Professor Terry Martin
Saint Mary's
College
Religious Studies 406
"Ways of Doing Theology"
Every generation of Christians is called to "give an account" of itself,
to
understand its faith and life in a way which will be credible to its own
culture. But this is not easy task. Christian theologians, therefore,
have
found it helpful to reflect on the nature of theology in order to enhance
their
ability to develop sounder and clearer theological insights. It is the
purpose
of this course to initiate students in the process of reflecting on the
methods
of theology. Our goal will be practical: how is theology done? What
makes for
more relatively adequate theologies? How can we do the job of theology
better?
We will proceed by examining six major issues where contemporary theology
is
faced with fundamental choices in method and perspective, e.g., the
conflict of
church authorities and theologians, the continuing pressures on religion
from
modernity, the shift in perspective introduced by new philosophies, the
challenge posed by non-Christian religions, the claims of third world
Christians, and the role of women in the church. This course is
appropriate for
all students with an interest in the pressing issue of contemporary
Christian
theology.