Introduction to Vatican II

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

What does it look like for the Church to faithfully carry out its mission in the midst of the modern world? In what ways do the philosophical and cultural presuppositions of modernity undermine or oppose fundamental Catholic beliefs and ways of living? What positive opportunities are offered in modernity for strengthening the Church and Catholic life? This course will explore the Catholic Church's relation to the modern world, with particular attention to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Vatican II greatly impacted almost every aspect of Catholic life and thought, including the practice of the liturgy, the role of the laity in the Church, the relationship between the Church and politics, teaching on religious liberty, the Church's relation to other religions, and much else. The course will center on a close reading of the actual texts from Vatican II and will give students the opportunity to explore the teachings, debates, and developments that arose from the Council throughout the world as pastoral and theological responses to the diverse challenges of modernity.