SMJ unit one power point

what does anslem say about theologoy

1. **Theology’ is a faith activity**. It is distinct from disciplines such as ‘religious studies’ because it takes a faith stance within a faith community.​
2. **Theology’ is provisional in its nature**.
3. ​**Theology’ seeks understanding – it is the meeting place of** **faith and reason**​

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what does the domain of reason rely upon

clearly defined data, systematic order to explore and answer questions, judgements grounded in evidence, these cannot be dictated to in an arbitrary way by faith

what happens when theology abandons the aspects of reason

it is reduced to fideism and irrational faith

what does the domain of faith rely on

1. Recognizes an authority which goes beyond the here and now claims of our senses.​


2. Grounded in a mystery which it claims is more than human reason can encompass.​
3. Accepts the particularity of God’s action in human history​

what happens when THEOLOGY abandons the aspects of Faith(what is theology reduced to)

philosophy and rationalist philopsphy

what are the 5 unresolved questions for anslems definition of theology

1. what is faith
2. is faith reasonable
3. is understanding an absolute or relative category
4. if theology is :faith seeking understanding can it ever make “truth claims” that are objective
5. if we place our emphasis on understanding faith does theology become a purely theoretical study

what did augustine & aquinas seek to understand

the mystery of the trinitarian doctrine

what do Augustine and Aquinas draw upon as their “ theological method” to approach the mysteries of the trinity

used mechanics of psychology and language among other disciples in order

what is lonargans definition of theology

1. Seeks to describe the ***function*** of Theology within this Cultural Matrix. Seeks to tell us ***what it does*** rather than what it is.​


2. Sees our context as starting in a ***Cultural Matrix,*** where meanings, values, structures and institutions constitute and perpetuate human culture.​


3. Helps shed light on the inter-play (effects) between culture and religion. ​

WHAT ARE LONARGAN’S MODELS IN THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK? 

***we MUST OBSERVE THE STARTING POINTS – THE TYPE OF CULTURE - TO UNDERSTAND HOW THEOLOGY WORKS IN IT AND CREATES UNDERSTANDING.***​

what are longrans points on normative culture

1. One culture tends to be standard by which others are judged ​
2. Cultures must fall in line with the norm(s)/standards (Civilized or “Barbarian)
3. Static: fixed, never moving​
4. **Theology seen as “permanent achievement”(never change)**​​

what are longrans points on empirical culture

1. Set(s) of meanings and values that inform and help structure a way of life​
2. Cultures compare & contrast and choose which elements are most meaningful​
3. Dynamic: all open to development, change, growth, decline​
4. **Theology is an ongoing process**​**(change)**

what are examples for both of longrans points on empirical and normative culture

N = medieval notion of hiearchy

E = modern feminism