Theological Method: The Southern Exposure

Abstract

In the last few years, considerable discussion has revived in theological circles on the fundamental problematic of method in A very influential catalyst for the debate was provided by Bernard Lonergan's study on method, which had been eagerly awaited for a number of years. More recently, a student of Lonergan's, David Tracy, published his own erudite and comprehensive analysis of the various tasks of And Gregory Baum's latest book had much to contribute concerning method, especially with regard to the relationship of theology and the social sciences. Within the ambit of the North Atlantic nations, areas of disagreement have emerged. A good example may be found in the reservations recently expressed by Avery Dulles with regard to Tracy's study. It is my own conclusion, however, that even more profound divergences with respect to method are now beginning to surface on a north-south axis, that is, between the North Atlantic centers of theology and those in the Third World, with Latin America in the avant-garde position for the latter. In this article I shall review some of these divergences and comment on their implications for theological method in the future. At the outset, it will be helpful to state frankly my own views concerning Latin American theology, which is now widely known as liberation theology. I believe it represents the most significant theological development from a Roman Catholic perspective since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The rationale for this position will be developed in the course of this article. For the present, it should be emphasized that the movement clearly affords an antienvironment for Western theology, that is, it makes possible an outside perspective for a fresh evaluation and critique of both the methods and content of the theology that has developed over centuries in Europe and North