How Doctrine Develops (Discontinuity or Reform Episode 3)

"This episode has demonstrated that the Church is not only obligated to restate or reapply its fundamental principles to changing situations but that failing to do so would ironically yield discontinuity. This is why the theologian Henri Bouillard writes, “a theology which is not up to date is a false theology.”

Read the Thesis Here: https://clarifyingcatholicism.org/essays/theses/florence-and-vatican-ii-on-other-religions-discontinuity-or-reform/

Music: Through the Storm by Erik Jackson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf62iBa_RNQ
Outro: Bright White by Shifting Shadows https://from-the-forest.bandcamp.com/album/lighthearted-ep

The Second Vatican Council’s theology of other religions is frequently cited as an example of doctrinal discontinuity in the Catholic Church, since the language of Lumen Gentium 16 from Vatican II seemingly contradicts that of Cantate Domino from the Council of Florence. At face value, the two statements appear at odds; whereas the latter condemns non-Christians to hell, the former asserts that practitioners of other religions can be saved. However, an analysis of each document’s source, authoritative level, intention, assumptions, scope, reception, and accompanying theological ideas reveals that they actually express and apply the same dogmatic principles to different time periods and cultural contexts, which constitutes authentic reform, rather than discontinuity.

Series on Ecumenical Councils: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPnp45TCxDtPeT-lOsnFhGn2bShv0vAoL
Series on Magisterial Authority: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPnp45TCxDtNMKUDRtQ15pZDTBCCj4Xg_