The Nature of Truth Claims
I've often been dabbling with theological method. It's one of those things that most European theologians aren't very good at doing. But contextual theology is essentially a re-examination of theological method.
The premise of contextual theology is that even though there are already established formulations of truth statements made by the Councils, these formulations do not encapsulate truth exhaustively. As the Church is continuously guided by the Spirit, our understanding of these truths becomes more and more lucid, and we discover more and more cogent ways of enunciating these truths in ways which are best suited to our time and culture.
Truth is universal, but statements reflecting this truth are not timeless and universal.
But this does not mean that the truth claims of the Church are prone to error. The infallibility of the Church is still upheld. But infallibility does not cover substantial exhaustiveness. This principle sanctions further search for how that which is true and sacred might be also found beyond the Christian faith, and how the presence of truth in other religious traditions may be providential preparation for the fullness of Christ to be revealed and acknowledged through the seed of the Word (logos spermatikos).
Many people often interpret my arguments to mean that there is no such thing as absolute truth; they are absolutely mistaken. My argument is not against the notion of absolute truth; rather, it is against the notion of any truth claim being taken as universal and exhaustive.
At best, a truth claim can be absolutely true (as are all magisterial teachings of the Church). But it cannot absolutely encompass all there is to a certain truth. It also cannot be the only way in which that certain truth can be expressed.
Comments (4)
Hi Sherman,
You stated that "It's one of those things that most European theologians aren't very good at doing", could you give a few theologians who you regards as not very good on theological methods?
Posted by Joshua Woo | September 8, 2008 5:54 PM
You continue to surprise me, Dr. Kuek. My interest has been piqued. =)
Posted by Lonely Dissertator | September 9, 2008 9:58 AM
i like the idea that absolute (though contextually limited) truth can be expressed in many different ways (your last sentence). r u referring to art, drama, and maybe different religions?
Posted by alwyn | September 9, 2008 12:36 PM
Hi Joshua, thanks for your question. I have no names to mention, although from an Asian perspective, a number of us do think that Western/European theological method isn't very aware of the variety of theological methods in practice around the globe. This is probably because the West can be rather homogenous in its demographic configuration compared to Asia. Therefore, one of the things Asian theologians have had to do is that of reconstructing alternative theological methods.
Al, I'd include drama and art into the list. As for other religions, I'd say yes too. This is particularly true from the Catholic perspective that says the Church does not condemn that which is true and sacred in other religions.
Posted by sk | September 9, 2008 4:02 PM