The Intellectual Crisis in English Catholicism, 1900-1901

FAIN: RO-10545-70

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI 48824-3407)
William J. Schoenl (Project Director: July 1970 to present)

Completion of research for a mongraph on the joint pastoral censuring English liberal Catholicism (December, 1900), a study which contributes to an understanding of the roots of current theological perplexities. ABSTRACT: Project to complete research in England for a monograph on the joint pastoral censuring English liberal Catholicism (December, 1900). A crucial stage in the secularization of western thought occurred in the 19th century with the impact of "scientific" Biblical and historical criticsim; the idea of evolution, philosphical subjectiveism, challenged traditional Christian beliefs. Pastoral was was a response to radical liberal criticisms of the Church. Brought to an end publication of articles critical of the Church and cast a cloud over even the moderate liberals' attempts to reconcile Catholicism with contemporary culture. Seeds of current turmoil in religion is to be found in pre-World War I period; study of Catholic community in England at the beginning of the century provides an important contribution to understanding roots of the current theological perplexities.