Three strengths of contemporary Catholicism: review and reflection
The University of the Incarnate Word

April 11, 2014

Three strengths of contemporary Catholicism: review and reflection

The Catholic religion, like with others, faces criticism and negative news to combat. As with many concepts, ideologies and theories, these often get the lashings first, before any good ideas are mentioned. The article written by Nussbaum reviews three strengths which the Catholic church has. These strengths are, more on levels of today’s world, which is a plus. Today's world seems to be changing more than ever before. Most of it falls within human rights, politics, and moral and ethic behavior, but the Church remains constant in their faith. The items discussed in the article have less to do with faith, and more to do with community. The first strength according to Nussbaum is their “openness to other religions”. The Catholic church does not criticize others for their views or beliefs. There are no notions of hatred or disrespect. The Catholic church, rather, is not there to convert others, but is now a presence to work with other religions. The second strength is the church's new openness to scientific research. Rather than dismissing ideas and science on our creation and evolution, the Catholic church has come to accept this. Items the church accepts according to Nussbaum are things like evolution, the creation of the universe and people, and new discoveries about our past. The final strength is the social teachings of the Catholic church. The church has become more humanitarian socially and globally. Catholics are now promoting human rights and justice, not only in the United States, but globally. Especially in third world countries or those experiencing war or possible threat from famine, disease, or other similar ideas. The Catholic church as