Theories of Doctrinal Development in the Catholic Church

The contemporary Catholic Church is facing a crisis regarding its core beliefs, and Michael Seewald's book explores how theologians have addressed this issue throughout history. He demonstrates that Catholic thought is intellectually expansive, allowing the Church to transform to meet the challenges of the present day while maintaining a sense of continuity with its past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The contemporary Catholic Church faces a profound crisis as it grapples with the question of what constitutes the essential elements of the Catholic faith and what can be altered or modified. In order to provide a long-term perspective on this issue, Michael Seewald historicizes the problem and explores how theologians of the past addressed it in the context of the challenges they faced. He delves into the intense intellectual efforts made by these theologians to explain how new components were added to Christian doctrine over time, emphasizing that dogma has always been subject to change.

Seewald recognizes the historical divide between conservatives who adhere to tradition and reformers who formulate their arguments to address contemporary needs. He demonstrates that Catholic thought is intellectually expansive, allowing the Church to adapt and transform in order to meet the challenges of the present day. His book serves as a valuable resource for understanding how theology has grappled with the realization of a simultaneity of continuity and discontinuity in doctrinal matters.

The crisis within the Catholic Church highlights the need for a rigorous and thoughtful exploration of the core beliefs and practices that define the faith. By examining the historical context and the intellectual endeavors of theologians, Seewald's book provides valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue within the Church and its efforts to navigate the complexities of modernity while maintaining its core values.

Weight: 437g
ISBN-13: 9781009272001