The Craft of Theology: From Symbol to System, New Expanded Edition

Avery Dulles's theological career has spanned one of the most creative and confusing periods in the history of the church. With the goal of integrating new information from philosophy and the sciences into a deeper understanding of the world and society, the many theological schools pursued independent agendas, with the net effect of a loss of coherence. It is Fr. Dulles's contention that theological schools have drifted so far apart that what seems false and dangerous to one school seems almost self-evident to another. Theologians lack a common language, common goals, and common norms. Exploring the possibilities for greater consensus, The Craft of Theology illustrates how a "post-critical" theology can draw on the riches of Scripture and tradition as it reflects on the faith of the church in new contexts. Fr. Dulles discusses the freedom of theology within the university and sets forth principles for a fresh dialogue with philosophy, the sciences, and other Christian churches. Renowned theologian Avery Dulles offers a penetrating description and analysis of modern theology, discusses the freedom of theology within the university, and sets forth the principles for a fresh dialogue with philosophy, the sciences, and other Christian churches. Contents Introduction to the Expanded Edition Introduction Abbreviations 1. Toward a Postcritical Theology From Precritical to Postcritical The Critique of Criticism The Validation of Discoveries From Faith to Understanding 2. Theology and Symbolic Communication Three Styles of Theology Theology and Communication Fundamental Theology Practical Theology Systematic Theology The Problem of Method: From Scholasticism to Models Scholastic Method Models in Theology Objections and Replies 4. Fundamental Theology and the Dynamics of Conversion Two Concepts of Fundamental Theology Faith as Radical Conversion Antecedent Improbability The Uses of Scripture in Theology Official Catholic Teaching Ten Approaches The Values of Diversity 6. Tradition as a Theological Source Trent: The Insufficiency of Scripture Post-Tridentine Catholicism Vatican II: Subjectivity and Dynamism Assessment of Vatican II Toward a Catholic Consensus 7. The Magisterium and Theological Dissent Interplay between Magisterium and Theology Four Categories of Magisterial Statement Dissent and Its Limits Prudential Norms for Magisterium Theology and Philosophy Revivals of Thomism Vatican II and Scholasticism Postconciliar Pluralism Merits of the Philosophical Tradition The Broadening Dialogue Theology and the Physical Sciences Blondel on Faith and Science Message of John Paul II Interaction and Dialogue Methodological Convergence 10. University Theology in Service to the Church Catholic Universities and the Church Benefits of University Theology Supervisory Role of Magisterium Context of Religious Pluralism Past Progress and Present Needs The Teaching Mission of the Church and Academic Freedom The Teaching Office of the Church Theologians as Teachers in the Church Academic Freedom in Relation to Theology Method in Ecumenical Theology Method in Interreligious Theology Method in Ecumenical Theology Ecumenical Agreements and Their Limits Suggested New Strategies Theology and Worship Lex Orandi/Lex Credendi Influence of Belief on Forms of Worship Ecumenical Implications Historical Method and the Reality of Christ Second Approach: Separation between History and Faith Third Approach: History as Ground of Faith Fourth Approach: The Gospels as Interpreted History Notes Sources Index This is a splendid book, nourishing for Catholic and non-Catholics alike. It clearly shows our contemporary situation on a number of fronts, offering constructive directions for the future. Reformed Review