WORD THAT IS JESUS

Theology of Communication

Abstract

Catholicism experienced a breakthrough in its theological thought during the years between 1962 and 1965. Bishops from different parts of the world had gathered for a worldwide meeting at Vatican City to discuss not only where the Church was, but more importantly, where it was to move towards. It was widely held that the Church was entrenched in conservative thought and defensive positions vis-a-vis the world of its times. As such it was failing to communicate precisely the Gospel as good news since what the Church stood for then was neither news nor was it good. There was an immense communication gap between the Church and the world. The Catholic Church, to use papal imagery, was likened to a room that had been closed for centuries and badly needed to open its windows to let fresh air in. Though unexpected, this gathering which became known as the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) or Vatican II, nevertheless gave the Church such an impetus towards renewal that it was never the same again ever since.