Perhaps the most intellectually dense part of page 299 is a half-column titled "The Performative Nature of Absolution." Here, the encyclopedia draws on the then-cutting-edge (for Catholic circles) philosophy of language, particularly the work of J.L. Austin on performative utterances . The page argues that the priest’s words do not merely describe forgiveness; they enact it, provided the proper matter (contrition) and intention are present. This fusion of analytic philosophy with scholastic sacramental theology was avant-garde for 1967.
The page discusses how Revelation is not merely a book dropped from heaven, but a living reality. It balances the Protestant Sola Scriptura with the Catholic Duo Fontes (two sources: Scripture and Tradition). But interestingly, writing in 1967, the author is already hedging. They acknowledge that Scripture and Tradition are not two separate "containers" of truth, but a single flowing stream.
To understand page 299, one must first understand the architectural logic of the 1967 edition. Volume 14 of the NCE covers the topics from "Parens" to "Pope" (or, in some library cataloging systems, extends into "Pius" and "Politics" depending on the binding). This volume was published at a critical moment in Catholic history—just two years after the close of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The encyclopedia aimed to consolidate traditional Thomistic and Neoscholastic teachings while cautiously incorporating new biblical, historical, and liturgical insights.
New Catholic Encyclopedia -1967- Volume 14 Page 299 [480p | 1080p]
Perhaps the most intellectually dense part of page 299 is a half-column titled "The Performative Nature of Absolution." Here, the encyclopedia draws on the then-cutting-edge (for Catholic circles) philosophy of language, particularly the work of J.L. Austin on performative utterances . The page argues that the priest’s words do not merely describe forgiveness; they enact it, provided the proper matter (contrition) and intention are present. This fusion of analytic philosophy with scholastic sacramental theology was avant-garde for 1967.
The page discusses how Revelation is not merely a book dropped from heaven, but a living reality. It balances the Protestant Sola Scriptura with the Catholic Duo Fontes (two sources: Scripture and Tradition). But interestingly, writing in 1967, the author is already hedging. They acknowledge that Scripture and Tradition are not two separate "containers" of truth, but a single flowing stream. new catholic encyclopedia -1967- volume 14 page 299
To understand page 299, one must first understand the architectural logic of the 1967 edition. Volume 14 of the NCE covers the topics from "Parens" to "Pope" (or, in some library cataloging systems, extends into "Pius" and "Politics" depending on the binding). This volume was published at a critical moment in Catholic history—just two years after the close of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The encyclopedia aimed to consolidate traditional Thomistic and Neoscholastic teachings while cautiously incorporating new biblical, historical, and liturgical insights. Perhaps the most intellectually dense part of page
Glad to hear, you found it useful, Julia!
Please let me know of other topics, where we could drop a hint or two…
Finn