today the evil of all evils," (Ibid., Ch. 4, p. 22).
Concerning the gravity of the sin of Liberalism, Salvany quotes Pope Pius IX: "'Aetheism in legislation, indifference in matters of religion, and the pernicious maxims which go under the name of Liberal Catholicism are the true causes of the destruction of the states; they have been the ruin of France. Believe me, the evil I denounce is more terrible than the Revolution, more terrible even than 'The Commune.' I have always condemned Liberal Catholicism, and I will condemn it again forty times over if it be necessary," (Ibid., Ch. 10, p. 46).
"Heresy is always sophistically obstinate; it clings to the least pretext, seeks every excuse to escape condemnation," (Ibid., Ch. 11, p. 52).
The Syllabus of Errors condemned: "... Liberty of worship (propositions 15, 77, and 78); of the placet of governments (propositions 20 and 28); of the absolute supremacy of the State (proposition 38); of the secularization of public education (propositions 45, 40, and 48); of the absolute separation of Church and State (proposition 15); of the absolute right to legislate without regard to God (proposition 56); of the principle of non-intervention (proposition 62); of the right of insurrection (proposition 63); of civil marriage (proposition 73 and others); of the liberty (license) of the press (proposition 79); of universal suffrage as the source of authority (proposition 60); of even the name of Liberalism (proposition 88)," (Ibid., Ch. 11, p. 53).
"To effect a confusion of ideas is an old scheme of the devil. Not to understand clearly and precisely is generally the source of intellectual error," (Ibid., Ch. 12, p. 55).
"A government, whatever be its form, is Catholic if its constitution, its legislation, and its politics are based on Catholic principles; it is Liberal if it bases its constitution, its legislation, and its politics on rationalistic principles," (ibid. p. 57).
"The theater, literature, public and private morals are all saturated with obscenity and impurity. The result is inevitable; a corrupt generation necessarily begets a revolutionary generation. Liberalism is the program of naturalism. Free thought begets free morals, or immorality. Restraint is thrown off and a free rein given to the passions. Whoever thinks what he pleases will do what he pleases. Liberalism in the intellectual order is license in the moral order. Disorder in the intellect begets disorder in the heart, and vice-versa. Thus does Liberalism propagate immorality, and immorality Liberalism," (ibid., Ch. 26, p. 125).
Concerning its inculcation in American thought: "Its chief manifestation in the United States is in the form of what is popularly called non-sectarianism. It is a current fallacy, laid down as a fundamental truth, that one religion is as good as another, that everyone has the right to believe what he pleases, that differences in creed are after all but differences in forms of expression, that everyone may select his own creed or sect according to his taste - or even altogether repudiate religious beliefs - and finally, that religion is a thing entirely apart from civic and social life. All this of course is secularism in its various degrees - the denial of the supernatural, (Ibid., Ch. 33, p. 157).
What is Liberalism?
"Protestantism naturally begets toleration of error. Rejecting the principle of authority in religion, it has neither criterion nor definition of faith. On the principle that every individual or sect may interpret the deposit of Revelation according to the dictates of private judgement, it gives birth to endless differences and contradictions. ... Therefore does it finally arrive, by force of it's own premises, at the conclusion that one creed is as good as another; it then seeks to shelter it's inconsistency under the false plea of liberty of conscience. Belief is not imposed by a legitimately and divinely constituted authority, but springs directly and freely from the unrestricted exercise of the individual's reason or caprice upon the subject-matter of Revelation," (Salvany, Ch. 2, p. 8).
And, "It knows no dogma except the dogma of self-assertion. Hence it is heresy, fundamental and radical, the rebellion of the human intellect against God. ... It is, therefore, the radical and universal denial of all divine truth and Christian dogma, the primal type of all heresy, and the supreme rebellion against the authority of God and His Church. As with Lucifer, its maxim is, 'I will not serve,'" (Ibid., Ch. 3, p. 15-16).
Principles of Liberalism:
"1. The absolute sovereignty of the individual in his entire independence of God and God's authority.
2. The absolute sovereignty of society in its entire independence of everything which does not proceed from itself.
3. Absolute civil sovereignty in the implied right of the people to make their own laws in entire independence and utter disregard of any other criterion than the popular will expressed at the polls and in parliamentary majorities.
4. Absolute freedom of thought in politics, morals, or in religion. The unrestrained liberty of the press," (Ibid., Ch. 2, p. 10).
"Liberalism is the root of heresy, the tree of evil in whose branches all the harpies of infidelity find ample shelter; it is today the evil of all evils," (Ibid., Ch. 4, p. 22).
Concerning the gravity of the sin of Liberalism, Salvany quotes Pope Pius IX: "'Aetheism in legislation, indifference in matters of religion, and the pernicious maxims which go under the name of Liberal Catholicism are the true causes of the destruction of the states; they have been the ruin of France. Believe me, the evil I denounce is more terrible than the Revolution, more terrible even than 'The Commune.' I have always condemned Liberal Catholicism, and I will condemn it again forty times over if it be necessary," (Ibid., Ch. 10, p. 46).
"Heresy is always sophistically obstinate; it clings to the least pretext, seeks every excuse to escape condemnation," (Ibid., Ch. 11, p. 52).
The Syllabus of Errors condemned: "... Liberty of worship (propositions 15, 77, and 78); of the placet of governments (propositions 20 and 28); of the absolute supremacy of the State (proposition 38); of the secularization of public education (propositions 45, 40, and 48); of the absolute separation of Church and State (proposition 15); of the absolute right to legislate without regard to God (proposition 56); of the principle of non-intervention (proposition 62); of the right of insurrection (proposition 63); of civil marriage (proposition 73 and others); of the liberty (license) of the press (proposition 79); of universal suffrage as the source of authority (proposition 60); of even the name of Liberalism (proposition 88)," (Ibid., Ch. 11, p. 53).
"To effect a confusion of ideas is an old scheme of the devil. Not to understand clearly and precisely is generally the source of intellectual error," (Ibid., Ch. 12, p. 55).
"A government, whatever be its form, is Catholic if its constitution, its legislation, and its politics are based on Catholic principles; it is Liberal if it bases its constitution, its legislation, and its politics on rationalistic principles," (ibid. p. 57).
"The theater, literature, public and private morals are all saturated with obscenity and impurity. The result is inevitable; a corrupt generation necessarily begets a revolutionary generation. Liberalism is the program of naturalism. Free thought begets free morals, or immorality. Restraint is thrown off and a free rein given to the passions. Whoever thinks what he pleases will do what he pleases. Liberalism in the intellectual order is license in the moral order. Disorder in the intellect begets disorder in the heart, and vice-versa. Thus does Liberalism propagate immorality, and immorality Liberalism," (ibid., Ch. 26, p. 125).
Concerning its inculcation in American thought: "Its chief manifestation in the United States is in the form of what is popularly called non-sectarianism. It is a current fallacy, laid down as a fundamental truth, that one religion is as good as another, that everyone has the right to believe what he pleases, that differences in creed are after all but differences in forms of expression, that everyone may select his own creed or sect according to his taste - or even altogether repudiate religious beliefs - and finally, that religion is a thing entirely apart from civic and social life. All this of course is secularism in its various degrees - the denial of the supernatural, (Ibid., Ch. 33, p. 157).
March 11, 2018
A fantastic treatise on a problem that has plagued society and the Church for 150 years now. The damage is enormous. Fr. Salvany saw this over 100 years ago and lays it our. With bless from the office of the index in the Vatican under the great Pope Leo XIII, of holy memory, Father lays out the problems of Liberalism and how to avoid them. We have not listened and have suffered for it.
September 4, 2021
A must read for Catholics today.
All Catholics wishing to hold true to the perennial teaching of Holy Mother the Church need to read this book in order to properly counteract the liberalism that is now IN the Church.
All Catholics wishing to hold true to the perennial teaching of Holy Mother the Church need to read this book in order to properly counteract the liberalism that is now IN the Church.
January 19, 2021
A must read for all Catholics.
March 3, 2022
Must read for all Catholics. Teaches how to properly oppose and combat liberalism, and thoroughly denounces the lukewarm, compromising "Catholics" seen today.
August 29, 2024
Liberalism is the belief that people should be free to live by reason alone (ie by rationalism). That idea sounds plausible, and even admirable on the surface, but it rapidly collapses into incoherence when people’s intuitions give them different rational principles. This is why some of the contemporary ‘woke’ debates have become so emotional and intractable. When reason is the ultimate court of appeal, and people’s reason are telling them different things, then there is no way of bridging a disagreement.
This little book captures the incoherence of liberalism well. And it is an accurate summary of nineteenth century views about liberalism. Published originally in 1886, it just preceded Pope leo XIII’s 1888 encyclical on liberty; and there is remarkable agreement between the two documents on the problem of liberalism itself.
Another engaging feature of this book is the quality of its language. It is written with a clarity and precision which is commendable, and with some very noticeable literary turns of phrase. For example, we are told that ‘the barnacles of medievalism still encumber the bark of Peter’ (chp.9). And ‘rationalism is the toadstool that flourishes in (liberalism’s) dark shades’ (chp.13).
Where this book becomes problematic is in its tone. It describes liberalism as ‘perfidious’ (chp.11) and liberals as ‘spiritually diseased’ (chp.17) and it actually seems to advocate ‘fighting’ liberals, because ‘the first thing necessary is to demolish the combatant himself. When he is hors de combat he can do no more mischief’ (chp.21). Whatever that meant in its original context, it can be interpreted today as an incitement to violence against individual liberals.
Should reprints of old books (and especially ones like this which are already significantly edited) reprint instructions to ‘demolish’ one’s intellectual opponents such that they are no longer capable of being an opponent? Or perhaps the text should have been edited further, in order to remove content like that?
Another odd feature of this book is the occasional editor’s interjections, such as a comment in chp.9 lamenting the disastrous results of Vatican II in 1965. Why is that just thrown into the text of what is supposed to be a reprint of a book from the previous century? If the editor really feels the need to make comments like that, then surely an appendix would be the place to do so, where there is also room to defend opinions and provide evidence to justify them.
Overall, this is not a book that can be recommended.
This little book captures the incoherence of liberalism well. And it is an accurate summary of nineteenth century views about liberalism. Published originally in 1886, it just preceded Pope leo XIII’s 1888 encyclical on liberty; and there is remarkable agreement between the two documents on the problem of liberalism itself.
Another engaging feature of this book is the quality of its language. It is written with a clarity and precision which is commendable, and with some very noticeable literary turns of phrase. For example, we are told that ‘the barnacles of medievalism still encumber the bark of Peter’ (chp.9). And ‘rationalism is the toadstool that flourishes in (liberalism’s) dark shades’ (chp.13).
Where this book becomes problematic is in its tone. It describes liberalism as ‘perfidious’ (chp.11) and liberals as ‘spiritually diseased’ (chp.17) and it actually seems to advocate ‘fighting’ liberals, because ‘the first thing necessary is to demolish the combatant himself. When he is hors de combat he can do no more mischief’ (chp.21). Whatever that meant in its original context, it can be interpreted today as an incitement to violence against individual liberals.
Should reprints of old books (and especially ones like this which are already significantly edited) reprint instructions to ‘demolish’ one’s intellectual opponents such that they are no longer capable of being an opponent? Or perhaps the text should have been edited further, in order to remove content like that?
Another odd feature of this book is the occasional editor’s interjections, such as a comment in chp.9 lamenting the disastrous results of Vatican II in 1965. Why is that just thrown into the text of what is supposed to be a reprint of a book from the previous century? If the editor really feels the need to make comments like that, then surely an appendix would be the place to do so, where there is also room to defend opinions and provide evidence to justify them.
Overall, this is not a book that can be recommended.
February 20, 2025
A very unique read. Liberalism is defined as the enthronement of rational thought and the supreme authority of personal opinion in the formulation and construction of an individual’s worldview.
In other words, Liberalism is the sophisticated modern perspective and enlightened alternative to a thoughtful, historical Christian view of reality which examines and submits to the absolute authority of a God who is there, has spoken and invites his created beings into a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with Him.
Liberalism is a “sin” in that it is designed to undermine and destroy and replace the Christian faith.
Written in two or three page chapters, the presentation and discussion is carefully and clearly put forth in very interesting and digestible servings.
For anyone who wants to understand the root issue behind all the symptoms of the presently unfulfilling and floundering “world system (Liberalism),” this is an excellent read.
While anyone can access the message and heart of this concisely authored 98 page booklet, two characteristics might be distracting.
It was written in the late 1800s, so there is a distinct style of writing that takes a few minutes to sync with.
Also, the book is written by a Roman Catholic scholar to a Catholic readership.
But if you substitutes “Catholic” with “Christian” the booklet remains relevant and reads smoothly.
A Protestant reader will need to consciously set aside a few distinctly Catholic references and doctrines for discussion or debate at a later time.
But the powerful message of the booklet remains extremely relevant for thoughtful persons of faith who want to learn and understand how to perceive the agenda and goal of Liberalism, and discuss it intelligently.
For the convinced Liberal person, this would be an enlightening book for understanding the non-secular transcendent worldview they challenge and seek to replace.
In other words, Liberalism is the sophisticated modern perspective and enlightened alternative to a thoughtful, historical Christian view of reality which examines and submits to the absolute authority of a God who is there, has spoken and invites his created beings into a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with Him.
Liberalism is a “sin” in that it is designed to undermine and destroy and replace the Christian faith.
Written in two or three page chapters, the presentation and discussion is carefully and clearly put forth in very interesting and digestible servings.
For anyone who wants to understand the root issue behind all the symptoms of the presently unfulfilling and floundering “world system (Liberalism),” this is an excellent read.
While anyone can access the message and heart of this concisely authored 98 page booklet, two characteristics might be distracting.
It was written in the late 1800s, so there is a distinct style of writing that takes a few minutes to sync with.
Also, the book is written by a Roman Catholic scholar to a Catholic readership.
But if you substitutes “Catholic” with “Christian” the booklet remains relevant and reads smoothly.
A Protestant reader will need to consciously set aside a few distinctly Catholic references and doctrines for discussion or debate at a later time.
But the powerful message of the booklet remains extremely relevant for thoughtful persons of faith who want to learn and understand how to perceive the agenda and goal of Liberalism, and discuss it intelligently.
For the convinced Liberal person, this would be an enlightening book for understanding the non-secular transcendent worldview they challenge and seek to replace.
September 5, 2025
The book overall is interesting. It has a lot of good points, but I feel we are going around in circles for some.
"Liberalism is a world complete in itself; it has its maxims, its fashions, its art, its literature, its diplomacy, its laws, its conspiracies, its ambuscades. It is the world of Lucifer, disguised in our times under the name ofLiberalism, in radical opposition and in perpetual warfare against that society composed of the Children of God, the Church of Jesus Christ."
"The Liberal Catholic calls himself a Catholic because he firmly believes Catholicity to be the veritable revelation of the Son of God; he calls himself a Liberal Catholic because he believes that no one can impose upon him any belief which his individual judgment does not measure as perfectly rational. What is not rational he rejects. He is intellectually free to accept or reject. What appears good he assents to, but he is intellectually bound to noone.Thus unwittingly hefallsan easy victim to the snare set by the Devil for the intellectually proud."
"The new doctrines–which it preached and which it wished to substitute for ancient truth–had nothing abstractnormetaphysical; it rejected everything but brutal facts, which betrayed it as the offspring of Satan and the enemy of mankind."
One of the things that the book pointed out to avoid Liberalism is the Catholic School. This does not really apply to today. Catholic schools nowadays are infested with liberal ideas. One can hardly find any "real" Catholic school nowadays. The best substitute? Catholic parenting. Although children are easily exposed to liberal ideas, Catholic parents should closely educate their children. you cannot rely on teachers nowadays for profound moral guidance. But in the midst of this dark world, parents still have the sole responsibility to guide their children towards Truth... towards Christ.
"Liberalism is a world complete in itself; it has its maxims, its fashions, its art, its literature, its diplomacy, its laws, its conspiracies, its ambuscades. It is the world of Lucifer, disguised in our times under the name ofLiberalism, in radical opposition and in perpetual warfare against that society composed of the Children of God, the Church of Jesus Christ."
"The Liberal Catholic calls himself a Catholic because he firmly believes Catholicity to be the veritable revelation of the Son of God; he calls himself a Liberal Catholic because he believes that no one can impose upon him any belief which his individual judgment does not measure as perfectly rational. What is not rational he rejects. He is intellectually free to accept or reject. What appears good he assents to, but he is intellectually bound to noone.Thus unwittingly hefallsan easy victim to the snare set by the Devil for the intellectually proud."
"The new doctrines–which it preached and which it wished to substitute for ancient truth–had nothing abstractnormetaphysical; it rejected everything but brutal facts, which betrayed it as the offspring of Satan and the enemy of mankind."
One of the things that the book pointed out to avoid Liberalism is the Catholic School. This does not really apply to today. Catholic schools nowadays are infested with liberal ideas. One can hardly find any "real" Catholic school nowadays. The best substitute? Catholic parenting. Although children are easily exposed to liberal ideas, Catholic parents should closely educate their children. you cannot rely on teachers nowadays for profound moral guidance. But in the midst of this dark world, parents still have the sole responsibility to guide their children towards Truth... towards Christ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
Liberalism is a Sin" by Fr. Felix Sarda y Salvany is a highly engaging and thought-provoking book that I found myself agreeing with wholeheartedly. It reminded me of G.K. Chesterton's "Heretics" in its style and approach. If you had handed me this book without its cover and title page, I might have easily mistaken it for a work by Chesterton. However, there are elements within the book that are distinctly unique and not entirely Chestertonian, which I found refreshing.
One striking moment in Chapter 2 is when the author argues that liberalism lacks definitiveness and clear moral boundaries. He suggests that within liberalism, people can justify any behavior, no matter how immoral or inhumane, as long as it fits their liberal ideology.
Later in the book, Fr. Sarda y Salvany delivers a powerful statement: "It is the world of Lucifer under the disguise of liberalism." This quote encapsulates his view that liberalism, despite its outward appearance, ultimately leads to moral decay and chaos.
Overall, "Liberalism is a Sin" offers a compelling critique of liberal ideology, presenting arguments that are both challenging and insightful. Fr. Sarda y Salvany's passionate defense of traditional values, Catholicism, and moral clarity makes this book a significant read for anyone interested in the philosophical and ethical implications of liberalism.
One striking moment in Chapter 2 is when the author argues that liberalism lacks definitiveness and clear moral boundaries. He suggests that within liberalism, people can justify any behavior, no matter how immoral or inhumane, as long as it fits their liberal ideology.
Later in the book, Fr. Sarda y Salvany delivers a powerful statement: "It is the world of Lucifer under the disguise of liberalism." This quote encapsulates his view that liberalism, despite its outward appearance, ultimately leads to moral decay and chaos.
Overall, "Liberalism is a Sin" offers a compelling critique of liberal ideology, presenting arguments that are both challenging and insightful. Fr. Sarda y Salvany's passionate defense of traditional values, Catholicism, and moral clarity makes this book a significant read for anyone interested in the philosophical and ethical implications of liberalism.
July 24, 2025
✒️ An outstanding work on why liberalism is sinful, how to spot it in our secular and religious societies, how to combat it, how to interact with liberal and free-thinking people, and there is an abundance of examples on how it invades our lives. The Preface is updated (1993) and the book itself has been tailored to American readers. (Get out your dictionary, since there are many twenty-dollar words within this work.)
📕 Published — 1899.
જ⁀📕From my private library.
༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻
"To know and serve God is the only freedom."
📕 Published — 1899.
જ⁀📕From my private library.
༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻
March 19, 2023
Tempted to give this 3 stars but gave 4. Some of the text seemed dated, even though I am generally in favour of most popular pre-Vatican 2 books and works.
The author’s original title was used for this 1993 Tan Books edition, with the inclusion of the ending phrase ‘is a sin’
Ultramontanism is repeatedly referenced, and basically means applying the Pope’s teaching in public and Catholic social and political life. Especially in regards to Pope Pius IX and The Syllabus of Errors.
The author’s original title was used for this 1993 Tan Books edition, with the inclusion of the ending phrase ‘is a sin’
Ultramontanism is repeatedly referenced, and basically means applying the Pope’s teaching in public and Catholic social and political life. Especially in regards to Pope Pius IX and The Syllabus of Errors.
Read
July 26, 2024Very excellent and important points, but a bit repetitive if you’ve read Pascendi.
Quite interesting and timely to read during an election year. There is no peace with evil, journalists traffic in lies, the urge to go along to get along can be deadly in the public forum, etc.
Quite interesting and timely to read during an election year. There is no peace with evil, journalists traffic in lies, the urge to go along to get along can be deadly in the public forum, etc.
March 2, 2021
Good Read
An interesting take on the sun of liberalism. Like the Catholics of the Arian crisis, we have groaned to find the world liberal
An interesting take on the sun of liberalism. Like the Catholics of the Arian crisis, we have groaned to find the world liberal
July 28, 2024
Lectura importante para nuestros tiempos.
December 23, 2025
This was fascinating for being written so long ago and how accurate it applies to society today.
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