Pope Pius XII published Humani Generis in 1950, condemning the philosophy of existentialism.  While he specifically named existentialism as a corrupting influence over theology, the encyclical goes on to condemn many different theories and philosophies that undermine the historic foundation of Church teaching. While the liberalizing ideas condemned in this pronouncement have never-the-less run their course through society and the Church, I do wonder how Percy interpreted and reacted to this statement.

Percy was willing to stare despair in the face, but of course, the Church had to stand against the eroding influence of philosophical despair. I remain impressed by Percy’s ability to adopt the existentialist dilemma, yet remain orthodox in his faith.

Tags: encyclical, existentialism

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