Francesco Maddalena
wrote:
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Hi, Mary Ann —
I come to plague you with a new question.
Since you are a theologian, I would like to
ask a question regarding pragmatism and practicality.
Many affirm that science is important due, for example, the practical advances in
technology that have made life easier. That said:
- What is the practical or pragmatic value of theology,
beyond the study of religious truth and moral issues (regarding
moral theology)?
- Or, is theology beyond pragmatism?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Greetings,
Francesco
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{
What is the pragmatic value of theology,
beyond the study of religious truth and moral issues? }
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Mary Ann replied:
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Well, Francesco —
You came to the right person because I call myself a practical
theologian. I use every bit of any theology I ever learned in the
ministry I direct, and needed every bit of it in raising my children!
The ministry requires knowledge of moral theology and spirituality. Too
many spiritual directors and helping professions in
the Church nowadays have no theology or poor theology; and no knowledge
of the Church's vast treasury of wisdom. As a result, they fall victim
to New Age stuff.
In essence, theology is faith seeking understanding — so
it is, by nature, both a speculative science and a practical one.
- Speculative because it wants to know God for His own sake.
- Practical because this knowledge is based on faith, which is a living
relationship that must be lived practically so that we can reach our
final end in God.
Mary Ann
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Francesco replied:
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Mary Ann,
Thank you for your answer.
The problem I see, however, is many might criticize theology as not been pragmatic in the
way that technology is. (I think Dawkins likes to make this point.)
Francesco
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