Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles, and Criteria

by International Theological Commission

Since the Second Vatican Council, an exciting array of new theological voices, themes, and venues for reflection has emerged. Laymen and women today offer many noteworthy contributions to theology; theologies have developed in new cultural contexts, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia; and new themes―such as peace, justice, liberation, ecology, and bioethics―have come to the fore in public concern and theological reflection. While these are fundamentally positive developments, this period has witnessed a certain fragmentation of theology. In the end, amid legitimate and valuable diversity, Catholic theology has been challenged to maintain a common voice with a clear sense of identity. Theology Today addresses the vital question of what exactly is Catholic theology. It considers basic perspectives and principles that characterize Catholic theology and offers criteria by which diverse theologies may be recognized as authentically Catholic. The major themes are listening to the Word of God, abiding in the communion of the church, and giving an account of the truth of God. Many topics are considered, such as faith's response to God's Word, the study of scripture as the soul of theology, fidelity to the Apostolic Tradition, attention to the sensus fidelium, responsible adherence to the ecclesiastical magisterium, the companionship among theologians, the rationality and unity of theology, theology as science and wisdom, and theology's place in the university and its role in the church's constant dialogue with the world. By reflecting on this thought-provoking document, Catholic theological inquiry stands to be reinvigorated. ABOUT THE The International Theological Commission, which advises the Holy See on theological issues, is composed of theological experts from around the world and from many different branches of theology. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK "This helpful and accessible volume considers contemporary Catholic thought since Vatican 2. . . It addresses both theological and pastoral issues and recognizes the need for a common discourse. Cultural and global themes are addressed from without a first world context, and these themes are recognized as being fundamental to theological reflection and development . . . This is an excellent and balanced document, the fruit of much reflection, a worthwhile resource for those who want to think theologically." ―Theology

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2012

About the author

The International Theological Commission (ITC) of the Catholic Church consists of up to 30 Catholic theologians from around the world. These theologians are appointed by the Pope upon the suggestion of the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) for renewable five year terms and have tended to meet together in person once every year for a week. The function of the ITC is to advise the Magisterium of the Church, particularly the CDF, a dicastery of the Roman Curia. The Prefect of the CDF is ex officio the president of the ITC, which is based in Rome. According to Joseph Ratzinger - later Pope Benedict XVI - the idea for this group was put forward during the first Postconciliar General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 1967.

Reviews

[Giorgio Lazzarotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il documento presenta uno statuto della scienza teologica, presentandone tre fondamenti: l’ascolto della Parola di Dio, la comunione ecclesiale e l’approccio razionale. Si sottolineano il ruolo del magistero, del dialogo entro il pluralismo scientifico interno ed esterno alla teologia, il riferimento al sensus fidelium e alla comunità teologica, la necessità di sviluppare una dimensione sapienziale della teologia stessa.

[Jan-Jaap van Peperstraten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een beetje een kettingbotsing van gemeenplaatsen omtrent de verhouding theologie-wetenschap-kerk.