Category Archives: Theology
Theology
The proper object that theology studies is God. Theos is the Greek word for God. However, in this section are articles not only about God, but about the Faith and moral issues which constitute Church doctrine. Certain articles that appear in this section also appear in other sections, such as that on the “Sacraments,” “Catechisis,” “Faith and Reason,” and “Heresies and Errors.”
Theology is a broad subject. Candidates for the priesthood must complete four years of theology. Theology is divided into natural, supernatural, and pastoral theology. These, in turn, are divided into other related subjects. Natural theology is the study of God as we can know Him by reason alone. Supernatural theology is the study of the God as He revealed Himself to man, in scripture and tradition. Pastoral theology is the study of God in His relation to the members of the Church, His body. Sacramental theology would fall under this category. So would canon law, as part of ecclesiology, the study of the Church.
Other branches of theology are dogmatics, moral theology, biblical theology, and ascetical or mystical theology.
‘Conciliar’ Theologian is ‘Too Understanding’ of SSPX Position
On his www.chiesa site, the often worth-reading Sandro Magister has published the work of an Australian-based theologian concerning the Rome-SSPX dialogue. The piece by theologian John R.T. Lamont, “A Theologian’s Questions,” was written for Magister’s site. I referred to Lamont as a ‘Conciliar’ Theologian. The quotes are purposeful. I do not distinguish between “Conciliar” and “Non-Conciliar” Catholics. All Catholics alive since 1965 belong to the Church … More →
Posted in Columns, Current Issues in the Church, Theology 2 Comments
Biblical Inerrancy
Yesterday, Thursday, April 12, 2012, a notice was posted on the Vatican Information Service (VIS) blog, announcing that the Pontifical Biblical Commission is soon to take up the subject “Inspiration and Truth in the Bible.” Here is the full text of the notice: ANNUAL PLENARY OF THE PONTIFICAL BIBLICAL COMMISSION Vatican City, 12 April 2012 (VIS) – The annual plenary session of the Pontifical Biblical … More →
Posted in Articles, Current Issues in the Church, Holy Scripture, Theology 4 Comments
Temporary Fruits of Ecumenical Reflection
From the Holy Father’s Address to the Participants of the Plenary Session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Also the study documents produced by the various ecumenical dialogues have great relevance. Such texts cannot be ignored, because they are an important, though temporary, fruit of the common reflection matured throughout the years. Nevertheless, they are to be recognized
The Story We Live By and the Foundations of Our Faith: Implications of the Incarnation and of the Bethlehem Nativity
[Originally authored 13 December 2003, the Feast of Sancta Lucia] At this time of the Christian Feast of the Nativity, when we are also expectantly considering the coming year of 2012 (as was so in 2003) and the pressures of deepening war and religious conflict, we more openly allow ourselves to consider the foundations of things. Did the Incarnation happen? Or was it an illusion, … More →
The King and the ‘Lex Orandi’
Tomorrow is the Feast of Christ the King, the glorious Christian festival instituted by Pope Pius XI to remind the world of the truth taught by his own papal motto: Pax Christi in regno Christi (the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ). There will be no peace among nations without the social reign of Jesus Christ. And what is that? In brief, all nations, … More →
Remembering Father Feeney
During the long years (1942-1978) in which I was privileged to associate with Father Feeney on a daily basis, I kept a record of statements he would make from time to time, in his sermons or lectures, or in ordinary conversation that struck me at that moment as proceeding from a deep mystical realization or apprehension. I felt an irresistible impulse to record these sayings … More →
Fr. Brian Harrison Instructs ‘The Wanderer’ on the Necessity of Faith
Over the years, Saint Benedict Center and Father Feeney have been the objects of severe criticism in the pages of The Wanderer. Consider, for example, “The Cardinal Martini Problem for the Church,” by R.M. Pilon, S.T.D. The doctrinal issue that lies at the heart of this controversy was apparently taken up again in a recent “Catholic Replies” column, and the latitudinarian content of that piece … More →
