Roman Catholic theology

The term Catholic theology is both the name of theology as an academic discipline within the religious horizon of the Roman Catholic Church ( material object ) and to describe the specific methodology precisely this discipline ( formal object ) are used.

Material object of Catholic theology

It comes to speak of the Triune God who has revealed himself content as Creator, in the creation, design and maintenance of the world as Savior and Redeemer, especially in the form of Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Spirit, in the constant renewal and hoped-for consummation of the world. The church and its work in the Holy Spirit entrusted this as a revelation to interpretation, preaching and healing effects (especially in the sacraments ). This results in the healing of all creation gives important reference point to God, who is seen as the source and goal of all existence. In particular, the man, though a sin Decayed from the beginning, is understood as the justified by God elect and sage and through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit through the gift of salvation. If he accepts this in faith and baptism, and keep them in life in works of love, the completion of the Holy Spirit is given to him.

Formal object of Catholic theology

Methodologically, understood Catholic theology as responsible speech of God, the white is committed to the two poles of faith and reason. The religious reference is openly exhibited and tried in the Triassic of the commitment to the Scriptures, to redeem the church tradition and the Magisterium of the Church. The reason reference proves in the inner rationality of theology as a science of faith and also in their ability to open and at the same time critical dialogue with non-theological disciplines ( in the first place with the philosophy, but also with the other human sciences and the natural sciences ) and last but not least with the respective culture.

First Catholic theologians

These are, above all, the Apostle ( Paul), and Doctor of the Church Augustine ( Augustine of Hippo ) and Thomas Aquinas. Paul's Christ-centered teaching initiated a detachment of Christianity from Judaism and the development of an independent, eventually global religion. He is also father of Protestant theology. Augustine shaped like no other Western theology and piety. He was the father of Latin Christian theology. For Thomas Aquinas philosophy had its own legitimacy in addition to theology. His theology was a turning point for the rational analysis and scientific research. He also became the great and still relevant today apologists of the papacy.