The Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries

The chapter presents the historical, philosophical, and theological changes of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries that led to a profound transformation of Catholic apologetics. The experience of two world wars, secularisation, the development of atheism, and growing worldview pluralism changed the context in which the credibility of Christianity was discussed. New philosophical currents, including phenomenology, existentialism, and personalism, provided theology with new interpretative categories. The Second Vatican Council marked a decisive turning point, encouraging a transition from predominantly defensive apologetics to fundamental theology developed in dialogue with contemporary humanity. The chapter portrays contemporary fundamental theology as a historically conscious and dialogical discipline focused on articulating the credibility of Christian Revelation.