Called to Communion How has the Enlightenment influenced Theology?
Jul 15, 2025
Explore how Jesus's connections with different Jewish sects shaped his teachings. Delve into the Enlightenment's profound influence on modern theology and the concept of evil as a mere absence of God. The discussion also highlights the significance of contemplative practices in the Carmelite tradition and the role of cemeteries in remembering the deceased. Addressing modern challenges, the hosts emphasize respectful dialogue surrounding contemporary moral issues while staying true to traditional beliefs in Catholic education.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Francis Cossettes Immoral Priest
- St. Francis once responded to an immoral priest by kissing his hands to affirm the validity of sacraments despite the priest's sins.
- This illustrated that the worthiness of the minister does not affect the sacraments' validity but does impact their efficacy.
Evil as Absence of Good
- Evil is understood in Catholic doctrine as a privation, an absence of good, not a positive force itself.
- The devil and evil beings are immaterial spirits whose wills are deflected from the good, making evil a deficiency in will.
Enlightenment's Complex Theological Impact
- Enlightenment philosophy influenced theology through mechanistic models and the rise of deism, leading to both advances and errors in understanding God.
- Catholic responses included neotomism and the Nouvelle Théologie, reflecting waves and counterwaves of thought from that era.
