Satan's Sophistry

The Smoke of Satan offers an accounting of the sophistry of neomodernists theologians pitted against the magisterium which influenced most Catholics’ views in the face of the “sexual revolution” of the 1960s. In reading several of the more notable examples of this deceptive reasoning, remember that in Catholic teaching the Tempter is a “consummate deceiver” whose real designs are concealed behind what may seem to be divinely inspired, but are in reality instigated by him. Here is an example in the form of an icebreaker prior to a talk given by one under the influence of neomodernist thought:

1. Did you ever believe in Santa Claus?  And do you believe in Santa Claus now?  
2. Did you ever believe that God was a man living in Heaven?  And do you believe that now?
3. Did you ever believe that Heaven was a place that existed above us?  And do you believe that now?
4. Did you ever believe that God created the universe in seven days?  And do you believe it now?
5. Did you ever believe that you had to be a member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church to be saved?  And do you believe that now?
6. Did you ever believe that you would only be saved, provided that you follow the specific rules and believe specific dogmas?  And do you believe that now?
7. Did you ever believe that the U. S. was the best country, and always operated out of its highest good?  And do you believe it now?
8. And did you ever believe that white persons were better than people of color; or men were superior to women?  And do you believe that now?

A Catholic raised prior to Vatican II would, it is inferred, answer no to the second question to each of the 8 items, and feel no need to try and discover what Our Lord revealed to us whilst He was on earth, and continues to teach through His Church in response to items 5 and 6 (italicized) on "What must I do to be saved?" Remember--Satan's goal is to damn souls, which necessitates disregarding what Christ revealed regarding salvation.

The inference in this sophistic line of questioning is: 

• change is inevitable.  
• We all change.  
• We evolve over time.  
• Our bodies change, our emotions change; our spirituality changes; our consciousness changes. 

Under the wiles of "the Father of lies," the neomodernist reflects on the conditions we experiencing today in our society and in our Church, and posits that they are connected to the various stages of development that we are at in our lives and how we find ourselves in conflict with those who are at different levels of consciousness, which can also be articulated as different world views.... 

For example, the neomodernist asks cradle Catholics to think about some of the current issues before us:

• The new translation of the Roman Missal.
• Women’s ordination.
• The acceptance of Gay and Lesbian marriage.
• Adoption by Gay and Lesbian couples.
• A woman’s capacity for moral decision making, especially regarding her body.
• Married priests.
• More democratic governance of parishes and dioceses.
• (add your own-here's mine)

 The intent here is to elicit response in lukewarm Catholics, i.e.,for them to articulate how they feel about these issues-- do they get angry when they hear it said that gay and lesbian couples cannot marry or adopt children? That married couples may not contracept? Etc.

I  If they do grow angry, the neomodernist suggests that such a Catholic is at an impasse, which presents an opportunity....  It invites those of us on the spiritual quest to continue their own inner work... 

 This sophistry is much the same as that employed in the following video:

Resist him, solid in your faith.