Method in Theology (Lonergan Studies) - Softcover

Lonergan, Bernard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080206809X ISBN 13: 9780802068095

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 1990

Synopsis

Method in Theology stands, with Insight, as Bernard Lonergan's most important work. It is Lonergan's answer to those who would argue that in this time of cultural change and dissolution the believer is afloat on a sea of multiplying theologies, without rudder or compass. Lonergan was resolute in his refusal to be defeatist on this point. While agreeing that theology must continually change to mediate between religion and culture, he worked out an integral method to guide and control this ongoing process. This is a reprint of the 1973 edition. A new annotated edition of Method in Theology will be published eventually as a part of the Collected Works of Bernard Lonergan. Bernard Lonergan (1904-1984), a professor of theology, taught at Regis College, Harvard University, and Boston College. An established author known for his Insight and Method in Theology, Lonergan received numerous honorary doctorates, was a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1971 and was named as an original members of the International Theological Commission by Pope Paul VI.

About this title

Review:

'Surpasses expectations ... A reflection on the operations theologians perform as they do theology ... A pathbreaker in an area which will prove more and more crucial as theology advances ... will have to receive the most serious critical attention of anyone who in the future wishes to come to grips in a serious fashion with the problem of method in theology.'

- Bernard J. Tyrell - Homiletic & Pastoral Review

'An excellent introduction to Lonergan's own thought and a masterful plea for and proposed model of systematic collaboration in theology and religious studies ... Method in Theology is one of the most substantive proposals for theology and religious studies in the last ten years.'

- David Tracy - Journal of the American Academy of Religion

'A book that is having vast influence ... The implications ... are quite sweeping and radical.'

- The Christian Century

'Outstanding ... it presents an original and internally consistent theory, systematically constructed according to a fully articulated philosophy of human knowing.'

- Avery Dulles - Theological Studies

From the Back Cover:

A theology mediates between a cultural matrix and the significance and role of a religion in that matrix. The classicist notion of culture was normative: at least de jure there was but one culture that was both universal and permanent; to its norms and ideals might aspire the uncultured, whether they were the young or the people or the natives or the barbarians. Besides the classicist, there also is the empirical notion of culture. It is the set of meanings and values that informs a way of life. It may remain unchanged for ages. It may be in process of slow development or rapid dissolution.When the classicist notion of culture prevails, theology is conceived as a permanent achievement, and then one discourses on its nature. When culture is conceived empirically, theology is known to be an ongoing process, and then one writes on its method.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 080206809X
• ISBN 13: 9780802068095
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 405