Since Blessed John Paul II published his Encyclical, Veritas Splendor, (The Splendor of Truth), twenty years ago, modernity has wrought further havoc within and outside the Church.
At stake is the very essence of truth! Does it exist? Is man capable of deducing it, and must it be the guiding light in the form of Natural Law, for individuals, nations, and a pluralistic world?
Veritas Splendor is a reaffirmation of 2,500 years of philosophic thought established by Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, developed by Thomas Aquinas, which confirms that objective truth exists and that the human mind is capable of finding it.
Five hundred years ago, Luther unwittingly unleashed a host of evil genies from Pandora’s box by claiming that human nature is so corrupt, that man is incapable of ascertaining objective truth. In rapid succession, philosophy embraced Subjectivism (each individual determines right and wrong), followed by Relativism (truth depends on time and place), followed by Romanticism (feelings determine truth), Deconstructionism (truth shifts from moment to moment), and finally Existentialism (a denial that truth exists at all).
In the face of such denials that truth exists, Veritas Splendor clearly reasserts for modern man the existence and splendor of objective truth.
John Paul II argues that good is clearly distinct from evil, that morality is not situational, that right is right and wrong is always wrong. Among the evils the Pope stated were at work in the modern world are genocide, torture, and slavery. He also includes matters of overwhelming concern to the individual and society: euthanasia, contraception, homosexual acts, pre-marital sex, divorce, and abortion.
The sweeping nature of his condemnation of such acts, as well as his demand of obedience by the flock, and Bishops worldwide, sent tremors through the ranks of the Church’s liberal wing. Initially it was rumored that the document would be couched in terms of papal infallibility, making opposition impossible. This turned out not to be the case. The Pope insisted however that “opposition to the teachings of the Church’s pastors cannot be seen as a legitimate expression either of Christian freedom, or the diversity of the Spirit's gifts. It is prohibited to everyone and in every case – to violate these precepts. They oblige everyone, regardless of the cost.”
John Paul II held that true freedom must be united with moral truth, truth as reflected in Natural Law that is evident to everyone. Otherwise, he said, each individual conscience becomes supreme, even infallible.
In this clash of infallibilities, moral confusion reigns. Only absolute morality, argues the Pope, provides a true basis for the democratic equality of all citizens.
--Xavier Rynne
