THEOLOGY TODAY: PERSPECTIVES, PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA

There have been new theological voices that had transpired after the
Second Vatican Council. New voices coming from different groups and
locations. Among them are of different parts of the world in Latin America,
Africa and Asia, and among laymen and women. The reason for this
renewed interest are due to studies, venues, and dialogue. Catholic
theology has had followed the lead of the Council due to its affection for the
whole human race and by the Holy Spirit. Theology, in this period, has had
faced the challenge of maintaining its true identity. What characterises
Catholic theology? What gives it its true form? These are some of the
questions we face today as to how we can make clear of Catholic
theologys identity with its engagements in the world today.
God is pleased to have dialogue with us through listening to His word.
Listening is the cornerstone and principle of Catholic theology. Listening to
His words leads to clear understanding and formation of the Christian

community. Gods word has built the Church and through this realm, the
whole universe may find salvation, hope, and love. Theology is a divine
revelation in which the Church completely accepts as universal
manifestation of saving truth. That revelation is vast and because of that,
other theologies have risen for it is too much to bear by one theology.
There maybe different theologies but human beings are united in its service
of the one true God. Therefore, theres no need for a uniformed unity of
Theology, but rather, one united focus on Gods words. The numerous
theologies that has come abound does not mean chaos or discord but
instead, the exploration of different ways of Gods truth. Catholic theology
recognizes the dominance of Gods word. Through prophets and parables,
God speaks to the hearts of men. The source, context, and norm of
Catholic theology stems from the faith of the Church. The Churchs faith is
directed by the teachings of the apostles and the good news, Jesus Christ,
in the scriptures. Theology seeks to understand what the Church believes,

the reasons as to why it believes rationally and systematically by the saving

truth of God.
The gathering of Gods people within the Church places the proper
rightful place of theology. The Catholic theology places a huge emphasis
on loci of theology. Its a reference point for theological task which the
ecclesiality of theology brings about the aspect of the task because the
basis of theology is through faith both personal and ecclesial. Catholic
theology should always pursue to draw the canonical witness of Scripture,
so it may promote both the Churchs doctrine and practice. Theology
should cast wide its net to the Christian faithful, so a contact could then be
developed between men and the living Word of God. Apostolic Tradition
which compose of the study of sacred Scripture, its liturgy, and writings of
both Fathers and Doctors of the Church requires intense attention.
Discerned attention and reception of different witnesses and expressions.
Concentration to the census fidelium is necessary, so theology may
continue to pursue accurately what the Catholic believer actually believes

in. It must speak the truth, so the doctrine may not be scattered and blown
around by the wind. This is why it is important to give reverence to the
magisterium. To believe in the competence of bishops and college of
bishops headed by the pope. To be practiced professionally within the
scope and collaboration of Catholic theologians. To be in constant dialogue
with humanity and to help lead the Church acknowledged the signs of time.
Theology is rational and that is has its own authentic position
amongst intellectual enquiry. First, through faith, theology is a work of
reason. This reason translate into a scientific discovery the Word of God
manifested in revelation. Second, the different rationals of methods and
numerous theological disciplines remain compatible. Third, theology has in
its discourse the spiritual experience which gives clear understanding the
transcendence of the God of Jesus Christ. Catholic theology should
pursue rational presentation of truths of the Christian faith. Faith and
reason must be used to overcome fideism and rationalism. The differences
of theology seeks the inquiries and methods into a unified work. The

sciences, however they maybe complicated or easy is welcomed, so they

could be utilized in research and is healthy for dialogue. The world may
look at Gods wisdom as foolishness but Catholic theology seeks and
delights in it. The connections along wisdom in traditions of eastern and
western Christianity should be pursued as to create a bridge of wisdom.
In conclusion, what characterises Catholic theology is the studies it
presents the Mystery of God revealed in Christ. These experiences are
articulated in the faith within those in the communion of the Church.
Theology is a service given to the Church body and to humanity. Written
with respect for all who have the passion to inquire theology.