10 June 2020

Fr. Longenecker on the Relationship between Relativism, Irrational Rage, and Revolution

"One of the most disturbing aspects of the troubles of 2020 has been the confusion and bewilderment caused by so much uncertainty. When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic every other news report or social media link or comment has been contradictory. 'Masks are useless. Everybody must wear a mask! Only sick old people will get this disease. My friend knows a guy in his forties who is an athlete and very fit and he nearly died! You can get it just from touching your groceries. The virus doesn’t transmit that way. The threat is global. Only New York City is being hit. Not us.'

"We’ve seen the most amazing contradictions over the last week with the massive demonstrations. We're supposed to observe social distancing, but thousands are encouraged to meet up and protest. There was one instruction fro the authorities circulating that said: 'Outdoor meetings for social gatherings: no more than twelve people. Out door protests no more than 100' No wonder everybody is scratching their heads in not only bewilderment, but confusion fear and anxiety.

"What interests me about all this is how it is reflective of the relativism in our society. For decades now some intellectuals have been telling us there is 'no such thing as truth' or 'if there is such a thing as truth you cant know it for sure and you can't state it with certainty.' The attack on truth has especially been an attack on religious truth. What no one seems to understand is the relationship between relativism, irrational rage and violent revolution."

In a recent commentary, Father Dwight Longenecker (parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Greenville, SC) reflected on the consequences of lack of recourse to truth. 

To access Fr. Longenecker’s complete post, please visit: 

Fr. Dwight Longenecker: Relativism, Irrational Rage and Revolution (8 JUN 20) 

Background information: 

Dwight Longenecker - Catholic priest and author

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