pope john xxiii
TRANSCRIPT
POPE JOHN XXIII
1.1 Explain the contribution to the development and expression of Christianity
1.2 Analyse the impact of this person on Christianity
“The good Pope”, “renewer of the church” – leader of the Roman Catholic community from 1958‐1963
Involved in workers' rights in Italy During WWII helped many Jewish people escape the Nazi regime
o Changed interfaith dialogue ‐ respected by Jewish for help them Changed gospels into Turkish so that people could understand (use to only be in Latin) 25th Oct 1958, at age 77, he was elected Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, following the
death of Pope Pius XII It was presumed, because of his age that he would be a short term or "stop gap" pope, a
transitional pope
Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) John called an ecumenical council (meeting of all the Catholics bishops in the world) "I want to throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can
see in" Wanted the Council to renew the Church by presenting and teaching the timeless traditions of
the Church in a new way What was the Church like before Vatican II When Pope Pius XII died in 1958, the CC seemed in excellent shape ‐ main focus was to guide
the Church post WWII and fight against communism Church continued to grow both in numbers and influence Seminaries, convents and monasteries were filled to bursting point Catholic theology was not very creative, but orthodox Almost no public disagreement Catholics had a clear sense of identity
Attitude to the world and modern ideas: Deeply suspicious of the modern world and was very defensive (anti‐Modernism) Popes who were ordained had to say an oath against Modernism
Some theologians had begun to see the need to integrate modern human experience with church principles based on Jesus; they looked to an accurate understanding of Scripture and the early Church Fathers as a source of renewal (e.g. Karl Rahner and Joseph Ratzinger ‐ played a key role in the deliberations of the Council) Relation to the World: Church was considered the "perfect society" as opposed to the corruption of the secular world Distinct divide between religious and secular world
Relations with other Christians "outside the Church is no salvation" The CC is the one true Church and all other denominations and religions should be suppressed
by the State Orthodox Christians were schismatics ‐ they had broken away from the authority of the Pope
and the Church
Protestants were heretics ‐ false beliefs Catholics should not mix with non‐Catholics It was a sin to go to a non‐Catholic service, even a wedding
Attitude to unity with other Christian churches: The Church was not officially interested in ecumenism – believed they were the one true
Church Catholic approach to unity was not to promote ecumenism but simply give opportunities to
non‐Catholics to become Catholics Relations with other religions: Non‐Christian religions are either just superstition or demonically inspired Those who weren't baptised would go to hell Jewish people shared collective guilt of killing Jesus
Role of the Laity Lay movements called "apostolates" existed but the Church refused to officially recognise
these groups Liturgy The Tridentine Mass had been used since 1570 Mass and all sacraments were in Latin (which the people did not understand) and Mass was
celebrated exactly the same all over the world Priests said Mass with their backs to the people Gregorian chant was the main form of music Responses were said in Latin by the altar boys not the congregation (after John XXIII mass
translated to vernacular – make religion more accessible) The laity were passive observers
Ecclesiology (The organisation or structure of the Church) Church was structured as a hierarchy ‐ God at the top, followed by the Pope and the ordained,
religious and the laity Only the ordained had authority Laity had to go through religious/Pope to connect with God
Revelation: The Bible After the Protestant Reformation and when books became available, the Church imposed
restrictions on the reading of the Bible Laity should NOT read the Bible ‐ Priests were the ones that communicated to the laity Teaching about religion was left to the ordained Lay people were expected to know the Catechism rather than the Bible Focus was on the Sacraments which were dispensed to the faithful by the ordained During the 20th century, the Church begun to take part in modern biblical analysis ‐ a key
feature of the decisions of the Council What was happening in the 1950's Threat of Communism ‐ spreading rapidly Cold War Split of Germany Growth of Media Rock and Roll
Revolutions Displacement/Migration Status quo changed – accepted conventions and ways of behaving were questioned Individualism and freedom
The Second Vatican Council Initiated by Pope John XXIII Consisted of a series of meetings that took place between Oct 1962 to Dec 1965 in four
sessions Held in St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City 2540 Bishops were involved from all over the world People from other Christian denominations and other religions were invited as witnesses to
the Council Purposes of the Council To renew the Church More fully define the nature of the Church and the role of the bishops Restore unity among all Christians Start a dialogue with the contemporary world RENEW Christianity by reflecting on
o Faith o Unity o Holiness o Revelation o Mission and structures of the Catholic Church
Traditionally Church had followed a narrow theology (Neo‐Scholasticism) Had strict authoritarian hierarchy Followed a literalist (fundamentalist) approach to the Bible Pope John XXIII challenged this by
o Recognising the need to update the Church to deal with the modern world ('aggiornamento')
o Looking back on the teachings of Scripture and the Early Church as a source of renewal ('ressourcement') to bring the modern church closer to the teachings of Jesus
The Work of the Council/The Council produced 4 constitutions
o Appostolice constitutions ‐ solemn, formal documents on matters of highest consequence concerning doctrinal or disciplinary matters, issued by the pope in his own name Constitution on the Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) ‐ Catholics should be
involved in the mass (change language according to people); shifted the laity from being passive to being actively involved
Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) ‐ describing how the Catholic Church understands itself; moved away from the idea that Church was perfect and everyone else was broken ‐> the truth can be found from outside the Church (changed the way we view other Christians/faiths)
Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) ‐ centre of faith should be the word of God which means everyone should be able to read it (translate Bible to whatever language, and Catholics should read the Bible); biblical analysis ‐ doesn’t
have to be taken literally (impact on people's discipleship and prayer life as they now had something in common with other Christians)
The Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes) ‐ states the joys and hopes, the sorrows and sufferings of the present time are also those of the Church; promotes engagement with the world (if we separate ourselves from the world, we are separating ourselves form God)
3 declarations o Declamation; ‐ maybe be a simple statement of the law, which must be interpreted
according to the existing law; or an authoritative declaration that is retroactive and does not require further Declaration on Religious Freedom (Dignitatis Humanae) Declaration on relations with non‐Christians (Nostra Aetate) ‐ a very important
document because it recognises truth in other religions and promotes good relations with them
Declaration on Christian Education 9 decrees
o Decree on Ecumenism ‐ very important when considering the impact of John on Christianity as a whole
o Decree on Lay People ‐ very important regarding the day to day life of lay Catholics and their ministry in the Church
o Decree on Renewal of Religious Life ‐ this had a profound effect on many nuns and brothers. Many found it difficult to cope with some of the changes. Many left religious life at this time. However, it also renewed religious life by expanding their ministry and opening up new areas of work (e.g. many sisters in traditional teaching orders were able to move into social work and work for justice)
Contributions How did he change the role of the Papacy? Undertook the first official acts of a pope outside the Vatican territory since 1870 25th Dec, 1958 ‐ Visited children suffering from polio in hospital, then visited prisoners the
next day "you could not come to me, so I came to you" Looked to emulate the humanity and love of Jesus – “I was in prison and you came to visit
me…I was sick and you looked after me” (Mt 25:36) Connected personally with disenfranchised and lowly members of the wider community
Pope John's approach to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue Sought closer ties with other Christians When he was a bishop in Bulgaria he worked with Orthodox Christians In 1960 he met the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Vatican This was the first time in over 400 years that an Anglican Archbishop had met with a Catholic
Pope Had a meeting with the Orthodox Patriarch This approach was expressed in the work of the Council:
o The Council issued a Decree on Ecumenism and established a Commission of Ecumenism o The Council issued a statement that Truth is contained in other Religions: this is found in
Nostra Aetate “let us place values on those things which unite us and lay aside that which separates us”
(John XXIII) Sent representatives to the World Council of Churches
Set up the Vatican Secretariat (after Vatican II, the commission for ecumenism) for promoting Christian Unity
Released a document saying that a Jewish people were no more responsible for the death of Jesus that Christians
Pope John also affected the life of Protestants o Promoted tolerance and understanding of diverse worship styles o Promoted joint Bible study projects which improved theological studies throughout the
world The Protestant response to John
o Protest thought John was the best pope Robert Kaiser of Time magazine said that the changes made by the council “made us more
free…at the service of a world that Jesus loved. It’s our church, not the Pope’s church, or the bishop’s church, or the priests’ church.”
Negative Impacts of Vatican II: Created a lot of controversy/conflict between traditionalists and progressives
o Progressives say it didn’t go far enough o Traditionalists says strayed from the true church – argued progressives “treated the
Church as it were a haberdashery shop that has to update its window with the arrival of every new fashion season.” (Theologian Tracey Rowland)
Fall in mass attendance – large numbers of priests, brothers and nuns left Encyclicals ‐ two important ones: 1. Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher) 1961 ‐ this restated the social teachings of the
Church as set out by Leo XIII and Pius XI o Subject: Christianity and social progress o Calls for a greater awareness of the need for all people to live as one community with a
common good o John XXIIII pointed out that all classes have to benefit from technological advances o Stressed the obligation of rich nations to assist underdeveloped nations o John placed special emphasis on improved agricultural methods and highlighted the
need for these technologies to be shared with the poor 2. John's engagement in world affairs: Cuban Missile Crisis In 1962, America and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war Contacted President Kennedy seeking a peaceful outcome Decided to write an encyclical ‐ Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth)
o Written in 1963, to humanity o Enumerated the right of the human person to life, respect, to freedom, to an education,
to be informed o This document had a great impact on the way the CC was viewed. It changed the church
from being an inward looking institution, to one whose mission was to bring Christian truth to the whole world
o Pleaded for the banning of nuclear weapons and an end to the arms race o “Pacem in terris is not just the voice of an old priest, nor just that of an ancient Church;
it is the voice of the conscience of the world.” (Washington Post) Pope John XXIII died in May 1963
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
1.3 Describe and explain Christian ethical teachings on environmental ethics
Stewardship ‐ Christians are taught that they have a fundamental responsibility to care for creations; the responsibility to be God's partners in caring for Creation o Sustainability ‐ on‐going care for the earth o Respect and reverence for life and creation ‐ God the creator is revealed through the
environment; the earth reveals God, and as it is God's creation, it must be respected Justice ‐ Creation is to be shared equally by all
o Global justice and equity o Intergenerational justice and equity
Stewardship Core of all Christian environmental teachings A response to God's will as revealed through the sacred text ‐ the Bible, especially in Genesis
Biblical basis Christians are taught that they have a fundamental responsibility to care for creation; God's
partners (kingdom of God) in creation and are responsible for ensuring that it is nurtured and cared for in sustainable ways
Guards against selfish or careless exploitation of the world's resources "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it"
(Genesis 2:15) ‐> calls upon Christians to act as stewards/carers of the environment Humans have authority over creation and fundamental responsibility to care for creation ‐
they are God's partners in creation; it is a mutual, reciprocal relationship of respect and nurturing ‐ this mutuality is again strengthened and expressed through Jesus' salvific action (Genesis 1:28)
God created the universe out of nothing and continues to sustain all creation (Gen 1‐2) The task of human beings is to reflect God's creative love by caring for the Earth as good
stewards (Gen 1:27) and as faithful gardeners (Gen 2:15) Created things, living or non‐living, are created to praise God and to enrich human life (Job 38‐
39, Psalms 104) Teaching ‐> Stewardship ‐> Sustainability ‐> example of what Christians should do to put that into practice in their everyday lives
Stewardship incorporates the concept of sustainable use of and care for the resources gifted
to all living creatures by God
Not littering Building design ‐ e.g. using solar panels Recycling ‐ paper, water, waste Reduce: paper, waste Education Paying more for environmentally friendly products Changing habits
Respect for Creation
Creation is a gift from God that makes God’s abundant love known, and hence must be
respected and reverenced
God the creator is revealed through the environment – “God’s eternal power and divine
nature…understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20)
“God saw everything that he had made and indeed it was very good” (Gen 1:31) –
commands Christians to respect the environment as the perfect creation of God
Awareness of God’s abundant love, revealed through the gift of creation helps draw
believers into a deeper relationship with God – a source of inner peace
A sense of respect and reverence for life and Creation reinforces the mandate to act as
‘stewards’, caring for the natural world
Modern Theologians:
o “God is in all things: all things are in God” (Matthew Fox)
o The world is a physical expression of God, rather than separate
o If humans lose our sense of the splendour of the natural world, we lose our sense of
the divine (Thomas Berry)
o Jesus displayed attitude of respect towards natural world – he often uses parables
and preaching centred on nature
Stewardship is integrally related to the core Christian ethic of love – love of God, self,
neighbour and creation – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt 22:37‐39)
Justice
Core teaching is that all the goods of the earth are to be shared by all with justice and
equality – creation belongs to everyone
Global justice and equity – environmental degradation is falling disproportionately on the
poorer nations of the world
o Injustice that wealthy nations causing environmental destruction but impact is
mostly on the poor
o E.g. excessive consumption and materialism in the developed world leads to
destruction of rainforests in developing countries
o Energy consumption and pollution led to climate change in the West –> Pacific
nations affected
o “The goods of the earth…often risk becoming the monopoly of a few who spoil it”
(Pope John Paul II)
o “God destined the earth and all it contains for all people and nations.” (Vatican II)
Intergenerational justice and equity – for future generations
o Present treatment of environment condemns future generations to a poorer quality
of life
o Finite resources being over‐used and depleted
o Deforestation, salination and global warming – current generation leave a legacy of
damage for next generation
o We cannot interfere with one area of the ecosystem without paying attention to the
consequences of such interference in other areas – Pope John Paul II
o The common good must be promoted – if more people only focus on themselves,
the less people think about the greater human society
“blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Mt 5:6)
Christians are called to create the Kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10)
“There is no support in the New Testament for an exploitative, throw‐away consumer
society…” (Sean McDonagh)
Requires changes in action
o Anti‐materialism – reduce consumption and materialism – Jesus said to “taking
nothing for your journey” (Luke 9:3)
Links to principal beliefs:
Life, death and resurrection of Jesus brings salvation not only to humankind, but also to the
whole of creation – “He is the image of the unseen God and the first born of all creation…”
(Col 1:15)
o Through his death and resurrection Christ reconciled all of Creation
Beatitudes provide Christians with loving actions on which to base their life in order to reach
the Kingdom of God
o Be “poor in spirit” (be humble) – when we are empty we are open to the Word of
God
o Through the creation of right relationships with others, we bring about the Kingdom
of God but also will be judged worthy of salvation
Doctrine of creation cannot be separated from the doctrine of salvation
“To commit a crime against the natural world is a sin…destroy the biological diversity of
God’s creation.” – Greek Orthodox Patriarch, 1999
“All space, all matter, all life, all time are the creation of God.” – Green by Grace, Anglican
Synod of Australia, 2004
From a Christian perspective today, humanity needs to aim to preserve the natural
environment as a religious responsibility rather than exploit it and treat it as a raw material
for humans to subdue as they wish
E.g. issues such as global warming, land clearing, endangered species and conservation,
sustainability
E.g. issue of endangered species need to be resolved – interconnection of all species and
thus need to protect; re‐evaluate human use/abuse and to promote biodiversity
Wildlife trade and conservation – all human beings are stewards of God’s creation; life on
earth is not centred on humanity but on the whole interconnected web of life
SATURDAY/SUNDAY WORSHIP
1.4 Describe one significant practice
Originated from the Jewish practice of honouring the Sabbath on Saturday (day of rest) – a
day devoted to physical restoration, spiritual nourishment and intellectual stimulation
Sunday worship is the primary rite/religious act through which Christians worship God
Aka Mass, the Lord’s Supper, the Service of the Mysteries or the Divine Liturgy
Features: often vary within denominations but all designed to connect adherents to God
Thanking God for salvation, Jesus’ atoning/salvific death, guidance of ethical living, how to be God’s
people and create Kingdom of God, how to love
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” (Mt 18:20)
Welcome and Opening Rite
Scripture readings/Preaching – and reflection on the meaning of God’s Word in the lives of those
gathered; applying the Bible to life and learning how to live as a disciple of Jesus
Listening to readings from the Bible enlightens Christians on God’s will for humanity (the
Bible is the inspired Word of God to humanity)
Throughout Gospels, Jesus demonstrates love for God and neighbour to teach about the
Kingdom of God
All worship services have some form of preaching: explaining the word of God, bringing the
message of Revelation to the congregation. Different forms:
o Personal testimonies e.g. Pentecostal, Baptist churches and Low Church (Evangelical)
Anglicans where adherents speak about their relationship with Jesus, what God has
done for them through Jesus
o Sermon e.g. Presbyterian, evangelical Anglican where the minister preaches on a
topic of relevance to Christian living
o Homily e.g. Catholic where the priest preaches based on the readings for that
particular Sunday and the meaning is explained/applied to life
Prayer – closer connection with God
Lord’s Prayer taught by Jesus – “Our Father, who art in heaven…” ‐> exemplifies revelation
of God’s will for humanity; all Christian denominations recite this prayer
Communicate with God – acknowledge the existence of a relationship between God and
humanity
Strengthen and direct Christians so that they can follow Jesus’ teachings and interact in a
more Christ‐like way with others
Allows adherents to pray together ‐> sense of community and joy
Jesus was a role model for prayer which adherents look to mirror
Purposes include asking guidance, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness
Takes a variety of forms e.g. through music
Communion Rite – the body of Christ is broken and shared among the faith community; sense of
unity as the ‘body of Christ’
Aka the Breaking of Bread, Eucharist, Lord’s Supper, Mass, Oblation, and Sacrament of the
altar
“This is my body which is given up for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Lk 22:19)
Remember Jesus and his work through symbolically breaking bread
Feature of all Christian denominations except Salvation Army (who focus solely on the Word
of God) and Quakers (who focus on the presence of the Holy Spirit in quietness)
Practised in different forms – e.g. transubstantiation (high Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox),
symbolic body and blood (Anglican, Uniting and Evangelical)
For the individual shows gratitude and memory for Jesus’ sacrifice, resurrection, salvation
and forgiveness of sins – celebration of the love of Jesus for humanity
For the community, unites them “in remembrance” of Jesus in God’s name
Sending forth/mission – committing to living as a Christian and to Christian mission
Catholic liturgy end with “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”
Inspired Christians to live out the love commandment in their everyday lives when they
leave
Christians encouraged to remember what is taught and celebrated at Sat/Sun Worship so
they may create the Kingdom of God according to God’s will as modelled by Jesus
Other notes:
Later, in some churches, additions included the Penitential Rite, Intercessions or Prayers of
the Faithful, recitation of the Creed, the formal Eucharistic Prayer, and the Dismissal Rite
Other important parts of the ritual:
o Gestures – elevation of eyes and hands, striking the breast (repentance), kissing the
altar, Gospel Book and Cross, sign of peace, extension of hands for
blessing/receiving communion
o Postures – standing, kneeling, sitting and prostration
o Actions – bowing, genuflection, turning, processions
o Sacramental actions – imposition (laying on) of hands, immersion, pouring water,
anointing, breaking of bread and pouring wine
Orthodox and Eastern Churches – Sunday worship known as the Divine Liturgy
o Differences – long liturgies (several hours)
o Use of icons and incense
o Sung liturgy
o Parts of the liturgy are hidden from view within a sanctuary enclosed by a curtain or
barrier
o Characterised by rich symbolism, vestments and ceremony
o Combine to have an overwhelming sensory impact upon members of the
congregation
Pentecostal worship notable for communion as a symbol/memory only, emphasis on the
Holy Spirit, persuasive preaching
Quaker worship notable for silent prayer, emphasis on Holy Spirit, no communion
Catholic Mass marked by formal/liturgical prayer, belief in transubstantiation/Real Presence,
homilies
Low‐Church Anglican worship is marked by communion as symbolic only
(consubstantiation), personal testimonies and sermons, importance of Bible
Four parts of mass – gathering (develops sense of community and belonging), hearing, being
fed, being sent
1.5 Demonstrate how the chosen practice expresses the beliefs of Christianity
Christian belief in the sacredness, power and efficacy of God’s Word (the Scriptures) and the
central Sacrament (Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper)
Also acknowledges for Christians the value of:
o Gathering as a faith community
o Collecting money and other resources for the poor
o Singing and raising one’s mind and heart to God
o Listening to and praying central ritual prayers such as the Eucharistic Prayer
o Remembering the living and the dead
o Receiving the Eucharist together
o Confirming the enduring significance of love, service, compassion and justice ‐> to
work for the salvation of all humankind
Death and Resurrection
Scripture highlights Jesus’ humanity in his death
Celebrating Communion/breaking of the bread
Nicene Creed is a statement of belief
Placement on Sunday as this was the day of resurrection ‐> revealed in the Gospels
Divinity and Humanity
Leader of congregation tells us how to emulate Jesus as a model for humanity (e.g. sending
forth, preaching)
Divinity: transubstantiation (Roman Catholic), prayer
Humanity: sent forth to emulate Jesus’ humanity, Jesus modelled an ecumenical community
Reading of Gospel passages reveal Jesus’ divinity and humanity
Salvation
Scripture/sermon reminds us of our obligations to reach salvation
Breaking bread, Jesus’ sacrifice made salvation possible, some denominations believe
receiving communion is a way to purify, receive forgiveness and salvation
Prayers asking for the forgiveness of sins
Trinity
Penitential rite – God’s mercy is received
Nature of trinity revealed in scripture
When God is present, the trinity is present
Sign of the cross
Holy spirit is present within and around
All three present – God through prayer, Jesus through gospel readings, sending forth by Holy
Spirit
Revelation
Prayer as a form of revelation
Catholic prayers of the faithful fulfil God’s will as revealed through Jesus
Lord’s Prayer
Breaking bread revealed by scripture – Scripture reveals God’s will and nature (e.g. 10
commandments)
Sermon further unpacks God’s will through readings from the Bible
Going in peace to love and serve the Lord – sent forth to do the Mission
1.6. Analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Christian community
Individual:
Brings Christians back to the true meaning of ‘worship’
o Ability to respond with devotion in the face of the recognised presence of God – in
self, others, world, cosmos, sacrament
o Provides an opportunity to ‘see’ and ‘converse’ with God using the language of
words, music, bodily action and silent contemplation
o Allows Christians time to express their deepest desires through the voices of
adoration, reverence, sorrow for one’s failings, gratitude for past favours, and
petition for future gifts – spiritual nourishment
Most significant is that it imposes an ethic upon Christians
o To be sincere and just, they must live so that their lives are motivated by the love of
God
o Challenges Christians to work for the spread of the kingdom of God, for justice and
fairness, for harmony and integrity
o Not only to think about ourselves but also for others and the environment
Inner peace
Community:
Sabbath as ‘leisure time’ – provides Christians with space to be themselves
o Provides a special time of engagement with God and the faith community
o Challenges Christians to avoid ‘leisure’ opportunities that are dull and trivial (such as
TV)
o Reminds them that the full and integrated Christian is one who directs free time so
that it becomes the locus for creativity, developing of skills and gaining of fresh
insights
Gathering in God’s name – develop sense of community and belonging
Defining and learning about the key beliefs of Christianity and sharing with others
Giving thanks for Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection – e.g. re‐enactment of Last Supper in
communion