About the author: Dr. James L. MacNeil occupies the post of Lecturer in Catholic Theology at the University of Glasgow. He received his PhD, S.T.B., S.T.L., and S. T. C. at the Gregorian University, Rome.
1997 0-7734-8431-0 This exhaustive historical study highlights the novelty of the contribution of Gaudium et Spes and marks it as a significant change in Catholic approach to this specific problem. Even over 30 years later when many writers comment on the changed climate of atheism (in a more 'post-modern' atmosphere), the study sees the current situation as anticipated by GS, and its contribution as still valid. The conclusion highlights some of the consequences of the Council document for theology today.