Ultramontanist and Proud of It

Liberalism is a Sin (Illustrated)

Doctor Don Felix Sarda Y Salvany

Aeterna Press. Kindle Edition. (2015-04-21).

The first English translation of this little book bears a nihil obstat and an imprimatur from St. Louis, Missouri from 1899. The controversial Spanish first edition of 1886 was denounced to Rome and subsequently lauded for the soundness and objectivity of its doctrine. In the present edition, notes have been added that help contextualize certain things for today. To give you the flavor of the book, I have lifted these two quotes as they appear in capitals on the copyright page.

“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.” [PG. 22] 

“LIBERALISM 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.’ “ [PG. 16]

As "in your face" as the book is, I would counsel men and women of good will to an attentive reading of this book. It makes distinctions and opens doors to Catholic living for those who seek to follow Christ rather than embrace the spirit of the age. The book coaches, if you will.

Sadly, the 19th Century praise for Civilta` Cattolica deserves a few qualifiers, as does the book's enthusiasm for the Catholic parochial school system. Even these shortcomings cannot diminish the solid work. The journalism caveat is especially opportune. 

Happy reading!