Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Religion, MA

First Advisor

Szallós-Farkas Zoltán

Second Advisor

Laurențiu Florentin Moț

Abstract

The Topic

The research analyzes the development of Catholicism in the 20th century. After the First Vatican Council (1868-1870) and the promulgation of the dogma of papal infallibility and papal primacy, the Roman Catholic Church lost much credibility and influence with Christianity, becoming increasingly isolated from the developing modern world. In this situation, Catholicism needs a revival, a reconfirmation of its long-lost authority. On the other hand, knowing that the Roman Catholic Church fulfills a very important role in biblical prophecies, we will observe, in this study, an adaptation of Catholicism to the modern world precisely to regain its credibility. In this way we will see how the papacy fulfills its prophesied role!

The Purpose

The purpose of the research is to follow the integration of Catholicism in the modern world through the Second Vatican Council, to analyze the "updates" that Catholicism makes at the level of dogma and mission and the multiple impact that Vatican II has on Catholicism and beyond, thus unfolding the biblical prophecy.

The Source

The research required both the consultation of specialized literature (historical documents, official statements, etc.), as well as biographical materials (for details on the lives of Popes John XXIII and Paul VI, the two emblematic figures on whom the life of the Second Vatican Council depended). At the same time, regarding the work of Catholicism and the place it occupies in biblical prophecy, I consulted the Bible and testimonies of the writings of Ellen G. White.

Conclusions

The promulgation of the dogma of papal primacy and papal infallibility at the First Vatican Council produced discontent in the religious world, leading to the spiritual and political isolation of the Roman Catholic Church. Bible prophecy says, however, that Catholicism will have a very important role in the unfolding of the final events, but not anyway, but only if it regains its credibility and authority before the world. And the Second Vatican Council did just that: it changed the image of Catholicism by restoring it to a position of honor in the religious world. Vatican II becomes a landmark in the life of Catholicism, dividing time into two: before Vatican II and after Vatican II. Spiritually, things will move in a direction thought by God, the papacy having a well-defined role, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church knows this... What will happen, we will soon see!

Subject Area

Vatican Council (2nd: 1962-1965: Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano); Catholic Church--History--20th century; Catholic Church--Relations; Papacy--History--20th century

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