Turning to the World: Social Justice and the Common Good since Vatican II

From lofty ideals to the complex realities of the Catholic Church's commitment to justice and peace-building since Vatican II.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2018
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) was a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, a profound self-reflection that aimed to reclaim the earliest sources of Christian thought and practice and bring them into the modern world. While there is widespread admiration for the idealism and vision of Vatican II, its impact is a subject of ongoing debate. Has the Catholic Church truly lived up to the promises of the council? Has it successfully embraced the biblical call to justice? Has it shifted its focus to the joys, hopes, sorrows, and struggles of our troubled world?

Reflecting on both the vision of the council and its uneven reception, Turning to the World delves into the profound impact of Vatican II on interreligious dialogue, peace-building, and environmental care. With a particular focus on the Canadian and Latin American experiences, contributors from diverse disciplinary backgrounds examine developments in the Catholic Church's understanding of freedom, conscience, and the common good. The volume also assesses the effects of the Church's turn to the world in its efforts to address the urgent needs of the human family, particularly in contexts of poverty and injustice, and among those affected by the modern and postmodern economies of greed.

Exploring the legacy of Vatican II, Turning to the World provides a distinctive perspective on the influence, reception, developments, and applications of the council from the 1960s to the teachings of Pope Francis. This comprehensive volume offers valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue and evolution of Catholic thought, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Church's role in shaping the world today.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780773555273