Book Description

Doing Theology is not just another introduction to the subject but an enlightened exploration of how theology is done. Author Jared Wicks, SJ, shows how sound theology draws on Christian sources of theological wisdom, beginning with attentive listening to the witness given in the canonical and inspired books of the Bible. After demonstrating how major Christian thinkers pursued theological understanding, he then reviews the directions given by Vatican II for working out a beneficial and well-grounded Christian theology. Fr. Wicks offers guidelines for theological work in the Church's tradition as manifested in creeds, the fathers, liturgy, and holy lives. He also traces the emergence of the Church's teaching office, showing its particular charism for contributing to Christian thought and life when its teachings are properly weighed and interpreted. A set of appendices immerses the reader in the documents of Vatican II and follows the astounding service provided by the Council's experts. Seminary and college courses in theology and theological method will benefit immensely from Doing Theology. In addition, the book will help any teacher of Catholic theology to refresh his or her hold on a sound theological method of listening to the sources and explaining the coherence of God's saving work and word. Book jacket.