How has the Papacy navigated revolutions, world wars, social upheaval, and rapid global change? What challenges lie ahead?
After the enthusiastic response to last fall’s History of the Papacy, Raymond returns with a focused look at the last two centuries, a period marked by dramatic transformation both within the Church and across the world.
In the 19th century, the Papacy weathered the French Revolution, the imprisonment of popes, the rise of Ultramontanism, the industrial revolution, the spread of socialism, Bismarck’s Kulturkampf, the loss of the Papal States, and the controversy surrounding papal infallibility—all while navigating a tense relationship with the new Kingdom of Italy.
In the 20th century, the Papacy sought to clarify its position on emerging social‑justice issues and adopted a more international approach to its teaching. It was unable to prevent or redirect the course of the world wars, and large parts of Europe came under communist control. Vatican II attempted to rejuvenate the Church, though not without intense internal conflict. The Papacy’s stance on artificial birth control and its mishandling of sexual‑abuse cases caused significant grief and loss of credibility. The century closed with financial scandals and the theological debates surrounding liberation theology.
What to Expect:
This short exercise will focus on the issues and the personalities that have led to the current status of the Papacy and its functions. It will close with a list of the major issues that the Papacy will have to address in the 21st Century and beyond.
Feedback from Raymond’s past course on this topic:
“Ray always provides insightful and interesting lessons from history. I learned fascinating items about the popes and the history of the Church that I certainly didn’t learn in Catholic school. The questions and discussion with the other participants made for an enlightening exchange.”
“Excellent program. Well taught. Comprehensive notes including a good bibliography. Dr Verne is a natural teacher. I learned a lot.”
“The amount of knowledge that Raymond shared about the history of the Papacy is phenomenal! His presentations are enhanced by his detailed notes and photographs on the screen. And his written notes available online are incredibly detailed. I will sign up for any course he offers!”
2 Tuesdays | June 2, 9 | 10:30 – noon | HYBRID (choose to participate in-person at our classroom at the Easton Family YMCA on Peachblossom, or join by Zoom, or wait for the recording) | $40