Church That Can And Cannot Change, A

Book Description

Through careful examination of historical examples spanning centuries, distinguished scholar John T. Noonan Jr. reveals how the Catholic Church's moral teachings have evolved while maintaining their essential Gospel foundation. This thoughtful exploration traces remarkable transformations in church doctrine, from the gradual recognition that slavery is inherently sinful to shifting perspectives on lending practices and religious tolerance.

Noonan demonstrates that these changes emerge not from abandoning core principles, but from deepening understanding of what Christian love demands in different historical contexts. He shows how prayer, scriptural meditation, theological reflection, and encounters with people of goodwill have all contributed to the Church's growing moral awareness over time.

The author presents a compelling paradox: while certain aspects of Catholic teaching have undergone dramatic revision, the Church's fundamental commitment to proclaiming Christ's Gospel remains unchangeable. Rather than seeing this as contradiction, Noonan argues that moral development occurs precisely because believers' capacity to comprehend the Gospel's full implications continues to expand through experience and empathy.

Drawing from his acclaimed Erasmus Lectures at Notre Dame, this work offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how religious institutions navigate the tension between tradition and growth. Noonan's analysis illuminates how spiritual communities can remain faithful to their origins while responding authentically to new moral challenges and deeper understanding of divine love.