Critics on trial
Book Description
In the early twentieth century, a group of Catholic intellectuals found themselves caught between unwavering tradition and the demands of a rapidly changing world. These scholars, priests, and laypeople believed their beloved Church faced an existential crisis that could only be resolved through bold theological innovation.
Marvin Richard O'Connell brings their remarkable story to life through a detailed chronological account that focuses on the human drama behind one of Catholicism's most contentious movements. Rather than taking sides in theological debates, he illuminates the personal journeys of scripture scholars, philosophers, and apologists who risked everything to bridge the gap between ancient faith and modern thought.
These reformers shared a profound conviction that Christianity could not survive unless it embraced contemporary intellectual developments. Their proposed solutions challenged established doctrine and sparked fierce controversies that reverberated throughout the Catholic world. Through careful examination of their relationships, ideas, and the broader social context of their era, O'Connell reveals how these individuals navigated the tension between loyalty to their faith and their commitment to intellectual honesty.
This narrative offers readers insight into how spiritual communities grapple with change and adaptation. For those interested in understanding how religious traditions evolve and respond to new challenges, this account provides a compelling window into the complex dynamics between institutional authority and individual conscience in matters of faith.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 394 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church -- Doctrines -- History -- 20th
- ✓ Explore Geschichte
- ✓ Explore Rooms-katholicisme
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Modernism (christian theology), catholic church
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church -- Doctrines -- History -- 19th
- ✓ Explore Modernism (Christian theology) -- Catholic Church
- ✓ Explore Doctrines