Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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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.