Methodical creativity: The foundational contribution of Bernard Lonergan and Clodovis Boff toward a global theology of liberation
Abstract
This dissertation sets out to examine the nature and method for a theology of liberation that avoids the narrowing reductionism of some early iterations of liberation theology while remaining true to their more authentic trajectories. In order to do so it draws on the works of Clodovis Boff and Bernard Lonergan. The dissertation argues that a theology of liberation must not exclude questions that are posed by a foundational discourse as exemplified by the philosophical and meta-methodological investigations of Bernard Lonergan. The withdrawal to a more foundational level of discourse is something that Boff himself strenuously argues for. Boff understands that a theology of liberation must be constructed on adequate epistemological and anthropological foundations, but his work does not fully develop either of these themes. It is here that Lonergan can make a significant contribution to a theology of liberation. The dissertation first examines the foundations of general theological praxis as developed by Lonergan. It then examines those additional ingredients that are foundational to a theology of liberation, as developed by Boff. It then argues that there exists a basic complementarity between the foundational work of Boff and that of Lonergan, a complementarity that manifests itself both in the structuring and principles of theological praxis. Finally, using the resources assembled in the body of the dissertation, the dissertation concludes with an analysis of the proper understanding of the doctrine of the preferential option for the poor.
Subject Area
Theology
Recommended Citation
Carry, Joseph Bengert, "Methodical creativity: The foundational contribution of Bernard Lonergan and Clodovis Boff toward a global theology of liberation" (2005). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3169379.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3169379
