Introducing a Second Edition

Changing Roman Catholic Perspectives

his volume provides an introductory sur- contemporary theology; (4) to draw attention to Tvey of the major theological treatises of some recent ecumenical and bilateral statements systematic theology. At a time of declining theo- issued by the various Christian churches; and logical literacy, an introductory volume should (5) to take into account the current emphasis necessarily provide a basic knowledge not only on practice that exists across diverse liberation for collegiate religion majors, and not only for theologies. beginning theology students in master’s pro- In approaching the task of revising and grams, both academic and ministerial, but also updating the essays, the authors have selected for interested and informed general readers. various approaches. Some have added to their In the twenty years since the appearance chapters reflection on developments in the past of the first edition of these volumes, much has two decades; others have completely revised changed in the world, the churches, and the- their essays. Three original authors—Catherine ology. The preface to the first edition defined LaCugna, Monika Hellwig, and Regis Duffy— five goals: (1) to explain the diverse theological have died, so new authors were selected: Antho- currents of the Second Vatican Council; (2) to ny Godzieba has written a new chapter 3 on the describe the impetus that historical-critical triune God, and Jeannine Hill Fletcher has writ- studies of the Scriptures and the Roman Catho- ten a new chapter 10 on eschatology. And since lic Church’s traditions and practices have had David Power wrote on individual sacraments on the renewal of theology at the time of Vati- in the first edition, he was asked to expand his can II and on the council’s theological, ecclesial, work on chapter 9 to cover all the sacraments and liturgical reforms; (3) to appropriate and to except for the section on marriage. Moreover, at show the significance that recent hermeneutical the end of every chapter, a new annotated bibli- theories and philosophical developments had on ography has been provided.

xxv Introducing a Second Edition xxvi Avery Cardinal Dulles died soon after he Dignitatis humanae (Declaration on Religious finished his revision of chapter 2 for this volume. Freedom), and Lumen gentium (Dogmatic Con- We are fortunate that Cardinal Dulles had the stitution on the Church). It is alleged that Gaud- same fidelity to deadlines as he has had over the ium et spes has a too-optimistic attitude toward years to his teaching, writing, and service to the the modern world and that the declaration on church as a theologian. A former colleague at religious freedom operates with the presupposi- the Catholic University of America, he was ex- tion of the individualism of modern liberalism. tremely encouraging when I first spoke to him Nevertheless, a careful reading of Gaudium et about the idea and goals of the original project. spes shows that while it acknowledges the rapid Though the five goals set for the original growth in science and technology in the modern edition remain the same and are still significant, world, it criticizes the increased exploitation of the context in which they existed has changed. the poor as well as the growing distance between These changes affect the goals, so it is necessary the rich and the poor, not only within nations, to reflect on how these goals must be expanded, but also among nations. Dignitatis humanae modified, and applied anew. In the four decades does not ground religious freedom in the private since Vatican II, the Roman Catholic Church realm and make religious freedom merely an is- has seen a continuing discussion of the mean- sue of individual preference or choice. Instead, it ing of the council and the theological currents grounds religious freedom in human dignity (as expressed in it. The theological, cultural, and its Latin title expresses) and in its contribution global situation today is very different from the to the welfare of all. 1960s, when the council took place or from the A somewhat different misinterpretation 1980s when the first edition was planned and takes place regarding Lumen gentium such that these changing circumstances have widened the the minority position is now sometimes pre- scope of the original goals. sented as if it were the decisive meaning. Ex- The first goal was to present an interpreta- amples of this include the question of whether tion of the theological context, background, and the church of Christ is totally and exclusively consequences of Vatican II. Today the interpre- identical with the Roman Catholic Church or tation of the council has moved even more into whether the more modest “subsist in” language the center of discussion. Some are questioning of the council allows for acknowledgment of the the value and significance of the council, and ecclesial reality of other Christian communities. others are even criticizing significant teachings Likewise, the deliberations at the council point- of the council. At the risk of oversimplifying a ed to the importance of episcopal conferences. complex set of issues, these interpretations can Lumen gentium clearly underscores the mutual be classified into three groups: misinterpreta- relation between the local churches and the uni- tions of the council, basic disagreements with versal church. The local church is not simply the council documents, and important challeng- the administrative agent of the papacy in a local es the council has advanced that still remain as area. Nor is the universal church simply the ag- tasks for the Roman Catholic Church. gregate of the local churches. The misinterpretations of the council often A more general misinterpretation is the center on Gaudium et spes (Pastoral Consti- casting of the debate within the categories of a tution of the Church in the World of Today), hermeneutics of continuity versus a hermeneu- Introducing a Second Edition tics of discontinuity, as if the choices in inter- tasks to the Roman Catholic Church that must xxvii preting the council were between understanding be taken up. In the wake of the council, we have the council as advocating a discontinuity with become even more aware of the multiple chal- the past (one alternative) or a continuity with lenges entailed in the tension between pluralism the past (the other alternative). Such a contrast- and globalization, in the shift from economic ing alternative simplifies the debate and distorts and cultural colonialism to the increasing post- the interpretations. Many points of reform and colonial resistance to such imperialism, and in change within the council were achieved through the competing imperatives of modernity and a ressourcement (return to sources) leading to a postmodernity. Karl Rahner’s classical essay recovery of what Karl Rahner would have called about Vatican II best exemplifies this challenge the forgotten truths about the church and its when he explains that the council constitutes a sacraments. This approach is evident even where shift in the practice, life, and self-understanding the council broke new ground, such as its efforts of the church from a European church to a world to overcome anti-Semitism in the wake of the church. This shift has become increasingly true Holocaust and its grounding of religious free- in the ensuing decades, and its challenge must be dom in traditions that emphasize God’s univer- met and incorporated into the Catholic Church’s sal love, human dignity, and the good of human theology and practice. Today we are even more society. aware of the negative impact of European colo- In addition to misinterpretations, there nialism and imperialism. The awareness of the are also the criticisms and disagreements. The diverse cultures and practices in which Christi- schismatic group known as the St. Pius X Fra- anity is embedded contributes to the depth and ternity has indeed viewed the decline in religious breadth of the “catholicity” of Christianity. vocations, the drop in attendance at the Eu- The first edition achieved its second goal charist, and the decreased participation in the by underscoring the historical diversity and sacraments as effects and results of the council changes that took place in the understand- itself. The group has also advocated against the ing of theology, God, Christ, the church, the ecumenical developments in the council and saints and Mary, grace, and the sacraments. has contested the council’s teaching on religious The awareness of these historical trajectories freedom. These criticisms represent important has become part and parcel of Catholic theol- disagreements between the council and its critics ogy’s self-understanding, one that moved from who refused to accept the authority and teaching a more deductive or analytical approach to a of the council. As this volume goes to press, the more historical and development-oriented per- Vatican is engaged in dialogue with the group. spective. If previously a historical consciousness The Vatican maintains that anti-Semitism is in- was viewed as hostile toward Roman Catholic compatible with Roman Catholicism, and it af- faith, the achievement of Vatican II and of the firms the importance of religious freedom while theology preceding and following it was to re- it also objects to religious relativism. trieve historical studies and to integrate them Finally, there are the multiple challenges into the Christian faith. The application of that the Second Vatican Council lays out with historical-critical studies to the Scriptures and its interpretation of the signs of the time. The theology had been a point of critical controversy council’s various diagnoses present unfinished at the turn from the nineteenth to the twentieth Introducing a Second Edition xxviii century. However, papal encyclicals and docu- granted the saints and mystics as sources of re- ments of the Pontifical Biblical Commission be- ligious knowledge. In the study of the Reforma- gan to pave the way for the historical criticism tion and Counter-Reformation, similar shifts that came to fruition in Vatican II. in historical research are apparent. One classic In the time since Vatican II, two significant study of the influence of the Council of Trent developments in historical-critical studies have examined the role of five leading bishops as they occurred. One has been the focus on the diverse implemented the council’s reforms in their dio- reception histories of the biblical texts. This has ceses. More recently, scholars such as Robert led to an emphasis on the traditional fourfold W. Scribner examine the religious practices in meaning of Scripture as a way of understanding the post-Reformation period to discover to what the meaning and the significance of a text as it extent specific traditions persisted, even within was “received” or understood. Consequently, in Protestant areas. addition to the historical-critical study of Scrip- An excellent example of this development ture, there has been a renewed focus on prob- is Elizabeth Johnson’s treatment of the commu- ing the diverse understandings of the multiple nion of saints and Mary. She not only presents meanings of Scripture throughout the ages. the historical, theological, conciliar, ecumeni- How have different groups and different theolo- cal, and papal teachings, but also shows the gians appropriated the Scriptures? In approach- significance of the grassroots diversity, paradig- ing the meaning of the text, the theological task matic witnesses, and lived religion in Christian includes not only examining its historical mean- communities. ing, but also exploring the diverse receptions The third goal of the first edition was to and interpretations of the Scriptures through- incorporate recent hermeneutical theories and out Christian history, traditions, and practices. philosophical developments. Here change has Such an approach attends to the rhetoric of the been substantial, though different fields of the- text as well as to an ethics of reading and inter- ology have a more or less philosophical orienta- pretation. Rather than viewing historical-crit- tion and consequently are affected differently. In ical studies as hostile, such an approach takes the decades before the Second Vatican Council, into account how historical studies have been several developments took place. There was expanded through social, anthropological, and the blossoming of historical studies of Thomas rhetorical studies. Aquinas and of Scholasticism that overcame Another development of historical-critical the one-sided interpretation of Neo-Scholasti- studies has been the increased attention to pop- cism. Martin Grabmann, Louis Betrand Geiger, ular religiosity and popular religious practices, Étienne Gilson, Cornelio Fabro, and Johannes areas that scholarship had neglected. If previ- Hirshberger were just a few of the leading his- ously American religious history focused on torians of Thomism. At the same time, under religious and theological leadership, today stud- the influence of la nouvelle théologie, the role of ies seek to uncover the religious practices of im- Augustine became increasingly emphasized. migrant Roman Catholics in the ethnic enclaves In addition, the later development of transcen- of cities or the lived religion embedded in the dental Thomism sought to bring Thomas into pious practices and customs of ordinary Catho- critical confrontation with Kantian philosophy, lics. Similar shifts can be seen in the importance as in the transcendental Thomism of Joseph Introducing a Second Edition

Maréchal, Karl Rahner, Bernard Lonergan, ments displays the shift in recent sacramental xxix and Emerich Coreth. Further, a unique brand theology away from a transcendental approach of Thomism represented by Jacques Maritain to one emphasizing the importance of symbol became influential, especially with his work at and the category of gift. His chapters on the the United Nations and on human rights and in sacraments illustrate these shifts through his political philosophy. exposition of the work of others and his own The shift from Kantian philosophy to post- systematic construction. Kantian philosophy has entailed a shift from If this volume were complemented by a vol- epistemology to hermeneutics, aesthetics, and ume on ethics and social ethics within Roman social-political philosophy, even though Kant’s Catholicism, one would also have to include influence in aesthetic and political philosophy such diverse strands as the renewed emphasis remains strong today in some circles. More re- in Aristotle, the alternative emphasis on John cently, in some quarters, there has been a re- Rawls and Jürgen Habermas, or the emphasis emergence of metaphysics, as exemplified by on the communitarian, and the reemphasis of a the influence of “Radical Orthodoxy,” and its virtue ethics. Neo-Platonic metaphysics. At the same time, The fourth goal of the previous edition—to the influence of Martin Heidegger’s critique of include the results of ecumenical advances as Western metaphysics has influenced attempts to recorded in recent bilateral statements—was understand God beyond the categories of being. evident in the statements noted in that edition, The strong emphasis on phenomenology in Eu- and these have been updated. In the chapter on rope comes not only from the writings of Pope the communion of saints and Mary, Elizabeth John Paul II, but also from leading philosophers Johnson discusses the important dialogues be- and theologians such as Jean-Luc Marion and tween Lutherans and Roman Catholics on that Louise-Marie Chauvet. issue. Roger Haight, in his updated chapter on Moreover, hermeneutic theories that point- grace, discusses the important and recent joint ed to the surplus meaning of the text (Paul statement on justification by Roman Catho- Ricoeur) or the outstanding and enduring char- lics and Lutherans. Michael Fahey has been acteristics of classics (Hans-Georg Gadamer) very engaged in the dialogue between the Ro- have found a complementary and even alterna- man Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox tive emphasis in deconstruction on the aporia churches. His chapter on the church also re- of texts (Jacques Derrida) or the postcolonial flects on the disillusionments and self-doubt critique of some of the classics of the West. One that have emerged in recent times within the can see this shift in David Tracy’s writings that ecumenical movement itself. To the extent that moved from an analysis of Bernard Lonergan’s these dialogues, especially those between Ro- method, to an appropriation of hermeneutical man Catholic and Lutheran theologians, were a theory and then to an appreciation of postmod- part of the first edition, they have also become ern theories. His approach to the understand- a part of this second edition. Although the dia- ing of God in this volume gives evidence of the logues in Rome between the Vatican and science latter, especially in its sensitivity to the diver- do not formally constitute bilateral statements, sity of resources for theological language about they do represent an important dialogue tak- God. David Power’s own work on the sacra- ing place in the contemporary Catholic Church. Introducing a Second Edition xxx Anne Clifford’s chapter on creation addresses ing of the book’s subtitle, “Roman Catholic Per- this dialogue, and to the extent that “Intelligent spectives”? An answer to this question cannot be Design” has become a central topic (less within reduced to a simple or singular formula. Any at- than outside of Roman Catholic theological tempt to contrast Roman Catholic with Luther- circles), she deals with this issue in the second an or Reformed approaches to theology is often edition. Likewise, the influence of some Eastern misleading, because a focus on the areas of dis- theologians has led to a more “social” concep- agreement overlooks the more basic Christian tion of the Trinity in contemporary Western beliefs that each shares with the others. Like- interpretations of the triune God, as Anthony wise, the contrast between the “Catholic sacra- Godzieba indicates. mental and substantial” versus the “Protestant The fifth goal, which was to include an prophetic principle” overlooks that much of the emphasis on praxis, with specific reference to substance of Christianity exists in the Reforma- the diverse liberation theologies, has changed tion churches and much of the prophetic in the and expanded. Current liberation theologies Roman Catholic Church. In a similar fashion, themselves have undergone changes. They have the polemic that understands the difference as moved even more clearly and strongly away from one between an “either/or” or a “both/and,” with any suspicion of a Marxist understanding of the latter representing Roman Catholicism, ne- praxis. Latin American liberation theology in- glects how the Reformation traditions cannot be creasingly underscores indigenous American limited to the former characterization. spirituality as well as Christian spirituality as The answer that each of the chapters in this a basis for further understanding the mean- volume seeks to provide is that a Roman Catho- ing of praxis. At the same time, postcolonial lic theological approach attempts to articulate and postmodern theories have decisively influ- the Christian faith and beliefs through an analy- enced the understanding of praxis. This goal is sis of their biblical roots, the historical develop- clearly evident in Roger Haight’s exposition of ments in their traditions and practices, and their grace and in Jeannine Hill Fletcher’s presenta- ecclesial fidelity as evident in the explication of tion of eschatology not only in relation to libera- the teaching of the various councils and state- tion but also in relation to pluralism. Moreover, ments of the papacy. Such attempts bring to with critical theory, there has been an increased the fore sacramentality, universality, and union critique of the modern West’s overemphasis with the bishop of Rome as goals to be reflected on scientific and technological praxis. Critical in theology. However, these characteristics can theory has also underscored the difficulty in -un best be understood in the categories of “already” derstanding liberation and emphasized a more and “not yet.” One seeks to uncover their pres- indeterminate or open-ended conception. The ence, but at the same time, one seeks them as a importance of spiritual and liturgical practices goal yet to be achieved. Such attempts are made also has come increasingly into the center of in Roman Catholic theology, as Joseph Ratz- theological reflection. inger has emphasized, through various forms of As we adopt these five goals and interpret correlation between faith and reason, between them anew for this edition, the fundamental Christian belief and critical reflection. To the question that emerges is this: What constitutes extent that this volume was generated out of the Catholicism? In other words, what is the mean- spirit of Vatican II, the authors view the chal- Introducing a Second Edition lenges laid down by Vatican II and the Holy copyediting of Karen Schenkenfelder have been xxxi Spirit that engendered the council as significant very helpful and deeply appreciated. Jessica Co- tasks to be taken up and developed in the theo- blentz, a Master of Theological Studies student logical history and reflection of the individual at Harvard Divinity School, has helpfully pre- chapters. pared the index for the new edition. The second edition of this volume is dedi- —Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, cated to our colleagues and coauthors of the Harvard Divinity School, first edition who are no longer with us but are Stillman Professor of still fondly remembered as scholars and as Roman Catholic Theological Studies friends. Avery Cardinal Dulles, known for his writing in fundamental, systematic, and ecu- menical theology, was supportive of the idea Acknowledgments from its very beginning. He managed to submit his revised contribution just weeks before his The first edition of this volume was the idea death. Catherine LaCugna’s passing took away a of John Hollar, then editor at Fortress Press, scholar in her prime; her contributions to trini- who discussed it during a luncheon conversa- tarian theology have provided a decisive marker tion with Francis Schüssler Fiorenza. Unfortu- in subsequent discussions. Monika Hellwig was nately, Hollar’s untimely death occurred before known for her contribution to liberation theol- the volume was published; the first edition was ogy and practical theology, as was Regis Duffy dedicated to his memory. Michael West then for his contributions to sacramental theology stepped into the breach, painstakingly and suc- and pastoral ministry. North American Roman cessfully shepherding the volume to its pub- Catholic theology has been enriched by the sin- lication. Over the past several years, Michael gular and outstanding contributions of all four has encouraged us to bring out a new edition. theologians, three of whom were presidents of Without his constant support, encouragement, the Catholic Theological Society of America. and advice, this second edition would not have We are all indebted to them for their contribu- seen the light of day. For that we are grateful. tions to theology. The dedication of this edition The skilled editorial management of Ann Del- to them can only express that gratitude in a gehausen (of Trio Bookworks) and the careful small way.