Book Symposium

Is Our Church Analogically Balanced?

Aaron Pidel, SJ

Issue 4

Volume 1

pp. 918 - 943

https://doi.org/10.65172/Bmzg8xsX46m4PLdH

Abstract

Aaron Pidel, SJ, evaluates the "analogical balance" of the post-Vatican II Church using Erich Przywara’s analogia entis. Applying Przywara’s metaphysical "cross-structure" to ecclesiology, Pidel explores the tension between "Old" and "New" Catholicism. He argues that while the Council maintained essential doctrines, its rhetorical shift toward an "Easter Christianity" of dialogue and security—rather than militancy and obligation—may have negatively impacted mission effectiveness in secularized cultures.

Citations

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