In this book, Shaun Blanchard argues that the roots of the Vatican II reforms must be pushed back beyond the widely acknowledged twentieth-century forerunners of the Council, beyond Newman and the Tubingen School in the nineteenth century, to the eighteenth century, when a variety of reform movements attempted ressourcement and aggiornamento. This close study of the Synod of Pistoia (1786) sheds surprising new light on the nature of church reform and the roots of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The high-water mark of the late Jansenist reform movement, this Tuscan diocesan synod was harshly condemned by Pope Pius VI in the Bull Auctorem fidei (1794), and in the increasingly ultramontane nineteenth-century Church the late Jansenist movement was totally discredited. Nevertheless, much of the Pistoian agenda--an exaltation of the role of the local bishop, an emphasis on infallibility as a gift to the entire believing community, religious liberty, a more comprehensible liturgy that incorporates the vernacular, and the encouragement of lay Bible reading and Christocentric devotions--would be officially promulgated at Vatican II. Investigating the theological and historical context and nature of the reforms enacted by the Synod of Pistoia, he notes their parallels with the reforms of Vatican II, and argues that these connections are deeper than mere affinity. The tumultuous events surrounding the reception of the Synod explain why these reforms failed at the time. This book also offers a measured theological judgment on whether the Synod of Pistoia was "true or false reform." Although the Pistoians were completely rejected in their own day, the Second Vatican Council struggled with, and ultimately enacted, remarkably similar ideas.

About the Author
Shaun Blanchard is Assistant Professor of Theology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His work in early modern and modern Catholic theology and history has appeared in Pro Ecclesia, New Blackfriars, Theological Studies, and US Catholic Historian.

Reviews
Blanchard's discussion...makes excellent reading and offers an important contribution to Vatican Il studies. This significant and engaging volume calls out for a wide readership for it addresses vital themes for the Church, not least the way in which Vatican II is to be interpreted in the life of the Church, and in the renewal of interest in synodality under Pope Francis. * Peter Phillips, Catholic Archives *
[A] ground-breaking study...As the Roman Catholic Church embarks on a new engagement with synodality, this book is essential reading for a proper understanding of that church's modern history. Blanchard is eirenically and scrupulously balanced in his analysis, determined both that justice should be done to Jansenism as an alternative stream of catholic teaching, while at the same time acknowledging its weaknesses, errors, and the historical contexts for its failure. * Peter Doll, Ecclesiology *
This wonderful book offers a lucid and entertaining introduction to a classic philosophical debate about a key aspect of the human essence, namely free will. The author is a highly respected and distinguished philosopher himself, and one who has for years scrupulously respected both sides of the debate. Using plain language and vivid examples, the book illuminates why thinkers have come to different conclusions. The title says the book is opinionated, but the author's opinions are judicious, so the reader can appreciate the best arguments on either side, as well as the weak points in each side's arguments. While this is a terrific book for readers seeking an up-to-date introduction to the disputes, seasoned readers familiar with the field will also find much that is new, helpful, and informative. * Roy F. Baumeister, author of The Self Explained: Why and How We Become Who We Are *
This volume is a striking contribution to the field of historical theology ... Blanchard's writing style is approachable and engaging, inviting the reader to enjoy the excitement of what he has discovered ... His ability to make connections across three centuries that are too often studied in isolation from one another ensures that this work will be an essential reference for many years to come. * Kenneth L. Parker, Newman Studies Journal *
a striking contribution to the field of historical theology, an important contextual study for a wide range of subdisciplines in Catholic theology, and a reminder that responsible historical research is an enterprise that Roman Catholics need not fear. * Professor Kenneth Parker, Newman Studies Journal *
Shaun Blanchard simultaneously offers us...a new look at the history of the Synod of Pistoia, its closed possibilities and the shadows it cast for more than a century and a half within Catholicism, and a renewed perspective on the historical-theological influences of the Second Vatican Council. * Nicolas Perrone, Itinerantes, Revista de Historia y Religion *
...the proposal of a 'hermeneutic of reform' is acceptable, according to Blanchard... provided one writes a history of this continuity that is, if you will, a little more Pistoian and a little less ultramontane. It is an interesting proposal, supported by Blanchard with erudition and a writing style at the same time pleasant and passionate. * Glauco Schettini, Modernism *
This monograph is well-written and thoroughly researched. It ought to be read by any Catholic who desires to have a better grasp of their tradition or by the student of eighteenth-century church history. It would also be of benefit for those who are involved in ecumenical endeavors, especially given its clear demonstration of the importance of the past for the present regarding the Catholic Church. * Thomas Haviland-Pabst , Themelios *
This book is a game changer for modern religious history and Catholic theology. It uncovers Jansenist and Catholic Enlightenment precursors of the Second Vatican Council. To describe it as 'dynamite' would be an understatement. * Ulrich L. Lehner, Warren Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame *
The eighteenth-century Pistoians, vindicated in significant ways by Vatican II, were largely forgotten when post-conciliar Catholicism turned its' back upon the previous five centuries of the Church's life. Thankfully, a new generation is reclaiming the contributions of these centuries. As Blanchard brilliantly shows, much hinges, then and now, upon distinguishing rationalistic enlightenment from enlightened gospel-grounded reform. * Matthew Levering, James N. and Marry D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary *
The history of episcopalism is not quite past, asthe failure of episcopal leadership in dealing with the Catholic abuse crisis cannot be separated from a certain episcopalism of Vatican II - episcopalism in the sense of an emphasis on the rights of bishops in order to limit the power of the papacy. The Catholic abuse crisis casts a new light on the history of two and half centuries of Catholic ecclesiology: and for this, Shaun Blanchard's book is anessential contribution. * Massimo Faggioli, Professor of Historial Theology, Villanova University *
Not just satisfying, Blanchard also teaches us a great deal. * Paul Fraser Armstrong, Maritime Institute for Civil Society, CCHA Historical Studies *
In this deeply researched analysis of Pistoia and its legacy, Shaun Blanchard proves an informed and balanced guide, determined that justice should be done to Jansenism as an alternative reading of Catholic orthodoxy. * Peter Doll, Modern Believing *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190947798
Author Shaun Blanchard
Format Hardback
Page Count 370
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 658g
Dimensions(mm) 163mm * 236mm * 31mm