CS4270 —

Method In Theology According To Bernard Lonergan

MA(Theol), MTS, MDivHons, and research awards (Min. No. 6)

1st semester Tuesday morning

Content

This unit is an introduction to the content of Lonergan’s theology, and especially his conception of theological method as “a framework for collaborative creativity” that mediates between a given culture and the meaning and value of a religion in the culture. The eight “functional specialties” of theology that Lonergan has outlined will be analysed, and applied to the contemporary theological context.

Prerequisites

Three units of Systematic Theology, including at least one at level 3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. explain the relationship between theological method and intentional consciousness
2. design relevant methods for doing theological reflection
3. know the eight functional specialties of theology
4. identify collaboration in the theological enterprise
5. understand and support a theologian’s focus on one functional specialty in doing theology
6. identify and explain the developments made in theological method
7. demonstrate development of research skills appropriate to study at graduate/postgraduate level.

Assessment

6000 word essay

Bibliography

* = set texts recommended for purchase

Croken, Robert C., Frederick E. Crowe, and Robert M. Doran, eds. Philosophical and Theological Papers 1958-1964. CWL 6. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1996.

Crowe, Frederick E., ed. Collection: Papers by Bernard Lonergan. New York, NY: Herder and Herder, 1967.

Crowe, Frederick E., ed. A Third Collection: Papers by Bernard J. F. Lonergan. New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1985.

Crowe, Frederick E. Lonergan. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992.

Farrell, Thomas J., and Paul A. Soukup, eds. Communication and Lonergan. Common Ground for Forging the New Age. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1993.

Gregson, Vernon, ed. The Desires of the Human Heart. An Introduction to the Theology of Bernard Lonergan. New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1988.

Hefling, Charles. Why Doctrines? 2nd ed. Chestnut Hill, MA: The Lonergan Institute, Boston College, 2000.

*Lonergan, Bernard. Method in Theology. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1972.

Ryan, William F. J., and Bernard J. Tyrrell, eds. A Second Collection: Papers by Bernard J. F. Lonergan. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1974.

Lecturer

Kathleen Williams RSM