Author:

Keywords:

nouvelle théologie, 20th century catholic theology, Arts & Humanities, Religion, 2204 Religion and Religious Studies, 5004 Religious studies, 5005 Theology

Abstract:

This article considers the content, reception, and relevance of Louis Charlier's Essai sur le problème théologique (1938). The core theme of this essay is both the nature and methodology of theology. In this respect, Charlier is participating in the theological selfreflection of the 1930's and 1940's. He opposed the strict Roman Neoscholasticism and pleaded for the full integration of history within theology. Together with M.-D. Chenu he is to be considered as the instigator of a thomistic "ressourcement", characterized by a plea for an open thomism. This first phase of the nouvelle théologie (new theology) was followed by a second phase, a theological "ressourcement", which pleads for a full return of theology to its sources (Bible, Fathers, liturgy) on the foundations of the first phase. During this second phase too (ca. 1942-1950), there were some positive but, more often, negative critiques on Charlier's Essai. Both the Essai of Charlier and Une école de théologie: le Saulchoir of Chenu (1937) aroused Roman irritation and in 1942 were placed on the Index.