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METHOD OF THEOLOGIZING
Theology 141, Sections B, C, CC and DD, Second Semester 2015-2016
Handout No. 2
1. The Nature of Theology
1.1 A definition of theology: Theology is critical
reflection on human experience in the light of
Christian faith commitment.
a. critical reflection: use of human reason,
involving systematic and rigorous study
b. on human experience:
> contemporary human situation (in
particular historical and cultural context)
> individual and communal life experience
(particularly those that confront us with
questions of life meaning and direction)
c. in the light of Christian faith commitment:
> = in the light of faithfulness to the saving
Word of God in Jesus Christ preserved,
transmitted and actualized in the life of the
Church
** reality of transcendent, personal God who
reaches out to us and reveals Self to us,
calling us to personal relationship and the
promise of fullness of life, calling us to a
response and commitment of faith
** reality of Gods decisive and definitive SelfRevelation in the person of Jesus Christ
** preserved: implies faithfulness to what
has been received
transmitted: communicated, shared,
passed on
actualized: lived and made present
(history of Revelation-Faith
experience centered on
Gods decisive and definitive
Self-Revelation in Christ)
pole of
contemporary
human situation
(human experience
in particular historical
and cultural context)
* two criteria for authentic theology: (1) faithfulness to Tradition (to Christian message as it
appears in its sources); (2) adequacy/
meaningfulness to contemporary human
experience