The "Christianity" within Catholicism in the 1950's was unrelated to real Christianity based on the gospels but was a product of over-institutionalization.  We went to church because we'd been promised hell if we didn't -- just as hell loomed for neglecting all other church-related practices and devotions, or for daring to use our own brains and consciences.  Vat II didn't happen in a vacuum -- the counter-revolutionary church until the 1960's may have appeared to be devout, but it was a sham filled with fear, oppression, abuse, overpowering clericalism and an absence of real love...none of which are remotely connected with Jesus.