Polarising Doctrinal Division in the Catholic Church: A Proposal

Abstract

There are deep divisions and polarization in the Church today among cardinals, bishops, theologians, and the faithful, especially on sexual ethical issues. In this essay, we examine specifically traditionalist and revisionist theological approaches to Church sexual teaching and the implications of each. This essay is inspired by the words of both Popes John Paul II and Francis on the need and legitimacy of ongoing dialogue in charity, especially in a synodal Church. Pope Francis explains in Amoris laetitia that in dialogue we are to ‘Keep an open mind. Don’t get bogged down in your own limited ideas and opinions but be prepared to change and expand them.’ His conclusion might well be directed specifically to traditionalist and revisionist Catholic theological ethicists with their two different ways of thinking about sexual ethics. We explore these two different ways and attempt to promote dialogue in charity in our analysis and evaluation.