Antiquarianism/Archaeologism Condemned

Many people engage in incorrect theological studies by skipping over the Thomists/Scholastics to "get closer to the source." Though this may sound good in theory, by doing this, one loses much of the insight and clarity that has already been proclaimed by the Church and is binding on the faithful.


Pope Pius XI, in Deus Scientiarum Dominus (1931), directs that Sacred Theology "be presented according to the positive as well as the scholastic method." The speculative exposition is to proceed "according to the principles and teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas."

Mediator Dei – Pius XII: 1947 (59-64)

Sacrosanctam Concilium - 1963 (21-25)
[here you will note the Council subtly overlooking/downplaying tradition]

Returning to the Sources - 2006


Pius X- Overcome modernism by studying the Scholastics
Pascendi Dominici Gregis (1907) #45-46

45. In the first place, with regard to studies, We will and ordain that scholastic philosophy be made the basis of the sacred sciences. It goes without saying that if anything is met with among the scholastic doctors which may be regarded as an excess of subtlety, or which is altogether destitute of probability, We have no desire whatever to propose it for the imitation of present generations (Leo XIII. Enc. Aeterni Patris). 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 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.

46. On this philosophical foundation the theological edifice is to be solidly raised. Promote the study of theology, Venerable Brethren, by all means in your power, so that your clerics on leaving the seminaries may admire and love it, and always find their delight in it. For in the vast and varied abundance of studies opening before the mind desirous of truth, everybody knows how the old maxim describes theology as so far in front of all others that every science and art should serve it and be to it as handmaidens (Leo XIII., Lett. ap. In Magna, Dec. 10, 1889). We will add that We deem worthy of praise those who with full respect for tradition, the Holy Fathers, and the ecclesiastical magisterium, undertake, with well-balanced judgment and guided by Catholic principles (which is not always the case), seek to illustrate positive theology by throwing the light of true history upon it. Certainly more attention must be paid to positive theology than in the past, but this must be done without detriment to scholastic theology, and those are to be disapproved as of Modernist tendencies who exalt positive theology in such a way as to seem to despise the scholastic.