Father Longenecker provides a good summary of the principle objections against dogma. These objections are, in general, the ones proposed by Modernism (see the “Syllabus of Errors” of Pope Pius IX and Pasciendi dominici gregis). They arise from a misunderstanding of the nature of truth, of human cognition and language, and of the proper role of theological knowledge in the Christian life.
Unfortunately, Father Longenecker does not provide a good response to these objections. Indeed, he apparently accepts at least several of them and the misconceptions on which they are based; for he relegates the theological knowledge that dogma provides to being the “map” for the journey of Christian life. Knowledge of God is much more than a map; it is an essential part of developing a relationship with God and is, in a real sense, the culmination of that relationship in the beatific vision.
Father Longenecker provides a good summary of the principle objections against dogma. These objections are, in general, the ones proposed by Modernism (see the “Syllabus of Errors” of Pope Pius IX and Pasciendi dominici gregis). They arise from a misunderstanding of the nature of truth, of human cognition and language, and of the proper role of theological knowledge in the Christian life.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Father Longenecker does not provide a good response to these objections. Indeed, he apparently accepts at least several of them and the misconceptions on which they are based; for he relegates the theological knowledge that dogma provides to being the “map” for the journey of Christian life. Knowledge of God is much more than a map; it is an essential part of developing a relationship with God and is, in a real sense, the culmination of that relationship in the beatific vision.