(Excerpts from the encyclical of Pope St. Pius X on the doctrines of the Modernists)
42. ... [The Modernists] recognise that the three chief difficulties for them are scholastic philosophy, the authority of the fathers and tradition, and the magisterium of the Church, and on these they wage unrelenting war. For scholastic philosophy and theology they have only ridicule and contempt. Whether it is ignorance or fear, or both, that inspires this conduct in them, certain it is that the passion for novelty is always united in them with hatred of scholasticism, and there is no surer sign that a man is on the way to Modernism than when he begins to show his dislike for this system. Modernists and their admirers should remember the proposition condemned by Pius IX: The method and principles which have served the doctors of scholasticism when treating of theology no longer correspond with the exigencies of our time or the progress of science (Syll. Prop. 13).
45. In the first place, with regard to studies, We will and ordain that scholastic philosophy be made the basis of the sacred sciences. ... And let it be clearly understood above all things that the scholastic philosophy We prescribe is that which the Angelic Doctor has bequeathed to us, and We, therefore, declare that all the ordinances of Our Predecessor [Leo XIII] on this subject continue fully in force, and, as far as may be necessary, We do decree anew, and confirm, and ordain that they be by all strictly observed. In seminaries where they may have been neglected let the Bishops impose them and require their observance, and let this apply also to the Superiors of religious institutions. Further let Professors remember that they cannot set St. Thomas aside, especially in metaphysical questions, without grave detriment.
In a recent Vatican document we read, "Saint Thomas Aquinas, using the terminology of the philosophical tradition to which he belonged, ..." Is it clear whether the author belongs to the same "philosophical tradition" as St. Thomas? In contrast, it is clear that Ven. Pius IX and St. Pius X do belong to the philosophical tradition of St. Thomas.
Pray that the scholastic tradition of St. Thomas may soon be restored to its former prominence.
It has always seemed to me that what passes for "Theology" could more rightly be called Nihilism. Because the "theologian" has lost his faith he is intent that everyone else abandon theirs.