Ten Ways the Church Has Changed
What history can teach us about uncertain times
Recent years have seen the Church living a difficult season of selfexamination, prayerful reassessment, and change: change in policies, in practices, in the way we see ourselves as Catholics. For those wondering, “Where will it all lead?” history itself responds, demonstrating that challenges have confronted the Church from its very first days, and that the Church has tried to meet these challenges with courage, creativity, and faithfulness. In this thoughtful examination of ten such challenges, Church historian Christopher Bellitto portrays the subtle interplay between the divine and human aspects of the Church, exploring the difference between what can change and what will forever remain the same.
- How has Church organization and governance changed?
- How did the papacy evolve?
- What about the role of the laity?
- Is doctrine a fixed element?
- How has the Mass developed?
- Were the sacraments ever different?
- How has spirituality changed?
- How did religious orders develop?
- How has the Church related to other faiths?
- What are the greatest challenges the Church has ever faced?
KEY FEATURES
- Ten chapters conveniently subdivided by historical time period.
- The perfect overview for beginners in Church history.
- An engaging guide for those grappling with the state of the Church today.
AUTHOR PROFILE
CHRISTOPHER M. B ELLITTO , PH .D., is Assistant Professor of History at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. His most recent books are the companion volumes, The General Councils: A History of the 21 Church Councils from Nicaea to Vatican II (Paulist Press, 2002) and Renewing Christianity: A History of Church Reform from Day One to Vatican II (Paulist Press, 2001). His articles have appeared in the Catholic Historical Review, Church History, Cristianesimo nella storia, America, Commonweal, and other journals. He is also a frequent public speaker and media commentator.
Paperback / 256 pages / Dimensions: 5 1/4"
x 8" / ISBN: 0819874183
Retail Price: $5.95
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