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Chapter 17The Church in a Changing World
Age of Enlightenment New philosophical theories and scientific
discoveriesLed to a secular view of the worldBelieved human reason and science have all
the answersEstablished institutions (governments, the
Church) were criticized
Geocentric V. HeliocentricGeocentric – the Earth is the center of our
galaxy and the sun and other planets revolve around the Earth.
Heliocentric – the sun is the center of our galaxy, and the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun.
Nicholas CopernicusRenaissance priest
“virtuoso” – does all things well Used math and science to theorize a
heliocentric universe.
GalileoDeveloped a telescope Thought God’s role in the universe was
limited
“Clockmaker” view of GodFALSE idea that God created the universe
and sat back as it ran itself.Contradicts Truth and Church teaching
Our FatherOur Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name:Does not mean God is distant;Describes God’s amazing presence in the
hearts of His people, and his power over all things
St. Vincent de Paul (1576-1660)Priest in Paris, FranceComfortable lifeSaw needs of the poor and Jesus’ teachings
on helping the poor (influenced by Fr. Peter Berulle)
Organized charity – food and clothing drivesRescued abandoned babiesSt. Vincent de Paul Society is world-wide
Catholic charity
St. Louise de MarillacWorked with St. Vincent de Paul Served in hospitalsFounded the Daughters of Charity, cared for
people, especially the poor.Taught all human life is sacred – all people
deserve dignity!
Micah 6:8“This is what the Lord asks of you:To love tenderlyTo act justlyAnd to walk humbly with your God.
Matthew 25:35-37Read this scripture passage. List three ways
you have put into practice this teaching of Jesus:
Earthshaking ideasIn the 18th century new scientific discoveries
and methods. People began to worship the human mind and
believed there was no need for faith or belief in God.
Church was under attack by this ideology, and was thus skeptical/distrustful of this new scientific thought
The French Revolution-1789Poor and middle class wanted more “say” in
governmentMiddle class took over the governmentGovernment and Church were attackedMonasteries, churches, mansions were
burnedPriests and religious were executed at the
guillotine along with wealthy men and women.
State religion was introduced to replace the Catholic faith
French Revolution, cont.New government ordered all clergy to take
an oath –The Civil Constitution of the ClergyPope condemned the oathClergy who refused to take oath were
executedThe practice of the Catholic faith was
outlawed
Finding Christ in the Poor: St. Julie BilliartFounded a community dedicated to teaching
poor childrenWas paralyzed for 20 years but continued to
pray and teach Went into hiding when French government was
persecuting CatholicsEventually founded the Sisters of Notre Dame –Focused on the GOODNESS OF GOD
Rationalism Belief that all human problems can be solved
by human thinking and scientific examination (reason/rational mind)
Rejects God’s active role in human salvation – some even reject existence of God
Atheist – rejects any belief in God
Vatican Council IPope Pius IX saw rationalism as a threat to
ChristianityIssued Syllabus of Errors condemning
rationalismConvened Vatican Council 1 (20th council) in
1868To confirm his Syllabus of ErrorsDefine the role of the Church in a rapidly
changing world
Papal InfallibilityDoctrine defined at Vatican Council IOn matters of faith or morals, the pope
speaks in authority and without error “ex cathedra” (from the Chair of St. Peter)
Only two times:1854: Dogma of Immaculate Conception of
Mary1950 Dogma of Assumption of Mary
Church and ScienceBoth faith and science come from God We do not choose one over the otherScience can not explain supernatural acts of
GodChurch was suspicious of scientific thought,
but is no longer.
Legitimate Authority4th Commandment:
Honor Your Father and Mother
Calls us to respect legitimate authority which supports the common good.
We can not follow civil authority when it is contrary to the Gospel and Church teachings.
St. Albert the GreatPatron saint of scientistsLived in 13th centuryNatural scientist – astronomy, biology,
chemistry, physics, mathConvinced that God could be found in all
creation and science teaches us about God
Vatican IIVatican I was interrupted in 1870 by the
Franco-Prussian War and was never reconvened.
Vatican Council II convened by John XXIII in 1962 to finish the work of Vatican I – define the role of the Church in a changing world
“Open up the windows and let in the fresh air”
A new look at Church teaching – not changing it, but re-emphasizing teachings relevant to the world
Vatican II (1962-1965)John XXIII died in 1963Paul VI continued the work of Vatican IIToday we are still understanding the “fresh
air” of Vatican II – some people misinterpreted the purpose/teachings
The Holy Spirit continues to be alive in our Church!