Introduction
Over the years, Catholic Church has undergone several changes, although the most significant being the changes brought by Vatican II. Arguably, Vatican II changes brought forth doctrines that the Catholic Church initially believed and taught its members. Worth noting, the changes brought forth “new Catholic Church”. This change is mostly attributed to the Vatican Council II that represented Vatican II, which was dogmatic as compared to other Vatican councils that were pastoral (Lopez & Julian, 2013). This changes not only affected Catholic Church members, but also the Protestants, and was led by Pope John XXIII.
First, the mode of mass changed from passive to active performance of members. New style of social teaching was introduced. With this, mass was conducted in respective language and the priests were to involve the congregation to ensure that mass they were seen and heard unlike before they conducted in a specific language and only heard. Prayer, being the main improved participation, was to be done actively with all members and was to be a performance unlike before.
New systems were introduced, which have been in practice since then. New Pentecost was introduced, with Pope acting as hope armor that brought joy to the church at large. The theme of “keeping up with today’s activity” was introduced by the council and served as its motto, which was also referred to as “aggiornamento”. With this, Pope was set to lead the Bishops and was aimed at improving the church’s condition with the upcoming activities incorporated to adapt the new situation. Unlike before where decisions pertaining others was determined by a number of individuals, the council called forth for abolition of condemnations with the aim of fostering harmony. Mercy was called for with the new constitution abolishing severity. The council aimed at settling more on unity, forgetting all the previous differences and opinions that church leaders had. The new Pentecostal system encouraged the members to collaborate in all activities and transparency being sole aim too which allowed for outsiders and non-participants too to follow on the proceedings that the council made.
Initially, as noted, power was centralized, dictated, authoritative and more defensive. Church leaders, Bishops and Priests focused more on power and dominion over given subjects, but this changed after the council led by Pope XXIII. Harmonization, extensive discussion and freedom of speech characterized the church later and this doctrine is adopted till date. As much as the council could be describe as dogmatic, Pope XXIII led by example in terms of power and dominion, portrayed how the church should work in hand, share power with bishops and served as a perfect example of showing humility, pushing the council to advocate for church repentance and reform. Today, Catholic Church has a way of incorporating this concept with clear understanding of Pope’s infallibility. Today, modern Catholic Churches believe that God guides them through leaders and have faith in the providence of divine ruling. This was as a result of changes during Vatican II.
Wealth seeking was part of the main reason of Catholic leaders before Vatican II council. However, with abolition of power and dominion by the council criticized such efforts. This was later adopted, changed people attitudes towards Catholic leadership. Today, people’s attitudes towards Catholic leadership is entirely focused on serving God as compared to previous intention to serve and sustain themselves (leaders).
Change in Dictatorial Religion
Initially, before introduction of Vatican II doctrine, the Catholic Church used threats to force people to believe in the Catholic faith. Terrors were part of the threats, but after Vatican II, freedom of worship was called for by accepting the fact that there existed other religions and advocated for the need of other people choosing their religion and not forcing them to Catholic Church’s doctrine. Today, this doctrine is well known and people are conversant with. Catholic Church no longer take advantage or threatens other religions. Instead, the Protestants are also allowed to closely follow council proceedings of the Catholic Church today, with the validity of the idea being accepted by all Catholic Churches worldwide.
Condemning of non-Catholic religion was rampant, not until after Vatican II council which changed this perception. Vatican II aimed at finding its roots in Christianity and focusing its attention on how to improve Christian relationship amongst humans, but vitally was improve relationship with God. Notably, Vatican II officially announced non-relationship of Catholic Church with God’s kingdom, but believed more in religious freedom that was more Christian and was an example set by Jesus (O'Malley, 2003). With this, attitude towards other religion changed and it marked the end of condemnation of other religions that is adopted till date. Arguably, the spirit of tolerance of other religions that encouraged harmony with other churches.
Changes Council Brought Forth
The council served as the spokesman ship of Vatican II, which managed to bring forth various aspects to be adopted by Catholic Churches then that are also adopted by today’s churches. Introduction of lay ministries are widely adopted by Catholic Churches to date. Lay ministries involves the use of laymen and laywomen in Eucharistic and administrators in ministries with respect to diocese. The aim of the lay persons are to deliver administrated duties that are open to people who are Catholic members and are part of the church.
The spirit of ecumenism has been greatly fostered after Vatican II council was formed and has called for constant meetings of ministers, priests and bishops. This is aimed at fostering prayers, fellowshipping and unity amongst Christian eunuchs. This practice has been accepted in the Catholic Church Today, which explains the constant meetings in the Vatican headquarters that are done for various purposes as choosing leaders and coming into agreement on Church’s conduct with the modern society. Collegiality has been encouraged since the formation of the council, with the church members called to act in unity and encourage the share of authority amongst the leaders.
The change of religious life of Catholic Church since the introduction of Vatican II Council is profound in today’s church following the opportunities given to them. This has also been an effect in other faith too, although, Catholic Church has served as pace setter in initiating the women into the church service. This explains the large number of women in ensuring church’s ministries are delivered with their numerous number being worth noting in the Catholic Church. Examples of these women include nuns.
Introduction of dogmatic constitution has been the most remarkable change brought forth by the council. The constitution focuses on Catholic Church outline policies on how to conduct activities, despite different reactions by people within and outside the church. However, this constitution called for renewal of the mode of Bible study to reform activities such as indulgences and prayers (to both saints and the death). The constitution tends to correct the protestants view pertaining the Catholic Church and clearly distinguishes God to be divine.
The constitution introduced the doctrine of sacrament and marked as a mystery of the church that was partly human and partly divine. This doctrine, even as adopted by Catholic Churches today, it marks that the Catholic member not only believe in church, but also uphold the strength in which they stand and believe in church. Arguably, hierarchical positions were defined by the constitution portrayed by the church with the first mystery being the church and God’s people, however, it called for unity between the two mysteries and advocated for equality arguing their presence in God’s face being equal too. Collegity being the main drive of equality that encouraged bishop meetings with Pope arguing they were both equal. This different reaction is still present in today’s Catholic Community although its reaction is on the minimal and adopted at large.
Notably, the doctrine of laity still encourages the need of laypersons and such volunteers to be treated with equality and with no discrimination whatsoever. Perfection of love and call to holiness was advocated for following this doctrine, which calls for everyone who works under the Catholic Church or whoever believes in God’s doctrine to treat God’s work with holiness it deserves. With this, it gears the practices of Catholic Churches in the world today and calls for divine treatment of practices that are meant to be for God’s purposes.
The church introduced the doctrine of honoring Holy Mary, who is the mother of Jesus and was included in the dogmatic constitution. This was to serve as a fruit of redemption to people who desire her fruit. The mystery of Christ and Church was entirely dedicated to mother of Jesus, Holy Mary. Which was set aside in Chapter eight and was entirely meant to focus on her as divine and occupies specific place in the Catholic Church. As much as the doctrine of Holy Mary received different reactions especially from the Protestants, the Catholic Church believed that it served as a way of fostering unity and act as a form of strengthening one’s belief in Christ. This doctrine acted as mediation of humans and Christ. This doctrine is part of Catholic Church doctrine till date.
New methods of teaching was introduced, catechism being one of them. Catechism was meant to serve as a way of teaching religious education to children with the use of different materials for better understanding. Parents had mixed reactions on how the teachings were conducted, but eventually adjusted and catechism is part of the Catholic teaching society today (Sullivan, 2012).
However, Vatican II doctrines not only had impact that last till date. But also had impacts on Catholic believers who were not pleased with the changes brought to Catholic Church. As a result, large number of people felt disturbed. Loyal Catholic Church members tried to adopt the doctrines set, however, it led to some drifting away since they could not put up with the new doctrines. This explained the misunderstanding of some people between the difference of divine laws and church made laws that could easily change with time. Apart from some members losing the Catholic identity, some were confused and did not quite understand the stand they should take after the changes. Different negative attitudes were launched by people who never understood the changes and took place and some accused the Catholic Church for not standing on the strict doctrines that were initially laid before. Difficulty to adjusting to some of the laid doctrines posed threat to some priests who eventually decided to drift away.
Conflict arouse between the two doctrines, with initial leaders fighting to keep the initial doctrine whilst the Vatican II Council members advocated for change which they believed it was the best for the Catholic Church. Initial leaders were fighting for their own interests due to their perception of priesthood/ leadership being a symbol of wealth whereas the Vatican II doctrines were aimed at establishing what is biblical, divine and fought for everyone’s right within and outside Catholic doctrines.
Encyclical introduction by Pope led to scandalous practices by people who protested against birth control and eventually ended up to disrespect and dishonor. Pope faced a hard time in introducing encyclical. Introduction of contraceptive, which later was legalized by high court of America and abortive murder legalized. This paved way for abortion mentality amongst people, even today, although some were greatly against it (Schelkens, 2013).
Conclusion
With Vatican II, great changes can be attributed to the way of Catholic practice of religion today. Although there have been changes with other Vatican sittings, Vatican II is the most significant since it introduced divine religion in connection with the humans and is the core reason behind today’s practices. However, Vatican II doctrines were meant to serve everyone despite the mixed reactions from different religious groups. It focused more on Christianity, unity, harmony and equality.
Work Cited
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