Category: 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.

What is the Natural Law?

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It is not uncommon to run across the term “natural law” in Catholic journals and newspapers. Frequently, the context is a discussion of hot-button moral issues in the culture war, such as abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, birth control, and so-called “end-of-life … Continue reading →

Pro Multis

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Cardinal Arinze, the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, has just affirmed that pro multis means “for many” and not “for all.” It’s a sad commentary on the state of ecclesiastical affairs that such a statement of the obvious … Continue reading →

Weighing in on Limbo

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It was a surprise to many that the Holy Father made no statement for or against Limbo last Friday. What had been promised by the secular press, citing members of the International Theological Commission (ITC), was that the pope would … Continue reading →