Catholicism could be shifting from a culture-shaping authority to a more passionate and proactive subculture, which can challenge the status quo of mainstream society, according to a column by John L Allen Jr. on the National Catholic Reporter’s website.
Allen also talks about a changing of the guard in the “millennial generation” of young Catholics who appear more fervent and embracing of the Church’s customs and traditions — like the 15 million who showed up for World Youth Day in Spain — possibly a reaction to the lack of unity and tradition found in our post-post-modern world.
The recent pro-life flash mob is a good example of Catholicism challenging the status-quo, as are the many blogs started by young Catholics.
This could mean some of Catholicism’s best years are ahead if the practitioners are living it more from the heart than the head.
Allen had many other insights which you can read here.