Father Robert Lauder
Sixth in a series
One of the unfortunate occurrences of the last 30 years is that a growing distance seems to have grown between some Catholic theologians and some members of the Catholic hierarchy.
I can recall vividly at the time of Vatican II – and shortly thereafter – how Catholic bishops were in dialogue with theologians, and theologians were looked upon by the faithful as a group of dedicated followers of Christ who were coming up with new emphases and insights in relation to revelation and theology’s attempt at interpreting revelation. Those were exciting days. There was tremendous optimism and hope for the future.
As a young priest, I was eager to learn what was happening in theology and how contemporary theology had influenced the Council Fathers. I was also eager to pass on what I was learning. At one point, I was involved with 21 discussion groups made up of lay people who wanted to know more about their faith.
What eventually led to what seems like a mutual suspicion on the part of some theologians and bishops? I will leave that to the historians to decide, but I am hoping that Pope Francis’ leadership will encourage dialogue within the Church, including dialogue between theologians and bishops.
New Approaches
In “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis notes that proclaiming the Gospel to different cultures involves proclaiming it to academic, professional and scientific circles. When there is an encounter between faith, reason and the sciences, he believes there can develop new approaches in presenting the faith and that this can encourage people to be more open and receptive to the Gospel. He writes:
“It is not enough that evangelizers be concerned to reach each person, or that the Gospel be proclaimed to the cultures as a whole. A theology – and not simply a pastoral theology – which is in dialogue with other sciences and human experiences is most important for our discernment to how best to bring the Gospel message to different cultural contexts and groups. The Church, in her commitment to evangelization appreciates and encourages the charism of theologians and their scholarly efforts to advance dialogue with the world of cultures and sciences. I call on theologians to carry out this service as part of the Church’s saving mission. In doing so, however, they must always remember that the Church and theology exist to evangelize, and not be content with a desk-bound theology.”
Because Catholic theology is a reflection on divine revelation and the Church’s teaching, I think that there can be a theology of just about every aspect of human experience. Obviously there can be a theology of the Incarnation and Resurrection, of the Church, of the sacraments, but there can also be a theology of sexuality, literature, film and other human experiences. What every theology involves is linking up some aspect of human experience with God’s revelation.
Unfortunately, some people think of theology as a speculative, abstract and esoteric study that has little to do with human experience. The truth is just the opposite! Theology is more relevant than any other discipline and in that sense is more “practical.” It can help us in our lives. I think that this is what Pope Francis means when he says that theology exists to evangelize. An irrelevant theology is a worthless theology!
Pope Francis stressing that theology is for evangelization may serve as a stimulus for all of us – theologians and others, especially teachers of religion – to appreciate the importance of theology and to incorporate into our lives the practice of reading theology that will help us live as informed Catholics.
More than 50 years ago in the pages of Commonweal, John Cogley wrote that he would like to see a theology magazine that made theology so relevant that the U.S. Secretary of State would not dream of not reading it. I like that idea very much.
Evangelization should employ any tool that helps present the faith. Theology is indispensable.