Alan Schrek Whatever happened to the Second Vatican Council Has the Catholic CHurch backed away from its teachings What exactly were those teachings Did the Council stand for the renewal of the liturgy for example or its destruction Did it bring the Church into the world or has it allowed the world to infiltrate the Church On the occasion of the fortieth anniversay of the closing of Vatican II Alan Schrek discusses the key documents of the Council and their meaning for Catholics today He also takes a close look at the ferment and criticism Vatican II left in its wake What he finds will surprise some Catholics but encourages all to lean into the task of renewing and strengthening the Church for the twenty first century Alan Schrek is professor of theology at Franciscan University of Stuebenville in Ohio He is author of numerous books including Catholic and Christian and The Essential Catholic Catechism