New Vatican document explores role of theology

CWN - March 08, 2012

The International Theological Commission has released a document on the current state of Catholic theology.

A Vatican statement released on March 8 in conjunction with the document summarizes the contents:

The text is divided into three chapters: theology presupposes listening to the Word of God which is accepted in faith (chapter 1); it is practised in communion with the Church (chapter 2); its aim is to elucidate a scholarly approach to the truth of God, in a perspective of authentic wisdom (chapter 3).

The document was approved by the International Theological Commission last November, and its publication was authorized by Cardinal William Levada, the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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  • Posted by: jimgrum697380 - Mar. 10, 2012 4:59 PM ET USA

    "For the simple faithful, one of the great innovations of Catholic reform was the catechism...the Roman Church desired in its turn that each Christian possess 'the knowledge necessary for salvation' according to an oft-repeated expression." San Carlo Borromeo- Headley and Tomaro 1988. Eerily relevant; incontrovertibly consistent with the Church's fundamental mission. "Authentic wisdom"; stark simplicity.

  • Posted by: demark8616 - Mar. 09, 2012 1:10 AM ET USA

    Anything proposed by the CDF should be of interest to all thinking Catholics. Look forward to seeing this document. Thanks again Catholic Culture...you're keeping us with the times

  • Posted by: impossible - Mar. 08, 2012 9:08 PM ET USA

    Too many theologians regard themselves as a parallel magisterium competent to make doctrine instead of being at the service thereof. The hierarchy has been remiss in not putting/keeping them in their proper place.

  • Posted by: jimgrum697380 - Mar. 08, 2012 6:55 PM ET USA

    This is all well and good. However, there is much to be done at an astonishingly fundamental level with regard to the work of salvation of souls today. Both within the Church and without, we see great confusion. There are many "Catholics" today who are not even Christian-and this includes theologians. In today's world, we might introduce the rather archaic rhetorical question of the archangel Michael in response to the upstart Lucifer: "Who is like God?" Baby steps...the esoteric in due time.

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