Articles

Mother Church: Can Receptivity Be Squared with Resistance?

Matthew Levering

Abstract

Matthew Levering examines the concept of "Mother Church" through the lens of Henri de Lubac's life and work. He argues for a profound integration of Marian receptivity and obedience to the Magisterium, while distinguishing acceptable "tension" from "opposition". Using de Lubac’s pre-conciliar conflict with Pope Pius XII as a model, Levering suggests that theologians may respectfully resist non-definitive teachings that threaten the Church’s doctrinal inheritance while remaining submissive members of the Body of Christ.

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