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!