In February of this year the well-known American Catholic George Weigel wrote a short, thought-provoking article for First Things titled “Liquid Catholicism and the German Synodal Path.” And while my good friend and colleague Leonardo De Chirico has already contributed an excellent reflection on Weigel’s article, two additional reflections are perhaps merited.
Read MoreThe subject of dialogue in modern-day Roman Catholicism highlights with clarity the unresolved issues of the “Roman” and “Catholic” natures of the Church. On the one hand dialogue desires to be “Roman.” It is an essential tool for evangelization. Through it the Church leaves its places of comfort and it goes forth and proclaims the gospel and makes disciples of Christ. It recognizes the importance of defining the distinctives of the Christian faith. On the other hand, dialogue is very “Catholic.” It highlights the fraternity and brotherhood of all mankind. It celebrates its commonality and affirms that which is good in humanity and its various religious expressions. It avoids discussion of Jesus and sin and refers to god generically.
Read MoreLevering argues that the 20th century witnessed an “abuse of conscience,” meaning that Catholic moral theology “gave too expansive a place to conscience in the Christian moral life” (p. 1). This problem, according to Levering, was only worsened after the Second Vatican Council.
Read MoreThere is an analogous case to be made in regard to doctrine within the Roman Catholic Church. Doctrine in Roman Catholicism develops, or evolves, over time. It is organic and develops in order to better respond to the most current culture. In this sense it develops in order to “survive and reproduce itself.” The discussion to be had, however, is if that development in doctrine is micro or macro in nature. That is, is it still identifiable with its previous version, or has it changed entirely and become a different and new doctrine? The Roman Catholic Church will argue that it is the former, but at times we are faced with contrasts in Roman Catholicism that challenge that claim.
Read MoreBack in 2014 Francis warned against innovation in pastoral care that gives birth to relativism. This is a grave danger in that it hides Jesus and truth from man. That is indeed true, but it is difficult to see how what has transpired since 2014 in the Pope’s papacy has not promoted relativism. If we are all brothers and God’s love is the same for everyone regardless of their beliefs, and if all religions are to be valued for the truth they contain, what room is left for the exclusive truth claims of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)?
Read MoreIn September of 2000, the ecumenical pendulum had been slowly swinging towards a vastly more inclusive ecumenism, pioneered largely by the Second Vatican Council. Dominus Iesus was a bucket of cold water on a fire that had been slowly growing in intensity. Declarations of the nature of those just cited were a clear effort to stop the swinging of the pendulum and encourage its reverse course. In other words, Dominus Iesus was an effort to preserve the sacramental system of the Catholic Church. Despite its best efforts, however, the declaration could not entirely avoid the swing of the pendulum that had become irreversible after the Second Vatican Council, and that would have enduring and significant implications on the sacramental nature of the Church, as we are soon to see.
Read MoreMissiologists have been debating the following scenario for centuries. A missionary finds him or herself in a foreign context with foreign religions and pagan practices. How does he/she present the gospel to the people, their culture, and their worldview? The answer depends on how foreign religions are viewed and understood. For a Roman Catholic response to this important question, Pope Pius XII's 1951 encyclical Evangelii Praecones is extremely insightful. While it predates the Second Vatican Council by more than a decade (1962-1965), it accurately represents traditional Thomist Roman Catholic theology concerning this matter.
Read MoreHow can one focus on what unites people of different faiths, while also insisting on the proclamation of salvation in Christ, the only Mediator between God and man? How can one seek out shared convictions, while not diminishing the Church's commitment to evangelization? These juxtapositions, when understood in the light of Scripture, are simply not compatible. This is a serious problem, and it is poor pastoral advice.
Read MoreThis is the title of a recent book by Francesco Celestino, instructor of pastoral theology and catechism at San Bonaventura in Rome, Italy. The book offers a fresh reflection on the pastoral life of the Catholic Church in light of Pope Francis's 2013 encyclical Evangelii gaudium. A Church that desires encounter is a church that wants to be near to others and accompany them in life, being ever aware that dialogue with others is key to drawing them closer to God. A Church that desires encounter, then, is a church in constant dialogue.
Read MoreSession 1 - Same Words, Same Gospel? The vocabulary of Roman Catholicism contains many biblical words, but is Roman Catholicism biblical? This session will give few examples of the way in which Roman Catholicism uses the right words but it does not embrace the biblical gospel.
Read MoreSession 2 - Why "Roman" and Why "Catholicism?" Roman Catholicism is what the expression tells us: “Roman” and “Catholic”. This session will explain why and what difference it makes for Roman Catholicism to be both Roman and Catholic.
Read MoreSession 3 - Where Is The Roman Catholic Church Going with Pope Francis? The Roman Catholic Church has a long history but certainly Pope Francis (in line with Vatican II) has impressed a new trajectory. This session will provide an analysis of the vision of the reigning Pope and its impact on his church.
Read MoreSession 4 - Can Evangelicals Be United with Rome? Unity is one of the buzzwords in today’s Christian language. Given the fundamental differences with the Roman Catholic account of the gospel, can we pray together with Catholics? Do mission together? Collaborate for the good of society?
Read MoreSession 5 - Communicating the Gospel to Roman Catholics What are the best practices in seeking to evangelize Roman Catholics? This session will give tips on how to effectively engage Roman Catholic friends and neighbors with the gospel.
Read MoreWhile the influence of Thomas Aquinas on Western theology is beyond dispute, his legacy is contested. In current evangelical studies, there is a kind of love story with Thomas, especially as far as his theological metaphysics is concerned. What should we make of this entire discussion? Are Thomas and Thomism(s) the same? What does evangelical thought need to be aware of regarding the strengths and dangers of Thomas Aquinas? How can Rome’s chief doctor be a reference point for evangelical theology? Surveying current literature and debates, this session will try to assess the different and nuanced appropriations of Thomas and Thomism(s), seeking to come to terms with what is at stake for evangelical thought.
Read MoreFrom the 25th to the 27th of September 2020, Reformanda Initiative leaders served German evangelical churches through public and private lectures and the preaching of God’s word.
Read MoreMay 1st the Catholic Church in Italy will dedicate the entire nation to Mary, demonstrating yet again how deeply rooted Marianism is in the DNA of Catholicism. This act of dedication is a clear demonstration of Catholic theology that indicates where the Church's loyalty lies in times of need. While the Church professes its adoration of the divine Trinity, it is actually to Mary that the church directs its attention and devotion, for it is Mary that is closer, more motherly, and more willing to listen to the supplications of the Church. This then begs the question: Where is Christ? What is His role? Is he not Emanuel, God with us? Is he not the only mediator between God and man? Being God himself in human form, is it not He that intercedes on our behalf? What about the Holy Spirit? Where is He and what is His role? Is He not the one who brings our prayers before the Father in the name of Christ? Is it not He that actively and constantly comforts and consoles the faithful?
Read MoreTHREE YEARS AGO, the Reformanda Initiative released a statement entitled, “Is the Reformation Over? A Statement of Evangelical Convictions”, which affirms the principles of the Reformation and called on international evangelical leaders to sign it. The statement, which began with 25 signatures from evangelical leaders, has been translated into 8 languages and now includes the signatures of over 90 evangelical leaders. Over 300 signatures have been received thus far.
In recent times, ecumenical friendliness between Protestants and Catholics has created ripe conditions for some leaders in both camps to claim that the Reformation is over. While the fact that dialogue has replaced persecution is something to be thankful for, the question remains: Have the fundamental theological differences between Catholics and Protestants/Evangelicals disappeared?
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