Carlos De Guzman

01/26/16
121188

TH

151 J
Ten mega-trends shaping the Catholic church
In his article, John L. Allen Jr. identifies a specific series of trends
which he believes will shift the current paradigm of the Catholic church. In
his article, Allen Jr. refers to these mega-trends as deep impulses that
comprehensively shape Catholic life and thought, and while they may not
necessarily be exclusively Catholic in nature, these impulses are issues
which considerably affect Catholicism in significant ways.
In his synoptic series of trends, Allen Jr. calls attention to issues such
as the rise of new and outward-looking groups of seemingly traditional
Catholic laity, the tenacious growth and evolution of biotechnology, as
well as the fallout and controversy of sexual abuse. While making sure to
note that the list was not organized in any order of importance, certain
issues such as the fleeting growth of Catholicism and the ubiquity of
globalization surely stand out. These new issues, or mega-trends for
that matter, symbolize a sweeping change in certain aspects of the
Catholic church as we currently know it. The rapid growth and
transformation of the global Catholic demographic for example will give
room for new and specific issues to be given attention and importance to,
particularly in certain countries where the problems are much more
distinct, be they social, political, or religious. Moreover, the widespread
social injustices brought about by the prevalence of globalization has also

raised moral questions regarding genuine human development and the

flaws of current social structures.
What seems evident in Allen Jr.s article is the presence of change as
a continuing challenge for the Catholic church. Yet despite the many
obstacles the church currently faces, such change also brings about
opportunities to further challenge and develop the churchs theology in
the ever changing context of the present world.