In the various campaigns against religion, over the centuries nothing has essentially changed, as the story of Mattathias illustrates. The king's officers first of all tried flattery: "You are a leader, an honourable and great man." Then they tempted him with honour, to become one of the King's friends. Finally they added the enticement of riches: silver and gold and many gifts.

In his Spiritual Exercises (142), St Ignatius suggests that the devil tempts us in three stages: riches, honours, pride. This order is somewhat different from that in the story of Mattathias, but the insight is essentially the same: "from these three steps the evil one leads to all other vices."

In the political life of many countries we have seen this insight verified: a man from a wealthy and powerful family desires greater honours: the presidency of the country. Once this honour is attained, often through the corruption of wealth, he becomes a dictator and governs through arrogance and its attendant vices. Inevitably he descends into a world of greater corruption, greed, and all kinds of injustice.