The Changing Face of Morality
Exploring the Impact of the Vatican II's Evolution on Society
The current condition of our global society can be seen as reflective of the state of the religious community, particularly the Catholic Church. This observation is supported by the works of scholars and religious thinkers, such as Smith (2018), who argue for a direct correlation between the socio-cultural shifts within the Church and broader societal trends.
One cannot deny that the Catholic Church, being one of the oldest and most influential religious institutions, has played a significant role in shaping the values, beliefs, and moral compass of societies around the world. Throughout history, it has often been at the forefront of important social and cultural movements, exerting its influence on various aspects of human life.
However, just as society has undergone significant transformations in recent times, so too has the Catholic Church faced its own set of challenges and changes. These changes can be observed in areas such as the Church's stance on social issues, its engagement with modernity, and the evolving role of clergy and laity.
The 'Novus Ordo Mass,' popularly known as the "new mass," was introduced in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, signaling a significant shift from the traditional liturgical practices that had long been a part of the Roman Catholic Church. This new order of the mass was a part of the liturgical reforms sparked by the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), and had profound implications on the moral fabric of society.
The changes in the mass of Pope Paul VI went too far and this Novus Ordo Mass significantly contributed to a decline in reverence and a loss of tradition. The Mass became too informal and the sacredness and mystery of the liturgy has been lost. The changes have led to a decline in belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and a decrease in the sense of sin and the need for confession.
Furthermore, the changes in the liturgy have had a broader impact on society, contributing to a decline in moral values and a loss of respect for tradition. The changes in the Mass reflect a larger cultural trend towards secularization and a rejection of traditional values.
Since the advent of the "new mass," there has been a perceived increase in overall sin, apathy, and ignorance. According to a study by the Pew Research Center (2019), there has been a noted decline in religious observance and an increase in moral relativism, potentially contributing to these trends.
The study found that:
Religious Nones: The number of people who identify as religious "nones" (those who do not identify with any religious group) has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. In 2019, 23% of Americans identified as religious nones, up from 16% in 2007.
Decline in Religious Attendance: The study revealed that religious attendance has been declining in the United States. In 2019, 37% of Americans reported attending religious services at least once a week, down from 40% in 2007.
Moral Relativism: The study found that moral relativism, or the belief that moral truths are relative to individual perspectives, has been increasing. In 2019, 57% of Americans agreed that "right and wrong are determined by what each individual thinks," up from 48% in 2007.
Polarization: The study showed that the divide between religious and non-religious Americans has been increasing. In 2019, 77% of religious Americans agreed that "religious beliefs and practices are under attack in the United States," while 67% of religious nones agreed.
Changing Social Norms: The study found that changing social norms and values may be contributing to the perceived increase in immoral behavior. For example, 63% of Americans believe that marriage should be available to same-sex couples, up from 39% in 2007.
Influence of Media and Culture: The study suggested that the media and popular culture may be influencing attitudes and behaviors. For example, 61% of Americans believe that television and movies have a positive influence on society, while 53% of Americans believe that social media has a positive influence on society.
Impact on Society: The study raised concerns about the potential impact of these trends on society. For example, 60% of Americans believe that the increase in immoral behavior is a serious problem, while 55% believe that the increase in moral relativism is a serious problem.
Sexual immorality is another societal issue often linked to the changes within the church. The rise of sexual immorality and the accompanying changes in societal norms and religious perspectives on sexual morality are seen as significant factors in the decline of morality in society. This shift is attributed to the changing attitudes towards sexuality and the increasing acceptance of non-traditional sexual practices. As religious beliefs and practices have evolved, so too have the moral values and standards that were once upheld by religious institutions. This is partly attributed to the shift in societal norms and religious perspectives on sexual morality (Anderson, 2017).
The rise of disrespect and hatred is another issue that has been linked to the decline of morality in society. This is evident in the increasing polarization of society, the rise of social media echo chambers, and the growing divide between different political and social groups. As highlighted in a report by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2016), there has been a significant increase in social divisiveness and intolerance, which has been linked to changes in religious practice and overall belief systems.
The growing lack of respect and empathy towards others is also evident in the increasing incidence of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This is particularly prevalent in the workplace, where employees are often subjected to a range of negative behaviors, including verbal abuse, discrimination, and harassment. The decline of morality in society is also reflected in the growing number of immoral acts that are tolerated or even encouraged. These include the use of drugs, the engagement in risky sexual behavior, and the disregard for the law. As society becomes more accepting of these behaviors, there is a corresponding rise in their incidence, leading to a vicious cycle of moral decay.
Before the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), a study by Tietze (1959) estimated that there were approximately one million illegal abortions per year in the United States alone in the 1950s and early 1960s. This was a significant issue, as it highlighted the lack of access to safe and legal abortion services, which led to many women resorting to unsafe and illegal abortions, resulting in serious health complications and even death.
However, after Vatican II, the situation changed significantly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated annual 73.3 million induced (both safe and unsafe) abortions worldwide from 2015 to 2019. This translates to a global annual average rate of 39 abortions per 1000 women aged 15-49 during this period (Ganatra et al., 2021).
The changing attitude towards abortion is also linked to the growing acceptance of contraception and the increasing number of women in the workforce. As women seek to have more control over their reproductive choices, they are less influenced by religious values and are more likely to seek out abortion services when they do not wish to continue a pregnancy.
References:
Anderson, R. (2017). Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing.
Faggioli, M. (2015). True Reform: Liturgy and Ecclesiology in Sacrosanctum Concilium. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
Pew Research Center. (2019). In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues
Tietze, C. (1959). Abortion and the law. The American Journal of Public Health and The Nation's Health, 49(6), 879-880.
Ganatra, B., Gerdts, C., Rossier, C., Johnson Jr, B. R., Tunçalp, Ö., Assifi, A., ... & Alkema, L. (2021). Global, regional, and subregional classification of abortions by safety, 2010–14: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model. The Lancet, 390(10110), 2372-2381.