The Catholic Church in a Changing World

A Vatican II-Inspired Approach

Course instructors considering a book for adoption will be provided a complimentary copy.
$33.95
Digital Books

For years I used, with great success, the two earlier editions of this textbook with undergraduates, who appreciate its focus on their own experience and their desire to understand the Catholic faith. Doyle uses the documents of Vatican II in such a creative and intelligent way that, as a teacher, I have always felt confident that the book is the best introduction to the Church in contemporary society. I am grateful for this splendid updated edition, which integrates the papacy of Pope Francis and the continuing tensions within our pilgrim community.

David Hammond
Saint Joseph’s College

I welcome Dennis Doyle’s update of his excellent text on the nature and mission of the Catholic Church today. He is right, a lot has happened during the pontificates of Benedict and Francis. Hence, the update of the second edition of his book. I have used his books in some of my classes at the University of Southern California, and students consistently find Doyle’s explanations clear and engaging.

Fr. James L. Heft, S.M.
President, Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC

At more than fifty years since Vatican II, ecclesiology is still the key issue to understand Catholicism in the global world of today. I highly recommend Dennis Doyle’s book on the ecclesiology of Vatican II—especially for those who want to connect the conciliar teaching, Pope Francis, and the issues facing the Church.

Massimo Faggioli
Villanova University

Dennis Doyle’s third edition of The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II-Inspired Approach is a reflective study of Catholicism explained and Catholicism lived! The engaging anecdotal stories that begin each chapter connect the reader with the ever-evolving understanding and experience of Catholicism. Doyle taps into the rich heritage of the Church through the lens of the Second Vatican Council. Two indispensable documents of Vatican II, Lumen gentium and Gaudium et spes, provide the framework for examining the essential elements of the Tradition and the incredible impact the Council continues to have on the Church. Raised before the Council and then schooled as a theologian in light of Vatican II, Doyle brings a unique perspective to his reading of the Tradition. It is at once apparent that Doyle views his task as not only an academic examination of the Church, but a walk in faith that connects belief with life. This book includes a “live look” at the issues of today and demonstrates how the Spirit continues to move in the life of the Church.

Sr. Shannon Schrein
General Councilor, Sisters of St. Francis

Winsomely written, The Catholic Church in a Changing World analyzes contemporary Catholic teachings and practices in light of their historical roots. Accessible, accurate, and balanced, the book concentrates on what unites Catholics. Dennis Doyle presents the various positions on contemporary disputed questions clearly and fairly. Never presuming to resolve divisive issues, he shows what is at stake and leaves readers to reflect on their own responses. This book makes an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses in religion and for study groups.

Terrence W. Tilley
Fordham University

This new edition of Dennis Doyle’s The Catholic Church in a Changing World, the fruit of long classroom experience, reflects on every page his deep conviction that to be an informed Catholic today one must not only live the fruits of the council but connect, in some deep way, with the entire witness to the church in space and time. That conviction is set forth with clear writing, wide learning, and a great spirit of Christian generosity.

Lawrence A. Cunningham
University of Notre Dame

A superb overview of the Catholic faith, presented with clarity, nuance, depth, and breadth. Highly readable and thoroughly engaging, this book is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand the Catholic tradition!

Mary Doak
University of San Diego

This book encapsulates decades of Dennis Doyle’s devoted teaching and perceptive scholarship. The Catholic Church in a Changing World brings the Second Vatican Council to life for a new generation of college students, and under Doyle’s expert guidance, the council emerges as the ecclesial foundation for Catholics in the twenty-first century. The author weaves the council’s constitutions together with helpful summaries and interpretations of magisterial documents from Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. Doyle’s classroom experiences enable him to articulate the questions today’s students have about the Catholic Church, and this book does not shy away from highlighting the difficulties and disagreements within the Church on various theological issues. Packed with helpful discussion questions and bibliographies, The Catholic Church in a Changing World exemplifies one of the best introductions to Catholicism available to students today.

Christopher Denny
St. John's University

Dennis Doyle’s revised edition of The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II-inspired Approach updates and enhances what has long been a valued guide to understanding Catholicism today. Marked bv clear writing, a balanced approach, and attention to real-life questions, The Catholic Church in a Changing World explores a variety of contemporary issues including authority, ecumenism, justice, ecology, and economics. Anyone seeking an introduction to the Catholic Church will find this book informative, accessible, and a source of rich discussion. Doyle’s volume demonstrates, once again, that the best books are often written by the best teachers who have refined their presentation after years in the classroom and pastoral settings. As someone who has long benefitted from using Doyle’s work with students, I am excited to make regular use of this new volume.

Kristin Colberg
Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary

About This Book

Overview

Church, and religion more broadly, exist within the context of our life stories. That’s why this readable and engaging introduction to Catholicism deftly combines personal narrative with rich theology and current scholarship.

Dennis Doyle’s The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II Inspired Approach invites readers to consider their own beliefs while studying the contemporary teachings of the Catholic Church. Organized around two central documents of Vatican II, Lumen gentium and Gaudium et spes, the text presents contemporary theological and ecclesiological ideas with nuance, clarity, and fairness, especially regarding issues that might be polarizing. With short chapters, sidebars, recommendations for further reading, and an ecumenical and inclusive voice, The Catholic Church in a Changing World updates a proven and popular text to meet the needs of the modern classroom.

Details

Weight 1.2 lbs
Dimensions 6 × 1 × 9 in
Format

978-1-59982-862-6, Softcover

Pages

356

Item # 7089

Customer Reviews

For years I used, with great success, the two earlier editions of this textbook with undergraduates, who appreciate its focus on their own experience and their desire to understand the Catholic faith. Doyle uses the documents of Vatican II in such a creative and intelligent way that, as a teacher, I have always felt confident that the book is the best introduction to the Church in contemporary society. I am grateful for this splendid updated edition, which integrates the papacy of Pope Francis and the continuing tensions within our pilgrim community.

David Hammond
Saint Joseph’s College

I welcome Dennis Doyle’s update of his excellent text on the nature and mission of the Catholic Church today. He is right, a lot has happened during the pontificates of Benedict and Francis. Hence, the update of the second edition of his book. I have used his books in some of my classes at the University of Southern California, and students consistently find Doyle’s explanations clear and engaging.

Fr. James L. Heft, S.M.
President, Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC

At more than fifty years since Vatican II, ecclesiology is still the key issue to understand Catholicism in the global world of today. I highly recommend Dennis Doyle’s book on the ecclesiology of Vatican II—especially for those who want to connect the conciliar teaching, Pope Francis, and the issues facing the Church.

Massimo Faggioli
Villanova University

Dennis Doyle’s third edition of The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II-Inspired Approach is a reflective study of Catholicism explained and Catholicism lived! The engaging anecdotal stories that begin each chapter connect the reader with the ever-evolving understanding and experience of Catholicism. Doyle taps into the rich heritage of the Church through the lens of the Second Vatican Council. Two indispensable documents of Vatican II, Lumen gentium and Gaudium et spes, provide the framework for examining the essential elements of the Tradition and the incredible impact the Council continues to have on the Church. Raised before the Council and then schooled as a theologian in light of Vatican II, Doyle brings a unique perspective to his reading of the Tradition. It is at once apparent that Doyle views his task as not only an academic examination of the Church, but a walk in faith that connects belief with life. This book includes a “live look” at the issues of today and demonstrates how the Spirit continues to move in the life of the Church.

Sr. Shannon Schrein
General Councilor, Sisters of St. Francis

Winsomely written, The Catholic Church in a Changing World analyzes contemporary Catholic teachings and practices in light of their historical roots. Accessible, accurate, and balanced, the book concentrates on what unites Catholics. Dennis Doyle presents the various positions on contemporary disputed questions clearly and fairly. Never presuming to resolve divisive issues, he shows what is at stake and leaves readers to reflect on their own responses. This book makes an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses in religion and for study groups.

Terrence W. Tilley
Fordham University

This new edition of Dennis Doyle’s The Catholic Church in a Changing World, the fruit of long classroom experience, reflects on every page his deep conviction that to be an informed Catholic today one must not only live the fruits of the council but connect, in some deep way, with the entire witness to the church in space and time. That conviction is set forth with clear writing, wide learning, and a great spirit of Christian generosity.

Lawrence A. Cunningham
University of Notre Dame

A superb overview of the Catholic faith, presented with clarity, nuance, depth, and breadth. Highly readable and thoroughly engaging, this book is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand the Catholic tradition!

Mary Doak
University of San Diego

This book encapsulates decades of Dennis Doyle’s devoted teaching and perceptive scholarship. The Catholic Church in a Changing World brings the Second Vatican Council to life for a new generation of college students, and under Doyle’s expert guidance, the council emerges as the ecclesial foundation for Catholics in the twenty-first century. The author weaves the council’s constitutions together with helpful summaries and interpretations of magisterial documents from Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. Doyle’s classroom experiences enable him to articulate the questions today’s students have about the Catholic Church, and this book does not shy away from highlighting the difficulties and disagreements within the Church on various theological issues. Packed with helpful discussion questions and bibliographies, The Catholic Church in a Changing World exemplifies one of the best introductions to Catholicism available to students today.

Christopher Denny
St. John's University

Dennis Doyle’s revised edition of The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II-inspired Approach updates and enhances what has long been a valued guide to understanding Catholicism today. Marked bv clear writing, a balanced approach, and attention to real-life questions, The Catholic Church in a Changing World explores a variety of contemporary issues including authority, ecumenism, justice, ecology, and economics. Anyone seeking an introduction to the Catholic Church will find this book informative, accessible, and a source of rich discussion. Doyle’s volume demonstrates, once again, that the best books are often written by the best teachers who have refined their presentation after years in the classroom and pastoral settings. As someone who has long benefitted from using Doyle’s work with students, I am excited to make regular use of this new volume.

Kristin Colberg
Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary

About the Author

Dennis M. Doyle

Dennis Doyle is a professor in the religious studies department at the University of Dayton. He received his doctorate from the Catholic University of America.

Table of Contents

C o n t e n t s

Preface

PART 1

INTRODUCTION / 15

SECTION 1 / The Church and Vatican II: An Overview

  1. The Catholic Church Today
  2. Challenges for the Church
  3. The Documents of Vatican II

PART 2

LUMEN GENTIUM:

A NEW SELF-DEFINITION FOR THE CHURCH

SECTION 2 / The Mystery of the Church

  1. The Nature and Mission of the Church
  2. God and the Church
  3. The Symbolic Character of the Church

SECTION 3 / The People of God

  1. An Ecumenical Outlook
  2. Diversity and Divisions within Christianity
  3. Ecumenical Progress

SECTION 4 / The Hierarchical Structure of the Church

  1. Bishops and the Pope
  2. Ordained Priesthood
  3. Levels of Teaching, Levels of Assent

SECTION 5 / The Laity

  1. Laypeople
  2. Tools for Church Renewal
  3. A Spirituality of Work

SECTION 6 / The Universal Call to Holiness

  1. Spirituality as a Journey in Faith
  2. Breaking the Cycle
  3. A Job Description for the Holy Spirit

SECTION 7 / Religious

  1. Religious Communities
  2. Liberation Theologies and Church Community
  3. Pope Francis’s Vision of the Church

SECTION 8 / The Eschatological Nature of the Church

  1. The Pilgrim Church
  2. The Meaning of Life
  3. Pilgrims and Saints

SECTION 9 / Mary and the Church

  1. Mary as Symbol of the Church
  2. Women and the Catholic Church
  3. Women and Official Catholic Teaching

PART 3

GAUDIUM ET SPES:

THE CHURCH ENGAGING THE WORLD / 255

SECTION 10 / Church and World

  1. The Servant Church
  2. Religious Pluralism
  3. Thinking about God in Relation to Atheists

and Nonreligious People

SECTION 11 / Principles, Family, Culture

  1. Underlying Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
  2. Marriage and the Family
  3. Culture

SECTION 12 / Economics, Politics, Peace, Ecology

  1. Economics
  2. Peace and Politics
  3. Ecology

Index

Professional Reviews

The Catholic Church in a Changing World: A Vatican II-Inspired Approach.

By Dennis M. Doyle. Winona, MN: Anselm Academic Press,

  1. 356 pages. $32.95.

The Catholic Church in a Changing World is an admirable achievement. It updates and enhances the author’s 1992 book titled The Church Emerging from Vatican II: A Popular Approach to Contemporary Catholicism. Like its predecessor, this current edition is a rare combination of academic theology and personal story telling, successfully blending the official Catholic teaching with positions of contemporary theologians.

Since the book is organized according to the chapter titles of Vatican II documents Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes, an initial glance at the table of contents may give the impression that this is a book on the ecclesiology of Vatican II. That is only partially true, however. The reader discovers early on that the discussion of the book is much broader than the council’s ecclesiology. The book is really an introduction to contemporary Catholicism in which various issues are framed against the background of the positions taken by the Second Vatican Council. After an introduction, which lays out some elementary context of contemporary Catholicism, thirty-two topics are discussed, including the nature and mission of the church, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, authority, justice, ecology, and economics. Compared with the first edition, three chapters in the current volume are brand new, thirteen are updated, and some twenty remain the same, except for the discussion questions and bibliography. Doyle’s formula of short chapters (approximately ten pages)—each stating a theme before analyzing it in light of the council, presenting various viewpoints, and concluding with questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading—is pedagogically well-suited for undergraduate courses in theology/religion as well as for study groups.

Two of the three new chapters, 1 and 21, concentrate on Pope Francis and the new wine his pontificate has brought to the fellowship of the Catholic Church and beyond. The chapters present Francis as someone dedicated to inclusion and balance, as was the council, and as someone whose ecclesiology creatively combines evangelization and liberation. Many other updates in the book concern Francis’s leadership (e.g., on economic and environmental justice) of which Doyle is critically supportive.

Clarity of exposition and a masterful blending of scholarship and teaching makes this a highly readable book for beginners in theology. The content is organized intelligently, presented accurately, with nuance, and with balance and fairness to every side of the controversies. In addition to wide learning, the author should be commended for a not-so-common ability to express complex theological ideas in non222 technical jargon, such as explaining the notion of subsistit in (Lumen Gentium 8) in terms of the church of Christ “dwelling within” the Catholic Church or explaining that, for Rahner, God is the “endpoint” of our transcendence. This is what the best teachers are known for, and there is ample evidence in this book that Doyle is one of them. Raised before Vatican II but trained in theology after the council, Doyle takes advantage of his personal experience of these two worlds. He uses it to introduce individual chapters with personal stories rich in insight and good humor and, throughout the chapters, to make observations that reveal not only his knowledge but wisdom as well. The result is that this book uniquely connects belief with life.

I highly recommend this book for undergraduates as an introduction to Catholicism or for a course in ecclesiology. Graduate students who have had limited exposure to ecclesiology would profit from it, too. Dennis Doyle, a veteran educator and scholar, brings the Second Vatican Council to life and presents it as an indispensable foundation for contemporary Catholics.

 

Martin Madar
Journal of Moral Theology 10, no. 1 (2021): 221–22

The Catholic Church in a Changing World

A Vatican II-Inspired Approach

Dennis M. Doyle

Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, February 2019. 356 pages.

$32.95. Paperback. ISBN 9781599828626. For other formats: Link to Publisher’s Website.

Review

The Catholic Church in a Changing World is the third iteration of a work intended to introduce students and other readers to the world of Catholicism, and more specifically, to the ecclesial self-understanding of the Catholic Church today (original title: The Church Emerging from Vatican II: A Popular Approach to Contemporary Catholicism, Twenty-Third Publications, 1992; Revised and updated, 2002). The most significant sources of that self-understanding, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, and its Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, provide the jumping off point and basic structure for Dennis M. Doyle’s presentation.

Part 1 begins with a general introduction to the Catholic Church and the challenges of the present context and introduces the documents of Vatican II. Part 2 contains eight sections which correspond to the eight chapters of Lumen Gentium (Mystery, People of God, Hierarchy, Laity, the Universal Call to Holiness, Religious, the Eschatological Nature of the Church, Mary), while Part 3 considers the place of the church in the world in accordance with the basic structure of Gaudium et Spes (servant church, Catholic social teaching, marriage and family, culture, economic life, peace and politics, ecology). As the author suggests, the various sections are best read in conjunction with the conciliar documents.

 

The fruit of a long experience of teaching, this edition updates Doyle’s book “for a new generation of readers” (13), all of them born as the wake of Vatican II subsides and as the modern world, which the council endeavored to address, continues to evolve at an accelerated pace. Each chapter summarizes both historical perspectives and contemporary debate. Following the trajectory of Vatican II’s reflections, Doyle gives ample consideration to the extensive engagement of contemporary Catholicism in ecumenical (interchurch) and interreligious (interfaith) relations, questions of atheism, liberation theologies, the role of women and feminist scholarship, and increasing concern for ecological justice.

This edition contains important new material in which Doyle draws attention to connections between the teaching and trajectories of Vatican II and Pope Francis’ convictions concerning the church and its mission today. Regrettably, while it is mentioned in the list of suggested readings (157), Doyle misses an opportunity to connect Lumen Gentium’s affirmation of the universal call to holiness to Francis’ 2018 exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, “On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World.” Chapter 21 is devoted to Francis’ vision of the church as one that “balances themes of personal conversion and social liberation” (197), together with concern for renewed attention to the task of evangelization. Doyle invites the reader to consider how Francis seeks to advance a synthesis of Vatican II’s approach to the modern world by combining, in his approach to evangelization, concern for personal conversion and incorporation into the church’s missionary outreach; the search for an authentic expression of faith in teaching and witness; and engaging with the world of science, technology, and culture by reading the signs of the times with discerning eyes (198-99). Finally, while acknowledging that the subject of the global ecological crisis was not a direct concern of Catholic Church teaching in 1965, Doyle traces the development of ecological concern (ch. 36) through the pontificates of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, culminating in Pope Francis’ extended reflection on “integral ecology” in the 2015 Encyclical, Laudato Si, “On Care for our Common Home.”

Each brief chapter is presented in an even-handed and engaging manner—drawing from the experience of the author and others to show both the meaning and the relevance of each topic or text. Discussion questions and lists of suggested readings at the end of each chapter invite further reflection and engagement on the part of the readers. The book includes a helpful index. This highly informative and accessible volume will serve as an excellent teaching resource for undergraduates and adult learners.

About the Author(s)/Editor(s)/Translator(s):

Dennis Doyle is Professor in the Religious Studies Department at the University of Dayton

Catherine E. Clifford
Systematic and Historical Theology, Faculty of Theology, Saint Paul University.
5/20/2020

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