Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
ANTINOMIES
Contradictions or inconsistencies that seem to exist in the Catholic Church. Thus the Church appears in opposition to material civilization and yet fosters it; appears to oppose and yet supports the state; represents a religion of suffering and yet of happiness; is full of scandals and yet is all holy; proclaims a law at once difficult and yet easy; upholds religious freedom and yet opposes unrestrained liberty of conscience; upholds the equality of men and yet the inequality of power and property; is one and yet Christendom has always been divided; is ever the same but ever changing; is ever defeated yet is always victorious.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
