The Counsel of Trent #1097 - The Decade That Broke American Catholicism
11 snips
Nov 17, 2025 Dive into the fascinating history of American Catholicism, where cracks in its foundation began forming in the 1940s, not the 1960s. Explore how technological shifts, wartime changes, and the rise of secularism contributed to the church's decline. Discover how postwar indulgence and the erosion of strong parish communities have impacted faith. Despite modernizing reforms failing to attract youth, a return to tradition is seen among younger Catholics. With practical lessons for today's believers, the conversation is as enlightening as it is engaging.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Decline Began Before The 1960s
- Trent Horn argues the decline of American Catholicism began in the 1940s, not the 1960s.
- Early social and technological changes laid groundwork for later cultural shifts and moral change.
Contraceptives Spread Before The Pill
- The 1920s and World War II made condoms cheaper and more widespread, accelerating sexual behavior changes.
- Wartime distribution and marketing normalized barrier contraceptives among soldiers and civilians.
A Silent Sexual Revolution Took Root
- The 'silent sexual revolution' emerged through demographic and cultural changes like the rise of teenagers and provocative media.
- Kinsey, rising single motherhood, and film pushed norms that later exploded in the 1960s.
