A Pontifical John Paul II Institute Feature

released 2/5/2026

In this November 2014 lecture, Dr. John Cavadini explores the different views of Origen and Augustine as to the nature and mission of the Church. He looks at Lumen Gentium, which he says espouses a rich theology of the people of God as a people, not as individuals. Cavadini calls for a recovery of the identity of the Church as the Bride of Christ, a visible communion arising from Christ’s spousal love. He contrasts this spousal, sacrificial, unifying love with the narrative myths of the world that claim imperial power as history’s strongest force. We are a pilgrim people, Cavadini concludes, that must learn to see the present, visible Church with the eyes of Christ the Bridegroom.

This lecture is provided courtesy of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

38 minutes

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