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Ecclesial Ethics and the Gospel sine glossa : Sacramental Politics and the Love of the World
Author(s) -
Cavanaugh William T.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
modern theology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.144
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1468-0025
pISSN - 0266-7177
DOI - 10.1111/moth.12604
Subject(s) - gospel , philosophy , sine qua non , typology , catholic theology , theology , politics , sociology , epistemology , law , political science , anthropology , linguistics
This article examines the charge that the approach D. Stephen Long identifies as “ecclesial ethics” is a world‐denying approach. The article examines typologies that pit world‐affirmers against world‐deniers, showing how “neo‐Augustinians” end up on both sides of this divide, depending on who is constructing the typology. The article argues that these typologies are inaccurate, distorting, and often self‐contradictory. It offers an alternative etiology, making a case that “ecclesial ethics” can be understood as a development of the progressive wing of Catholic thought that surfaced in Vatican II. The article examines Giuseppe Dossetti’s advocacy of a Gospel sine glossa at Vatican II, and argues that this type of ethics has deep roots in a Catholic sacramental theology. Finally, the article examines Henri de Lubac’s work as exemplary of such a sacramental theology. The article concludes that the basis of “ecclesial ethics” is a deeply sacramental view of creation being transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.