Patristics and Catholic Social Thought: Hermeneutical Models for a Dialogue (Catholic Social Tradition)

In Patristics and Catholic Social Thought: Hermeneutical Models for a Dialogue, Brian Matz argues that scholars and proponents of the modern Catholic social tradition can gain from the use of ancient texts for contemporary socioethical formation. Although it is impossible to expect a one-to-one correspondence between the social ideas of early church theologians, such as Augustine, and those of modern Catholic social thought, this book offers four hermeneutical models that will facilitate a fruitful dialogue between the two worlds. The result is a challenge to modern Christian ethicists to think more deeply about their work in light of the perspective of those who trod a similar path centuries ago. Matz first examines an'authorial intent'hermeneutical model, as articulated in the philosophies of Friedrich Schleiermacher and Wilhelm Dilthey. The second is a'distanciation'model, relying on the thought of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur. The third is a'normativity of the future'model, so named by its proponents, Reimund Bieringer and Mary Elsbernd. The fourth is a'new intellectual history'model, which relies on contemporary literary-critical theories. In a series of case studies, Matz applies each model to two early Christian sermons on the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man and, in so doing, illustrates that each one draws out different social ideas. Although each model ultimately bears fruit for Catholic social thought today, Matz concludes that the'normativity of the future'model is the one best suited to a productive use of early Christian texts in contemporary Catholic social thought. In Patristics and Catholic Social Hermeneutical Models for a Dialogue , Brian Matz argues that scholars and proponents of the modern Catholic social tradition can gain from the use of ancient texts for contemporary socioethical formation. Although it is impossible to expect a one-to-one correspondence between the social ideas of early church theologians, such as Augustine, and those of modern Catholic social thought, this book offers four hermeneutical models that will facilitate a fruitful dialogue between the two worlds. The result is a challenge to modern Christian ethicists to think more deeply about their work in light of the perspective of those who trod a similar path centuries ago. Matz first examines an "authorial intent" hermeneutical model, as articulated in the philosophies of Friedrich Schleiermacher and Wilhelm Dilthey. The second is a "distanciation" model, relying on the thought of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur. The third is a "normativity of the future" model, so named by its proponents, Reimund Bieringer and Mary Elsbernd. The fourth is a "new intellectual history" model, which relies on contemporary literary-critical theories. In a series of case studies, Matz applies each model to two early Christian sermons on the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man and, in so doing, illustrates that each one draws out different social ideas. Although each model ultimately bears fruit for Catholic social thought today, Matz concludes that the "normativity of the future" model is the one best suited to a productive use of early Christian texts in contemporary Catholic social thought. This Title Argues That Scholars And Proponents Of The Modern Catholic Social Tradition Can Gain From The Use Of Ancient Texts For Contemporary Socially Ethical Formation. Although It Is Impossible To Expect A One-to-one Correspondence Between The Social Ideas Of Early Church Theologians, Such As Augustine, And Those Of Modern Catholic Social Thought, This Book Offers Four Hermeneutical Models That Will Facilitate A Fruitful Dialogue Between The Two Worlds. Patristic Sources And Catholic Social Teaching -- Themes In Patristic Social Thought -- An Authorial Intent Model -- A Distanciation Model -- A Normativity Of The Future Model -- A New Intellectual History Model -- Conclusion -- Appendix 1. Asterius Of Amasea's Homily 1 -- Appendix 2. Jerome's Homily 86. Brian Matz. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 251-290) And Indexes. Cover Half title Series page Title page Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations List of Tables Introduction Chapter 1: Patristic Sources and Catholic Social Teaching Chapter 2: Themes in Patristic Social Thought Chapter 3: An “Authorial Intent” Model Chapter 4: A “Distanciation” Model Chapter 5: A “Normativity of the Future” Model Chapter 6: A “ New Intellectual History” Model Conclusion Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Notes Bibliography Index of Scriptural Passages Index of Early Christian Sources