The Reformation divided Western Christianity and the Enlightenment Challenged its place in Western Society.
Reformation: The Reformation is the all-embracing term which describes the fragmentation of Western Christianity in the 16th century. It was extremely complex process in which religious, intellectual, political and social forces converged. Specific causes of Reformation include: 1) the corruption of the Renaissance papacy, 2) the divorce of piety from theology, and theology from the Scripture and post-biblical tradition of the Church. 3) after effects of western schism 4) the rise of national state 5) the close connection bt western Christianity and western civilization. 6) the vision, experiences and personalities of Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin.
Counter Reformation: It was basically a reaction by the Church to the Reformation, through which the Church attempted to clarify dogmatic and doctrinal positions. The Council of Trent reaffirmed the 2 sources of faith: Scripture and Tradition, 7 sacraments, etc. Its main objective was to establish true doctrine and maintain discipline. As a result, a re-establishment of Roman Catholicism emerged and there was also a suppression of the Protestant Reformation through political and military power by the Church.
Enlightenment challenged (17th Century): Enlightenment was characterized by its confidence in reason, its optimistic view of the world and of human nature and its celebration of freedom of inquiry. They rejected supernatural revelation, extrinsic authority etc. It marks the division between pre-critical, authority oriented theology and critical, historically sophisticated and philosophically mature theology. It challenged traditional catholic theology (historical-critical method).
The modern missionary movement initiated the world-wide expansion of Christianity.
Modern missionary movement expanded Christianity. In 15th century, Christianity moved out of Europe. Spanish Mission moved to Latin America. Portugal mission moved to many parts of Asia and Africa. Vasodagama lands in Calicut. Ecclesiastical center in Goa. Christianization of Goa. Mass conversion, Latinization of Thomas Christians.
[Vatican 1, affirmed spiritual authority of the Pope because of the loss of temporal power due to Italian nationalism and the impending loss of the Papal States. Due to this, the primacy of Pope and infallibility of Pope was established].
The emergence of the Ecumenical Movement and the Second Vatican Council are the two most important events in contemporary Christianity.
Ecumenical Movement: Christians working all over the world began to realize the need for unity. The World Missionary Conference at Edinburgh in 1910 was the beginning of the Ecumenical Movement. Protestants are considered as the pioneers of this movement. After several attempts in 1948, the World Council of Churches was founded at Amsterdam [300 churches from 100 countries]. Catholic Church was a late beginner, because Pre-Vatican attitude was negative, and non-cooperative. But, in 1960, Pope John 23rd established a ‘Secretariat for Promoting Christian unity.’ Second Vatican Council has a decree on Ecumenism [Unitatis Redintegratio]’- which calls to restore unity among Christians.
The Second Vatican Council (21st Council): The council was unique ecumenical council. Unlike many councils before, it was not called to confront a serious attack on doctrinal or organizational integrity of the Church. On the contrary Pope John 23rd in opening address (Oct 11, 1962) said that, “The Council’s goal was to eradicate the seeds of discord and promote peace and the unity of all the humankind.” Karl Rahner says, “The fundamental significance of this Council is that for the first time in history, the Church became truly a ‘World Church’. [There were 4 dogmatic constitutions, 9 decrees and 3 declarations].
Conclusion
Vatican II marks the beginning of the new age in the Church from a perfect society to a mystery a pilgrim people of God. GS 1 says the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the men of our time are the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Jesus. Hence, Church has the responsibility to reach out to all people in loving service.
