RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL REFORM.

This paper, working from a twofold typology of religious and ecclesiastical reform, proposes a thesis which holds that religious reform proceeds at its own pace and constitutes the change to which the Church ultimately must adapt if it is to survive as a structure. Changes in norms, values, life goals, and core ritual constitute religious reform. Some of the norms undergoing change concern contraception, obligatory Mass attendance and unquestioning priestly obedience. The once high value placed on the priesthood shows evidence of diminution, while the Mass, the core ritual of Catholicism and traditionally its own raison d'ˆtre, shows evidence of becoming a function of community or fellowship. These changes generate conflict with ecclesiastical authority which seeks orderly growth, internal discipline, and the avoidance of conflict. Assuming the beneficial or integrative function of social conflict, a new, humane, and religious synthesis of values and goals may be expected to emerge (provided the religious reformers do not tire of conflict). On the new synthesis, the thesis holds, will rest the new forms of religious life, encompassing both Protestant and Catholic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]