Doctrine chief for U.S. bishops takes on leading theologian

There is nothing wrong whatsoever with theological reflection. The problem lies when the theologian doing that reflection does not accept the limitations imposed on him by Scripture and Tradition, by the dogma and doctrine of Mother Church. One can "push the limits" all one wishes, but when Mother Church defines the boundaries, beyond which one cannot push, one should be humble enough to accept that limitation. Challenge, encourage growth, but also accept limitations when imposed.

That's a lesson we were all supposed to learn as kids.

Thank you, Mr. Allen, for this insightful and comprehensive report of issues critical to our Faith and our understanding which is theology. If we cannot understand as we understand we will never understand, which is an incomprehensible way of saying what Mr. Allen so clearly and succinctly says here as: "Finding ways to express who Christ was in ways relevant to their cultures and times, without betraying the content of the faith."

Commited Catholic readers may find helpful the relevant original texts, so valuable for our pilgrimage of Faith, not only in the link supplied here to ctsa, but also more than anything else in the books. Read them this Christmas season for a firm rebirth of our Faith.

from the Reverend Father Jacques Dupuis SJ:

Who Do You Say I Am?: Introduction to Christology

Christianity and the Religions: From Confrontation to Dialogue

Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism

Jesus Christ at the Encounter of World Religions (Faith Meets Faith Series)

From Fordham's Father Tilley:
Inventing Catholic Tradition
The Disciples' Jesus: Christology As Reconciling Practice
The Evils of Theodicy
History, Theology, and Faith: Dissolving the Modern Problematic
New Horizons In Theology (Annual Publication of the College Theology Society)
The Wisdom of Religious Commitment
Postmodern Theologies: The Challenge of Religious Diversity
Talking of God: An introduction to philosophical analysis of religious language (An Exploration book)
Religious Diversity and the American Experience: A Theological Approach
History, Theology, and Faith: Dissolving the Modern Problematic

plus numerous articles and lectures, all essential reading for understanding our Faith in its fullness, and learning to Love our Enemy in truth and in peace.

If you can't explain it don't print it.

It is pretty par for the course for someone on the cutting edge of theology to be investigated or questioned for clarification on his work by the Church, and it is a good thing since after a sane response and discussion, the theory might become a new expression for the mysteries we all wonder about. However, the problem comes in when a theologian gets upset and takes personal offense and acts oppressed. If you are on the cutting edge, your chance for error goes up, and if you cannot maturely accept that fact and submit to the Church when she corrects you, you have no business in speculative theology.

From the Editor

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