The outrage at suggesting that Vatican II’s doctrine of religious liberty extends even to Satanists reveals something deeper.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of people among us.

The first recognises that we live in a world saturated with naturalism and liberalism—and that he himself is not exempt. When he uncovers yet another layer of these errors within his own thinking, actions, or assumptions, he is glad: for now the rot can be named and cut out. The work of restoration advances.

The second remains in denial about how deeply these errors have shaped him. He cannot bear to admit that any of his treasured views might spring from the poisoned wells of liberalism and naturalism. When this is pointed out, the persona he has constructed of the perfect, moderate conservative is threatened—so he rushes to defend it, either by justifying the error, denying its implications, or shooting the messenger.

There are some who have long defended Vatican II and its teaching on religious liberty—and who have or seek a place at the table of the establishment—and who are heavily invested in making sure that everything appears coherent.

Not all such men fall into the second camp. There are honest men who really believe that these far-fetched solutions are the truth. You can tell who these honest men are, because they do not get worked up or aggressive/defensive about the suggestion that they might be wrong: they just disagree, state their reasons, and maintain charity and respect with those who disagree.

But the danger of ideological thinking is very real. May we be preserved from it.