Introduction
to the first North American Edition of “Revolution and Counter-Revolution”
Presenting this book to the North American public, I
do so with the conviction that the events which have occurred from 1959 — the
year in which the first Brazilian edition was published — up to the present,
have singularly enhanced the actuality of the concepts contained herein.
In effect, the "progressivist" crisis, which
in 1959 evidenced in the majority of countries symptoms which were still
minor, developed rapidly, and at present devastates Catholic milieus of the
entire world, as well as making itself felt in the other religions.
Directed especially to Catholics, "Revolution and Counter-Revolution"
helps the latter to defend themselves against
"progressivism," which is nothing but the projection to the
ecclesiastical sphere of the gnostic and equalitarian
Revolution here described. In this sense, I expect of the book no small benefit
for the United States, where I know those Catholics who are profoundly alarmed
with the crisis of the Church and who are animated by the staunch decision of
not allowing themselves to become infected, to be more numerous than what at
first sight may possibly appear.
In
Even though it will not be easy for various protestants to accept some of the perspectives in which I,
as a Catholic, place myself, the book appears to me to be of a real usefulness
for them as well. In effect, after having read "Revolution and
Counter-Revolution" protestants will be able,
when arguing with "progressive" Catholics, to prove to them that
they are in profound contradiction with the true thought of the Church. An
adversary whose contradiction with himself is
demonstrated, loses assurance in his positions and fruitfulness in his
proselytism.
Cordially greeting, therefore, the readers of this
book, it is my hope that this North American edition will do all the good that
Divine Providence has caused it to bring about in the countries of America and
of Europe where it is being continually edited and distributed.
Plinio Corręa de Oliveira
(cfr. Educator Publications,