Ep. 138: A paradigm shift and American Catholicism
Nov 4, 2023
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The podcast covers topics such as Halloween stories, the banning of dressing up as Carlo Acutis, a paradigm shift in theological reflection, potential closure of theology schools, comic strips and mistaken identities, challenges and paradigms of American Catholicism, and the divide among bishops and the concept of synodality.
Cardinal Pierre's comments about American Catholics not aligning with the experiences of many who are comfortable discussing and sharing their faith.
A generational divide exists in American diocesan ministry, with older generations relying on traditional approaches while younger generations are more open to discussing and sharing their faith outside of church settings.
The podcast explores a paradigm shift in theology, emphasizing an anthropocentric approach that places subjective human reality as the primary lens for examining the gospel, potentially sidelining sacred scripture and tradition as theological guideposts.
Deep dives
Summary of Cardinal Christoph Pierre's Interview in America Magazine
Cardinal Christoph Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, gave an interview in America magazine discussing the need for the Church to adapt to the changing world and provide new opportunities for personal encounters with Christ. He mentioned the difficulties of readjusting pastoral approaches in a Church that has worked beautifully for many years but is seeing declining attendance. However, some of his comments about American Catholics remaining within the Church and lacking evangelistic dynamism have drawn criticism and do not align with the experiences of American Catholics who are often comfortable discussing and sharing their faith.
Misunderstanding of American Catholicism
Cardinal Pierre's characterization of American Catholics as remaining within the Church and lacking evangelistic dynamism does not align with the experiences of many American Catholics who are comfortable talking about and sharing their faith. While there may be room for criticism in terms of evangelization efforts, American Catholics often display a willingness to discuss their faith and spread the good news of the gospel.
Generational Divide in American Diocesan Ministry
While Cardinal Pierre's comments about American Catholics are questionable, there is a noticeable generational divide in American diocesan ministry. Some older generations may still rely heavily on a pastoral paradigm centered around sacramentalization and ministry within the church, while younger generations are more open to discussing and sharing their faith outside of traditional church settings.
Theological Paradigm Shift
The podcast explores a shift in theological paradigm and the emphasis on an anthropocentric approach to theology. It discusses the trend of treating theology as a study of the potential divinity of humanity, rather than the study of God. This paradigm shift places subjective human reality as the primary lens through which the gospel is examined, rather than starting with God's revelation. The podcast highlights the danger of losing the preeminence of sacred scripture and tradition as theological guideposts.
Impact on Theology Departments
The podcast discusses the potential impact of this paradigm shift on theology departments in Catholic universities, particularly in the United States. It suggests that the document mentioned in the podcast may serve as marching orders for influential theology departments, leading to a rise in interdisciplinary approaches that blend theology with other human sciences like sociology or psychology. The podcast raises concerns that this could lead to a shift away from traditional theology and the closure of theology schools, as the focus shifts from theology as a study of God to an emphasis on interdisciplinary conversation.
JD and Ed swap Halloween stories. JD talks about reactions to Pope Francis’ motu proprio this week, and JD and Ed talk about Cardinal Christophe Pierre’s recent comments about the Church in the United States.
Join JD and Ed in Baltimore for another live taping of The Pillar Podcast! We’ll meet Wednesday, November 15 at 7pm at Todd Conner's (700 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231)
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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Decided Excellence Catholic Media and their online initiative PrimeSoil.com
Inspired by the Parable of the Sower, PrimeSoil.com is named after the good ground in which the Word of God can grow and bear fruit.
Visit PrimeSoil.com today to find free Catholic content, including Sunday Gospel reflections, catechetical explanations and articles from lay men and women striving to live an authentic Catholic life.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe
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