Understanding the Shift in Gaudium et Spes : From Theology of History to Christian Anthropology

Abstract

This contribution reconsiders the rejected but often overlooked “Malines text” (September 1963) as the missing link in the redaction history of Gaudium et Spes and as a key witness to the document’s Christian anthropology. Applying the three hermeneutical principles of content, style, and “pastorality” (pastoralité) to this text and its redaction history, a basis is laid for a reading of Vatican II that respects its embrace of diversity.