A Perspective on Church Controversies

The exploration and discussion of various issues and controversies facing the Church often takes place in the variety of Catholic blogs, including Catholic Stand.  And while there is nothing wrong in discussing topical issues, some constraint might not be a bad idea.

The true meaning of Vatican II, communion for the divorced, sexual morality, women clergy, the traditional Latin mass (Tridentine) versus the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo), and synodality are some of the more common topics discussed today.

The word ‘crisis’ pops up frequently when discussing these topics. Liberal versus conservative, and traditionalists versus progressives are also some of the labels used to define differing views on issues. But such words point toward disunity rather than unity.

The catechumens in RCIA/OCIA are not immune to these various controversies.  Catechumens frequently pose questions about the disagreements and debates, especially as we discuss the nature of the Church.

The four marks of the Church (one, holy, Catholic, apostolic) and the doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as authenticity and authority) suggest a single unified belief and practice.  Given this assumption of unity, an all too common question is why there are differing interpretations and sometimes heated arguments on so many issues within the Church today?

This question is not just raised by catechumens but by devout Catholics and, at times, even by me.  I have found there is not a quick and easy answer. As a history buff I like to use history as a teaching theme to explore the nature of the many controversies. History can give a needed perspective to current issues.

A major historical resource I have found of value is James Hitchcock’s book “The History of the Catholic Church from the Apostolic Age to the Third Millennium.”

History tells us that controversies are not new. The Church has had to deal with disputes since its institution.

Nicaea as a historical example

This year is the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. That Council was called to settle many disputes within the Church.

The most important issue was to resolve the controversy of Arianism, a doctrine that held that Christ was not divine but was a created being. The council condemned Arianism as heresy. The bishops declared that Christ was: “Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father.”

In addition, the Council produced the Nicene Creed, the official statement of Christian belief affirming the Trinity, Christ’s divinity, incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.  The creed is the foundation of orthodox Christian theology.

The Council defined many of the core beliefs that we Catholics take for granted.  The Council set the date for Easter and addressed numerous issues of Church discipline and organization.  It defined essential doctrines and laid the groundwork for dealing any future controversies and disagreements within the Church.

A major point from the experience of the Council is that the Church, throughout history, has faced periods with controversies and dissensions. Nicaea is but one example. The Church has been able to discern the core underlying beliefs and practices by relying on Sacred Scripture, Holy Tradition (going all the back to the initial teachings given the Apostles) and the ongoing deliberations of the Magisterium.

There have been 21 ecumenical councils over the centuries (Vatican II being the latest). The historical “body of wisdom” reflective of over 2,000 years of discernment of issues and controversies is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The lessons of Nicaea and succeeding Councils that followed illustrate that the Church (guided by the Holy Spirit) is capable of eventually resolving controversies.

Implications

As time unfolds, the secular world we live in poses more and more problems that raise questions about what the Church teaches and practices, and how we should respond. The most important ones pertain to moral and doctrinal issues that raise controversies.

One underlying factor for the various controversies, I think, is that of distinguishing between a moral or doctrinal issue being one of principle or prudential judgement. For example, abortion, in principle, is always wrong. Whereas immigration issues such as how many to allow and under what conditions is up to prudential judgement.

Whether a “newly minted Catholic” or “cradle Catholic” for decades, digging into a given controversy can a cause one to raise questions.  Does that change doctrine?  Does that change what the Church teaches? Or, does this change how we are to act or practice the faith?

In digesting a given controversy one can get anxious or even angry. The modern world provides a relativistic view on many of the absolute truths the Church professes. Pope Bendict XVI warned us of this as an ongoing issue. Pressure is made by some outside the Catholic Church community, and even some within it, to accommodate the cultures changing ethics, values and sexual morals.

Hold that line

A major cultural pressure is the redefining of the human person as God made us. Transhumanism and transgender thought and acceptance are examples.

But as the redefinition of marriage, assisted suicide, and abortion gain greater acceptance within society at large and specifically by government law, the pressure for the Church to “go along” is building.

Such beliefs are not only against nature and common sense but go against the core Church teaching/doctrines on human nature. A common football cheer when one’s team is on defense is “Hold that line.”  This is what we must do.

As Catholics and Christians we are obligated to defend the faith. That includes the doctrines and core beliefs. The Catechism and Holy Scripture offer a stable rock for making judgments when controversies arise. That is what Nicaea and succeeding Councils have done.

Unfortunately, trust in the Church diminished with the clergy abuse scandal. But Faith is much more than just belief. It’s also a matter of having trust. It’s difficult for many to sustain that trust with all the Church related media reports and blogs highlighting the various controversies.

However, history, such as Nicaea, can give us hope that we can trust the Church will ultimately remain steadfast in dogma – our absolute unchangeable doctrines and beliefs – and will not accommodate to the world’s changing beliefs.

There will always be controversies, but I have faith that orthodoxy shall prevail but not without many theological and doctrinal clashes now and in the future. The author of Hebrews 11:1 put that faith in this perspective: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”