The Pastorality of Theology: Dimension and Discipline

Abstract

This collaboration proposes a reflection on the pastorality of theology in nine steps. Theology develops as a sapiential intelligence of faith between the theological reception of the Word of God and its evangelizing communication in the People of God (1). The pastoral dimension can be thought of as an aspect of the practical dimension of all theology, which complements its theoretical dimension (2). The pastoral communication of theology is a function of the systematic theologian (3) and an operation that consummates the theological method (4). In contemporary history and in dialogue with the modern emphasis on praxis, the Second Vatican Council emphasizes the pastoral nature of the Church and her teaching, especially in the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes (5). In continuity with the conciliar novelty, the pastoral dimension or perspective is distinguished as constitutive of all theology, as attested by contemporary theologians, especially some Latin American thinkers (6). Pastoral theology, which is a specific discipline of the only theological science, is located and developed within this framework (7). In his programmatic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium Francis gives the fundamental pastoral framework that animates the missionary outreach of the Church, in which the evangelizing service of theology is situated (8). Then, in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis gaudium, he underlines its kerygmatic aspect (9).