The Gospel, Gregory VII, and Modern Theology
Peter J. Leithart
According to Paul and Augustine, the gospel announced a radical redistribution of priestly privilege, since all baptized shared Christ's royal status. Over several centuries, due changes in baptismal liturgies, Pauline–Augustinian conception faded, replaced by an ecclesiology that separated “true” “metaphorical” priesthoods. During eleventh century, Gregorian reform party provided ideological support for desacralization laymen especially lay rulers. By dividing church between “sacred” priesthood “secular” laity, Gregorians laid foundation stones modernity constructed ecclesio–theological framework modern theology.
Modern Theology