The Church in a Changing World

Age of Enlightenment New philosophical theories and scientific discoveries Led to a secular view of the world Believed human reason and science have all the answers Established institutions (governments, the Church) were criticized

Geocentric V. Heliocentric Geocentric – 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 Copernicus Renaissance priest “virtuoso” – does all things well Used math and science to theorize a heliocentric universe.

Galileo Developed a telescope Thought God’s role in the universe was limited

“Clockmaker” view of God FALSE idea that God created the universe and sat back as it ran itself. Contradicts Truth and Church teaching

Our Father Our 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 ( ) Priest in Paris, France Comfortable life Saw needs of the poor and Jesus’ teachings on helping the poor (influenced by Fr. Peter Berulle) Organized charity – food and clothing drives Rescued abandoned babies St. Vincent de Paul Society is world-wide Catholic charity

St. Louise de Marillac Worked with St. Vincent de Paul Served in hospitals Founded 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 tenderly To act justly And to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 25:35-37 Read this scripture passage. List three ways you have put into practice this teaching of Jesus:

Earthshaking ideas In the 18 th 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-1789 Poor and middle class wanted more “say” in government Middle class took over the government Government and Church were attacked Monasteries, churches, mansions were burned Priests 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 Clergy Pope condemned the oath Clergy who refused to take oath were executed The practice of the Catholic faith was outlawed

Finding Christ in the Poor: St. Julie Billiart Founded a community dedicated to teaching poor children Was paralyzed for 20 years but continued to pray and teach Went into hiding when French government was persecuting Catholics Eventually 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 I Pope Pius IX saw rationalism as a threat to Christianity Issued Syllabus of Errors condemning rationalism Convened Vatican Council 1 (20 th council) in 1868 To confirm his Syllabus of Errors Define the role of the Church in a rapidly changing world

Papal Infallibility Doctrine defined at Vatican Council I On 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 Mary 1950 Dogma of Assumption of Mary

Church and Science Both faith and science come from God We do not choose one over the other Science can not explain supernatural acts of God Church was suspicious of scientific thought, but is no longer.

Legitimate Authority 4 th 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 Great Patron saint of scientists Lived in 13 th century Natural scientist – astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, math Convinced that God could be found in all creation and science teaches us about God

Vatican II Vatican 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 ( ) John XXIII died in 1963 Paul VI continued the work of Vatican II Today 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!