Fundamental Theology

What was FT historically called?

Apologetics, General Dogmatic Theology, Demonstratio Christiana et Catholica

What is a significant focus of FT

The demonstration and defense of Catholicism from both reason and revelation

When did FT become a science

In the 17th century

A systematically arranged series of organically connected and objectively established theses

Fundamental Theology Science

Why did FT emerge

In response to attacks made to the foundations of Catholicism. (Attacks focused on religion in general, revelation, and the Church.)

Moral Object of FT

The religious foundations of the Catholic faith.

How can one argue the existence of God, the spirituality and immortality of the human soul, free will and the moral law of nature?

With philosophy (reason alone)

Classical Focus of FT

Natural Religion, Supernatural Revelation, and the Church of Jesus Christ

Formal Object of FT

The religious foundations of the Catholic faith from the standpoint of natural reason and supernatural revelation. The aspect under which FT considers the foundations.

What events does FT study?

Divine revelation by which the Triune God “in his great love speaks to men as to his friends…to invite them and admit them to communion with him” (Vatican II, Dei Verbum, 2)

What are the classical steps of fundamental theology in order?

1. Utilize principles of reason, 2. Demonstrate the existence of supernatural revelation, 3. Demonstrate the infallibility of the Chruch, 4. Appeal to the truths taught by the Church.

What is the relationship of FT to other Disciplines.

FT is a rational science, partly philosophical and partly historical. FT is a sacred science, as Divine revelation is its principal source, in so fat as to clarify the nature of the Church and the compatibility of reason and faith.

Rational Science

Refers to an approach to inquiry that explains natural phenomena by applying logical rules, structured reasoning, and empirical evidence rather than emotion dogma, or superstition.

Logic and Reason

Arguments must be structurally valid and conclusions must follow from clear premises.

Empirical Testing

Theories require grounding in real-world observations that can be tested and repeated.

Dogma

Core beliefs or principles that people accept as absolute truth. Religious Beliefs or official doctrines concerning faith and morals laid down by a church.

What is the purpose of FT

To demonstrate the foundations of Christianity, to defend these foundations.

What does FT include?

The study of the living tradition of the believing community and the role of guarantor and interpreter played by the Magisterium of the Church.

What does FT examine with a particular attention

The personal assent to Divine revelation in Jesus Christ, that is, faith, with which man enters into salvific communion with God who reveals himself

What does FT aim to deal comprehensively with?

The credibility of the Christian messge, both in its historical dimension centered on Jesus Christ and its relationship with man.

FT turns its gaze not only to what but also what?

FT turns its gaze not only to the “interior” towards the community of believers, but also to the “exterior” toward the community of non-believers.

Classical “demonstrations” of FT- Demonstratio Remigiosa: Nature necessity and origin of natural religion; the duty of practicing religion; religion is deeply rooted in human nature; man cannot attain his last end (perfection if his nature) without religion.

Classical “Demonstrations” of FT- Demonstratio Christiana

Nature, possibility, necessity, knowability, and existence of supernatural revelation; obligation to accept revealed truth; submission of the intellect and will to the commands of God.

Classical “Demonstrations” of FT- Demonstratio Catholica

Demonstration that Jesus Christ founded a church; the Catholic Church alone has the properties and marks which identify that foundation; the CatholicbChurch is the legitimate organ of supernatural revelation; all who desire salvation must believe with Divine faith in that revelation.

FT (Apologetics) is necessary for

The rational demonstration of the Christian religions

Belief in supernatural revelation is not rational unless

The credibility of that revelation has been demonstrated with sufficient evidence.

Before we make an act of faith we must

Have certitude that the revelation is authentic.

FT is necessary for the science of theology.

Without revelation and faith, there is no theology!

In our time, the basic principles of religion are

Under attack. They must be defended in a rigorous manner.

The “Traditional” Method:

The method by which FT demonstrates the fundamental truths of religion. (Historical. Philosophical)

Traditional apologists

St. Paul (c. 5 - c. 64/67) and St. Justin Martyr (100-165)

Traditional Method 1

Historical facts of religion and revelation, the necessity and universality of natural religion, the possibility, necessity, demonstrability, and existence of supernatural, Divine revelation.

Traditional method 2

Demonstrating the nature of the Church and of faith with revelation itself. (Historical and Philosophical arguments supplement this.)

The “Empirical” Method

Starts with natural science in defending the faith.

F shows that the truths of science in no way conflict with

Sacred Scripture

The Empirical Method was used by

The Fathers and Scholastics, and encouraged by the Popes

The “Historical” Method is

Rooted in the reality that supernatural revelation is a historical facts.

What will always have a tremendous impact on human history

The Old Testament and New testament

The demonstration of the Divine origin of Christianity begins with

A historical exposition of all known religions and ofer compelling arguments that Christianity surpasses its “rivals”. (Prophesies and miracles confirm the supernatural character of the religion.)

First Period (1 to 8th Centuries)

Defense of Christianity against the Jews and Pagans

Second Period (8th to 15th Centuries)

Defense of Christianity against Muslims and Humanists

Third Period (15th to 20th Centuries)

Defense of christianity against Protestants, Deists, and Materialists, and Rationalists.

Fourth Period (20th Century to the Present)

Modern age and post modernity

Revelation

Jesus Christ

Tradition

Magisterium

Faith

Credibility

Dialogue

Frontiers