(9) Theological issues of the Post-Vatican II church

In every generation, the Church has had a particular set of Graces and of Crosses. At certain times the Church has been under physical threat, at others, there have been problems of doctrine or organisation to work out. Even in her "best" centuries, such as during the High Middle Ages, there were serious problems, notably the Moslem threat to the integrity of Europe.

In the Twentieth Century, the greatest external threat to the Church was undoubtedly Marxist Communism, the aggressively atheist doctrine that was swallowing at least two countries per year for decades. The greatest internal threat was Modernism, "the synthesis of all heresies", which was adopted by many influential members of the laity and hierarchy, up to and including Cardinals, rulers of nations, and those in charge of seminaries and Education Boards. The greatest Grace was probably Our Lady's appearance at Fatima.

The biggest organisational conundrum for the Church has been how to manage moderate change, without either stifling genuine growth within the spirit of the Church, or of letting innovators lose their heads with excessive and imprudent initiatives.

In the event, the Church found herself mired in a moral crisis, with widespread flouting of the commandments of God and the Church; an organisational crisis, with widespread flouting of discipline by Church members up to and including bishops and even cardinals; and a doctrinal crisis: where to draw the line when obedience to legitimate authority appeared to clash with the Faith, or even common prudence.

None of these situations is yet resolved. The notes given below are offered as a contribution to informed debate.