Raoul Dederen
Raoul Dederen, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of systematic theology and former dean of the SDA Theological Seminary, Berrien Springs, Michigan.
"The Common Catechism"
TEN YEARS AGO the "Dutch Catechism" stunned Roman Catholics. It was a daring discussion of divine rev elation, very much in tune with the spirit of Vatican II. Earlier this year, the publication of an ecumenical catechism, The Common Catechism,1 ushered in a new era in the ecumenical movement. . .
The Present State of Ecumenism
THERE IS a curious ambiguity about the ecumenical situation at present. Optimists and pessimists seem drawn up in confrontation, regardless of church allegiance or lack of it. One need only survey the present scene and compare it with the situation a decade ago for it to become evident that the ecumenical euphoria of the 1960's has drastically diminished. . .
Synod 1974---No New Sound in Rome
SOME OF the bright halos of hope that have caused many to anticipate an updating of the Roman Catholic Church as called for by Pope John XXIII have been tarnished in the past ten years. In no case is this more evident than in what has happened with the Synod of Bishops. . .
"Peter in the New Testament"
THAT THE PAPACY is "the great est obstacle on the road to Ecumenism" was acknowledged by Pope Paul VI in an address to the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity on April 28, 1967. Yet several of the bilateral consultations in which the Roman Catholic Church is currently engaged have built up enough confidence to take on the most difficult question of the role of the Papacy in a reunited Christian church. . .
The Modernized Roman Curia
A FEW months ago, in another attempt to implement the guide lines of Vatican II, Pope Paul VI named thirty new cardinals, raising the number in the College of Cardinals to a record high of 145. The new appointments were part of his plan to reform the Roman Curia, the Catholic Church's central government. . .
Catholic Pentecoctalism: What Is It and Where Is It Going?
CALL it revival, spiritual renewal, or whatever, something big and of unusual significance is happening in Roman Catholicism. Singing with great enthusiasm, holding hands in the air while praying, speaking and singing in tongues, tens of thou sands of Catholic Pentecostals claim a deeper prayer life, praise God for an ongoing conversion and are studying the Scriptures on a scale rarely seen in Catholic history. Written off by some as "sheer emotionalism" and feared by others as "just another divisive factor," Catholic Pentecostalism is coming of age. . .
Ecumenism--The Old and the New
HAS THE ecumenical movement gone as far as it can? Or is the present lull merely a rest period before another surge toward Christian unity?
Ecumenical Trends
ROMAN CATHOLICS are Johnny-come-latelies on the ecumenical scene. In fact, their ecumenism has been in large measure a response to Protestant and Orthodox initiatives. . .