Learning the art of dialogue
Monday, November 1, 2010
Brother Richard DeMaria
In my early years studying theology, I came to the following understandings:
The role of theology: If we have an experience that is important, we want to understand it and be able to share it with others. This leads humans to articulate doctrine (theology). Theology’s role is to explain our experience or to point someone else toward it. Theology is very helpful but it should always be associated with religious experience.
The limitations of theology: It is impossible for humans to accurately capture the reality of God, Christ or salvation in words. These are mysteries quite beyond human comprehension or articulation. However, it is possible to find words that come close to reflecting these realities. Christianity believes it is better to say something inadequately about the mysteries of our religion rather than to say nothing.
The role of the theologian: A Christian theologian is one who translates the Christian tradition into the contemporary language and mindset. Because the contemporary mindset is always changing, there will always be a need for new theologians who attempt this translation. To do this, the theologian must:
- understand and treasure the tradition and wish to be faithful to it
- understand the contemporary mindset and, in particular, contemporary science.
It has been clear to me for some years now that I no longer have the ability to provide this translation of theology into the contemporary mindset. While I think I understand the tradition well, I do not sufficiently understand the contemporary mind nor do I have a sufficient grasp of contemporary science.
Fortunately, there are men and women with the ability to engage in this translation. Although it often happens that the theologian, in an attempt to speak to contemporary people, unintentionally distorts the tradition, we should applaud his/her efforts to make the Christian tradition meaningful to a new generation. I need to engage in dialogue with those people, both the academically prepared and the amateur, who are attempting to do this translation.
If I am sincere about wanting to learn through dialogue, I must approach every conversation about theology:
- with an attitude of reverence before mystery;
- with a sincere desire to listen to what the other person is saying;
- with the conviction that God will reveal himself to me again and again through others;
- with a mindfulness of the limitations of every effort to forge doctrine, including the formulations that are part of our beloved Tradition.
The danger is that, in an effort to be open to the other in dialogue, we fail to propose the doctrines of the Christian Tradition as it is understood by the Roman Catholic Church. After having really listened to another, I should attempt to share my understanding of Catholic theology, and to do so with humility and tentativeness.
In the following remarks, Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta reflects the needed balance in inter-Church dialogue:
“In no sense does dialogue imply an abandonment of the truth. We must always speak the truth to one another as we see it, convinced that the truth will not be received unless spoken in a context of friendship, a context of charity. And it is this charity that will allow us to face common problems together in a fruitful way and to realize that in many questions both our churches fail to adequately express the common truth in which we believe.”
Speaking of theology and dialogue:
Interfaith Weekend is celebrated Nov. 12-14. The Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews is asking all denominations to take part by hosting pulpit exchanges or other interfaith activities. The group is also hosting "Facets of Faith: Windows into the Sacred", featuring historian Ann Rose sharing her knowledge of the stained glass window art form. Click here for more information.
Comments from readers
Following Bishop Estevez's recommendation, I have read your blog.
I find your article to be very articulate and clear; very thoughtful. Thank you very much, Brother.
Certainly, when we are encountered with the opportunity to engage in a dialogue, charity must always precede the exposition of our Catholic doctrine, especially with those who may be skeptical to our faith and its beautiful Traditions.
Some years ago, I attended an evangelization symposium in Detroit, and I was so struck by Father Richard John Neuhaus' sharing. And just to share a few phrases with you, he said: modern culture is a mission territory and we are not to see the present culture as an enemy but as the beloved. By the same token, we are to demonstrate to the world that we are not the enemies. We are to be aware that modern man does not understand his/her dignity. The Church imposes nothing, she only proposes... and what a proposal "God's saving love". Truth imposes itself. The Church's disposition to the world is one of love; the Church's mission is about charity... every thought, every action... has to be rooted in our Eucharistic Lord!
I'll leave it there.
God bless you, Brother. It has been a privilege to know you.
I believe "truth" will only be encountered in such a spirit of openness to revelation with other faiths, science, the arts, and the social sciences.And we all need to be reminded that ultimately they shall know we are Christians by our love.
Pax Christi,
Michael Hardiman
Thank you again for reminding us on how to speak about the doctrines of the Church. I remember when, in a principals' meeting, you instructed us on our responsibility when we speak about the teachings of the Church and how we should refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for further dialogue. As always, your blogs are well thought.
In His name,
Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D.
Principal
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School