In the 1940s, a Jesuit theologian named Henri Bouillard proclaimed that a theology which is not “up to date” is a “false theology.” At such arrogance, the French Dominican Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange pounded his fist, and his pen, to insist that it’s not the eternal truths which should be conformed to a changing world, but a changeable world which must be conformed to the Unchangeable One.
The Church in Germany today is rather in the position of Henri Bouillard, demanding that a theology that is not up to date is false. The German bishops have proposed a controversial new approach to synodality, partnering with an influential lay group of progressives who are well-known in Germany for their dissent from Church teaching, especially on matters of human sexuality. The proposed Synodal Assembly was not submitted to Rome for approval, but was announced last week by the German bishop’s conference. It has sent shock waves around the world.
