El debate teológico sobre la secularidad cristiana (1930-1990)

Abstract

120

The teachings of Pius XI on the nature of Catholic Action gave rise to a wide debate regarding the theological conditions of the laity and the distinction between the ministerial priesthood and common or royal priesthood. Paul Dabin was the foremost intellectual figure on this question. After 1940, the concern extended to the question on whether one's relationship with the world is deemed to be what is most proper of the lay person. Examples of this line of thinking are Yves Congar and Gérard Philips. Karl Rahner gave a different twist to the debate claiming that the lay condition is not exclusively defined by one's insertion in the world. The latter is but a material condition. Pedro Rodriguez points out that what is characteristic and specific of the lay condition remained unanswered, which in Lumen Gentium is articulated as follows: «by reason of their special vocation, it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God's will». This reminds us —echoing the preaching of St. Josemaría Escrivá— that God wants to enter into a communion of love with each one of his children, in the network of one's daily occupations, in the ordinary context of one's existence.

Keywords

Catholic Action, laity, Yves Congar, Karl Rahner, Josemaría Escrivá, Vatican II