FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
MODERNISM
(Part 63)
CAESAR OR GOD
October 22, 2023
Today’s gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
Jesus, in responding to the Pharisees and Herodians about paying the census tax to Caesar or not, tells them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (v.21b). Rightly so. But what Church modernists today are doing is giving to Caesar what is God’s. Their focus is on man, on the well-being of man, with man at the center. In doing so, they neglect the reality that God must be at the center, and they even violate the righteousness of God.
Thus, for modernists:
- We are to be nice to others, to love the sinner, but should not speak about sin, because that is hurtful.
- Pastors are to grant forgiveness to sinners even if there is no repentance nor a firm resolve not to sin anymore.
- Same-sex unions can be blessed.
- Those in irregular unions can receive Holy Communion.
The Pharisees rightly said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” (v.16b).
- Modernists no longer teach the authentic way of Jesus but only the way of man, according to the prevailing culture of the age.
- Modernists have overturned the truth, making what is bad good and what is good bad.
- Thus proselytism (making converts), which is the very mission of the Church, is being prohibited.
- Thus active homosexuality is not only being accepted, but celebrated, in looking to the so-called love or fidelity between two same-sex persons.
- Thus tradition, in the aspects of the Traditional Latin Mass and traditional religious orders, are being degraded and abolished.
- Modernists no longer teach the truths of the gospel, but serve the father of lies.
We live in the world but are not of the world. We are ruled by Caesar but are under the reign of God. We are to love and care for our fellowmen, but first we must be right with God. Modernists have their priorities and focus wrong, and in being so, gets mired into unrighteousness and immorality.