Crosspost: The Secular State Reinvents the Inquisition

Rev. John F. Naugle January 18, 2025

The Secular State Reinvents the Inquisition

Summary by ChatGPT 4.0

The article reflects on Graham Greene's novel The Power and the Glory, its themes of faith, sin, and duty, and connects these to broader issues of censorship, both within the Church and contemporary society. The novel, set during Mexico's 1930s persecution of the Catholic Church, follows a flawed "whiskey priest" who continues ministering despite his personal sins and government oppression. His eventual martyrdom illustrates how God's work can be done through broken individuals and inspires faith in others.

The article critiques historical attempts to censor Greene's novel due to its portrayal of morally compromised clergy, arguing that censorship often stems from institutional insecurity rather than a genuine concern for faith. This institutional dysfunction, it suggests, parallels modern governmental censorship. Terms like "disinformation," "misinformation," and "malinformation" are compared to theological censure, where narratives critical of authority are suppressed not for public good but to maintain control.

The author warns against governments behaving like religions, demanding unwavering faith and hiding their failings under the guise of public good. To restore public trust, the article advocates full transparency and accountability, urging leaders to reveal hidden truths, even at the risk of undermining their credibility. Ultimately, it challenges institutions—religious or governmental—to prioritize truth and integrity over protecting their image.