Chapter 7
In: Global Catholicism
Search for other papers by Massimo Faggioli in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Bryan Froehle in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
Global Catholicism is a way of studying as well as a field of study. Global Catholic studies are practical theological, offering both theological and sociological insight, and more besides. At the dawn of its third millennium, the Catholic Church credibly reflects the world, whether in spaces where Global Catholicism has a significant presence or where it is simply a dialogue partner. The new quincentenary of church life cannot be predicted any more than previous quincentenaries. Certain realities are likely: dramatic population explosions and transitions will be a thing of the past. Religious change correlated with Global Catholicism is a way of studying as well as a field of study. Global Catholic studies point the way to a lived ecclesiology and renewed missiology. The reception of the Second Vatican Council, precursor of an emerging cosmopolitan Catholicism, will continue.