Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
ADAPTATION
Legitimate adjustment of basic principles to time, place, and circumstances. Used by the Second Vatican Council to distinguish external accommodation from internal renewal. Adaptation is secondary to renewal and corresponds to updating in accidentals for the sake of greater effectiveness. (Etym. Latin adaptatio; from adaptare, to fit to.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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