Global Catholicism: Profiles and Polarities

by Thomas P Rausch

Overview

Global Catholicism critically examines and analyses the emerging patterns and trends of Catholicism around the world. The book addresses the current battles over politics, authority, sexuality, and liturgy, including: the global sexual abuse scandal; the loss of members to the exploding Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal movements; the shortage of priests, and a variety of issues in more secular cultures. Most importantly, it examines the impact of Vatican II and offers insights on the challenge facing the church in the twenty-first century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626983960
Publisher:	Orbis Books
Publication date:	02/17/2021
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, is Emeritus T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is the co-chair of the Theological Commission for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the author of numerous award-winning books. He has served on several ecumenical dialogues and was the advisor to Jesuit Superior General Adolfo Nicolás on ecumenical and interreligious relations. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

1 A Global Church 1

The Second Vatican Council 3

A World Church 4

Contemporary Challenges 7

The Vision of Pope 16

Francis Conclusion 19

2 North America 21

Canada 21

Mexico 23

The United States 25

Conclusion 50

3 Africa 55

Africa Today 57

An African Christianity 58

Inculturation 60

An African Spirituality 64

Internal Tensions 67

Development and Social Ministry 70

Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace 72

Ecumenism 74

Dialogue with Islam 75

Sexual Abuse 78

Celibacy 78

Conclusion 79

4 Latin America 83

Latin American Catholicism after the Council 85

Movements, Challenges, and Changes 87

Snapshots 99

Conclusion 107

5 Asia 111

The Middle East 114

China 117

Taiwan 128

Vietnam 129

Korea 133

The Indian Subcontinent 137

India 137

Conclusion 142

6 The Pacific 145

Australia 146

New Zealand 151

The Philippines 152

Japan 159

Conclusion 163

7 Europe 165

A Growing Secularism 166

Diminishing Practice 170

Snapshots 171

Conclusion 191

8 A Tentative Look Ahead 195

Future Church 196

A Polycentric Church 198

A More Inclusive Governance 200

After the Pandemic 202

The Peripheries 204

Ministerial Leadership 207

The Shortage of Priests 208

Renewing Priestly Formation 209

Addressing Sexual Abuse 210

Loss of Privilege 212

Dialogue with Culture 214

A New Ecumenism 217

Dialogue with Other Religions 220

Ecclesial Identity 222

Conclusion 223

Index 227