Journal for the Study of Antisemitism

2009] CATHOLICISM & THE TEACHINGS OF BISHOP WILLIAMSON 243
emotive and need a man to provide intellectual thought and purpose for
their lives. This concept of women and their relation to men is eerily akin
to the teachings of radical Islam.
Belief in Conspiracy Theories
The followers of this ideology believe in every imagined antisemitic
conspiracy theory. Examples of these theories include the following: The
Jews were behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks; 4 the Holocaust never occurred;
no one was ever killed in a gas chamber; the Jews have omnipotent control
over all sectors of modern life; and the Jews run all the banks and control
all sectors of global politics and government. 5
Traditional Catholics and Perennialism
Traditional Catholics may be attracted to Perennialism because they
oppose some of the same effects of modernity as the Perennialists, such as
Modernism, Feminism, Materialism, and the effects of unchecked and
excessive industrialization.
Perennialists Seek the Destruction of the Modern World, Not Its
Conversion
The Perennialists assert that the modern world is beyond saving and
that its destruction must be hastened through revolution, a return to the
land, or a divine chastisement. It is believed by some that after the fall of
the modern governments, truly virile men will rise up and restore civilization
through their methods of education and the application of distributism.
Some Catholic followers of Perennialism will distort their religion in order
to serve these political agendas.
Conclusion of Overview of Perennialism
In modern political extremist movements, few have ever heard of the
word Perennialism. However, the tenets of Perennialism are widely held by
4. Bishop Richard N. Williamson, “Letters from Rector of St. Thomas Aquinas
Seminary” (October 1, 2002) This letter, written three weeks after 9/11, although
not a complete explanation of his beliefs concerning the Jews and 9/11, displays
Bishop Williamson’s views concerning the Jews’ control over the U.S. and even
partially exonerates the radical Muslim terrorists.
5. Bishop Richard N. Williamson, “Letters from Rector of St. Thomas Aquinas
Seminary” (September 1, 2003).