The word “laity “ or “lay” comes from the Greek term laikos which in turn, is derived from the word laos which means “people”. The term “lay” therefore, means “belonging to the people”. However, a long historical development affected the original meaning of the term “lay” especially in its use in the political and secular spheres. The term underwent some changes in meaning and thus acquired a meaning of opposition to religion or the term “sacred”. The term “lay” attracted an expression of attitude of separation and rejection. In general usage “lay”, as a word is applied to all those who are outside a given profession. Those who are not professional in a given profession are regarded as lay persons. Likewise in the Church, the word “laity/lay’ was gradually introduced and it was applied to Christians by some authors.
In order to establish the identity of laity or lay faithful in the Church, it is important to examine how the Church defines who a lay person is. The Church simply sees the lay faithful as persons who are baptized into the Church, who have a secular quality and whose functions in the Church differ from those who are ordained.
The Church has a long history with regard to the laity and their activities in the Church. There are several historical factors that undergird the treatment and position of the lay people in the Church. From the very beginning of the Church, lay people participated in ecclesial life and contributed immensely to the mission of the Church. The author intends here not to give extensive historical exposition of the important roles of the laity but to highlight a representation of their active presence and the factors that affected their position in the Church through historical time. The author traces the history of the laity and their involvement as well as their position within ecclesial structures under various historical periods.
Table of Contents
- A. Introduction
- B. Early Patristic Period
- C. High Patristic Period
- a. Emperor Constantine and the Church
- b. The Emergence of the Term “Ordo”
- c. Significant Contributions of Lay Persons to the Church
- D. Medieval Period
- E. Reformation and Tridentine Period
- F. Modern Period
- G. 1917 Code of Canon Law
- H. Second Vatican Council
- I. 1983 Code of Canon Law
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to provide a brief historical survey of the lay faithful in the Roman Catholic Church, tracing their roles and positions throughout various historical periods. It examines how the definition and understanding of "lay" evolved, and how the relationship between lay people and the Church's hierarchical structures changed over time.
- The evolution of the term "lay" and its implications for the Church.
- The changing roles and contributions of lay people in liturgical practices.
- The influence of political and social factors on the position of lay people within the Church.
- The development of ecclesial structures and their impact on lay participation.
- Key historical periods shaping the understanding and role of the laity.
Chapter Summaries
A. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the meaning of the term "lay" tracing its etymological roots and exploring its evolving connotations, particularly within religious and secular contexts. It highlights the importance of understanding the Church's definition of lay faithful as baptized individuals with secular roles distinct from ordained clergy. The chapter sets the stage for a historical examination of lay involvement in the Church, emphasizing the author's intent to showcase their active presence and the factors that shaped their position throughout history.
B. Early Patristic Period: This chapter explores the early stages of Christianity, showing the gradual separation of the Christian community from Judaism and the subsequent institutionalization of various ministries within the Church. It discusses the emergence of the terms "cleros" (clergy) and "laity," noting the initial ambiguity in their application and the gradual development of a clearer distinction between the two. It also traces the early involvement of lay people in liturgical functions, citing evidence from the Didache and the writings of early Church Fathers such as Clement of Rome, Justin, and Tertullian, highlighting their roles in baptism and liturgical celebrations. The chapter concludes by noting the later decline in the liturgical roles of lay people.
C. High Patristic Period: This section examines the influence of several factors that determined the positions of a few lay individuals within the Church during this period. The chapter highlights the roles of political connections, social standing (wealth and education), and influence in government as crucial determinants of their significant involvement in ecclesial structures. Subsections delve into the relationship between Emperor Constantine and the Church, exploring the evolving relationship between church and state and its implications for the status of lay persons. It further examines the emergence and significance of the term "ordo" which solidified the distinction between clergy and laity.
Keywords
Lay faithful, Roman Catholic Church, history, laity, clergy, Patristic Period, liturgical roles, ecclesial structures, Emperor Constantine, Ordo, Church-State relations, Code of Canon Law, Second Vatican Council.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Historical Survey of Lay Faithful in the Roman Catholic Church
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a historical survey of lay faithful in the Roman Catholic Church. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What historical periods are covered?
The survey covers a broad range of historical periods, including the Early Patristic Period, the High Patristic Period, the Medieval Period, the Reformation and Tridentine Period, the Modern Period, the period of the 1917 Code of Canon Law, the Second Vatican Council, and the period of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
What are the key themes explored in the survey?
The key themes include the evolution of the term "lay" and its implications for the Church; the changing roles and contributions of lay people in liturgical practices; the influence of political and social factors on the position of lay people within the Church; the development of ecclesial structures and their impact on lay participation; and key historical periods shaping the understanding and role of the laity.
What is the significance of the High Patristic Period in understanding the role of the laity?
The High Patristic Period is significant because it highlights the influence of political connections, social standing (wealth and education), and influence in government as crucial determinants of the significant involvement of some lay individuals in ecclesial structures. It also marks the emergence of the term "ordo," solidifying the distinction between clergy and laity.
How does the survey define "lay faithful"?
The survey defines lay faithful as baptized individuals with secular roles distinct from ordained clergy. The document traces the etymological roots and evolving connotations of the term "lay," both within religious and secular contexts.
What role did Emperor Constantine play in shaping the relationship between the Church and the laity?
The survey explores the evolving relationship between church and state under Emperor Constantine and its implications for the status of lay persons. The impact of this relationship on the roles and influence of lay individuals within the church is a key area of focus.
What is the significance of the 1917 and 1983 Codes of Canon Law in the context of the laity?
The survey includes sections on the 1917 and 1983 Codes of Canon Law, highlighting their importance in shaping the understanding and role of lay people within the Church structure. These sections analyze how these Codes affected the participation and responsibilities of the laity.
What are some examples of the liturgical roles of lay people discussed in the survey?
The survey discusses the early involvement of lay people in liturgical functions, citing evidence from the Didache and the writings of early Church Fathers. It notes their roles in baptism and liturgical celebrations, as well as the subsequent decline in their liturgical roles in certain periods.
What is the overall approach of the survey?
The survey aims to provide a brief historical overview, tracing the roles and positions of lay faithful throughout various historical periods. It examines how the definition and understanding of "lay" evolved and how the relationship between lay people and the Church's hierarchical structures changed over time. The author's intention is to showcase the active presence of lay people and the factors that shaped their position throughout history.
What are the key words associated with this historical survey?
Key words include: Lay faithful, Roman Catholic Church, history, laity, clergy, Patristic Period, liturgical roles, ecclesial structures, Emperor Constantine, Ordo, Church-State relations, Code of Canon Law, Second Vatican Council.
- Quote paper
- Ignatius Ayivor (Author), 2010, The Lay Faithful in the Roman Catholic Church, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/383535
