“I’m not entirely sure which governments Father has in mind here, but suffice to say that I reject the suggestion that a State that simply affords the Catholic Church the freedom that is hers by divine right is necessarily “recognizing the validity of the above claim.” Much less can one say that a State that also grants the very same right to the Church’s enemies “would ipso facto be recognizing the Kingship of Christ.”

Besides, an “ipso facto” expression of subjugation to the King is a pathetic substitute for the teaching put forth in Quas Primas which states that “not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ.”

Surely, a government that truly recognizes the Kingship of Christ would not grant, as the Council demands, a civil right to religious freedom to those who reject Jesus Christ and oppose His reign. This would be like a government defending the right of rebels to overthrow it!”

– Louie Verrecchio, “The Uncrowning of Christ”

What you’ve got to love about the pre-conciliar texts is not only their following of Christ’s “yes, yes…no, no”, but their brevity and clarity, and the fact that the Magisterial pronouncements (take, for instance, “Quas Primas”) are all-or-nothing, throw-down-the-gauntlet calls to action.

This modern-day “pro-life activism” simply cannot hold a candle to what the church staunchly stood for, not so very long ago.

Can this spirit be recaptured? Sure it can. But not without suffering and ostracization. Draw that line in the sand, fellow Christian! And step boldly!