The Role of Church in the Mist of Modernity and Morality: Baron Fredrick von Hügel’s Formula for Church and Examining the Foundation of Moral Law

Abstract

The age of modernity was a time of great conflict in the world of theology. In panic Pope Pius X issued three major documents banning all modern practices of interpretation that were applied to theological studies. George Tyrell however believed there could be a harmonious relationship between modern methodologies and traditional thought of systematic interpretations. Baron Friedrick von Hügel provided three elements of church that are essential for such a community to fulfill the needs of its people in the relationship between man and the divine: institutional, intellectual, and devotional. This enables the church to fulfill her mission: to unite God and creation. Examining the Eternal, the Natural, the Devine, and Revealed laws provides a foundation for Hügel’s elements. With the guidance of the elements and the understanding of moral law, church is accomplished.