Vatican II: What Changed?

CatherineofA · #1 Dec 18, '06, 9:28 pm

I hear a lot about Vatican II. Some Catholics see it as one of the worst things that happened to the church. Does this mean they don't see it as inspired by God or in tune with the traditional church?

What exactly changed? In your opinion, was this one of the worst things that could have happened?

John Higgins · #2 Dec 18, '06, 9:33 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatherineofA

In your opinion, was this one of the worst things that could have happened?

Of course not. It was one of the best things that could have happened. Blessed John XXIII knew what he was doing when he called the council. The council documents are well written and clear. They form the basis to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the 1983 Code of Canon Law, both fine documents. Certainly the Council was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

John

CatherineofA · #3 Dec 18, '06, 9:37 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Higgins

Of course not. It was one of the best things that could have happened. Blessed John XXIII knew what he was doing when he called the council. The council documents are well written and clear. They form the basis to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the 1983 Code of Canon Law, both fine documents. Certainly the Council was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

John

You didn't answer my question: What changed? Why do people dislike it?

John Higgins · #4 Dec 18, '06, 9:48 pm

Gee Cath, I answered one of your questions!

Okay, in my opinion, the involvement of the laity increased in response to Vatican II. Also, and most important to some,was the changing of the Mass from mandatory Latin (I know and a little bit of Greek) to permitting Masses to be celebrated in the vernacular. I happen to think that's great. Very many of the people who post here think that's a bad thing.

Before people start to jump on me, I know nothing in the documents of Vat II mandated or even suggested the abrogation of Latin as the language of the Mass. This happened several years after the end of the Council. However, many associate this liturgical change with Vatican II. However it happened, I'm glad it happened.

John

scylla · #5 Dec 19, '06, 12:51 pm

Nothing changed the beliefs of the Church are the same.

The council stressed how we can update our practice of the faith to better express it to the world and share it with each other.

Unfortunately there were many who have taken this "spirit" and just mis-interpreted Vatican II to some serious extremes which has destroyed the faith of many people, resulting in the lack of belief in the Eucharist and the falling away many Catholics.

Nowdays we are seeing the negatives and many are reacting
favorably by doing what the council intended. One such example is Catholic Answers.

We just need to weed out the negative and start authentically implementing Vatican II, as the dissenters have had a field day with the Church. By not doing what Vatican II said and just seeking their own personal desires they have placed themselves above God.

In Christ
Scylla