Shapes of the Religious-epistemological Paradigm of Modern Catholicism

Abstract

In the article, the author seeks to outline the epistemological guidelines in Catholicism which emerged as the result of the adaptation of the paradigm of religious knowledge to contemporary thought after Vatican II, as well as identify the attempts to solve the related theological problems in official statements and documents. While Catholic religious knowledge is consistently based on Revelation and the postulate of the existence of absolute Truth, its contemporary epistemology is marked by a strong historical-anthropological focus. The communication of the truths of faith requires explicative effort that conforms to the demands of a human person, the present situation of culture and science, and the socio-historical context of the life of the Church. Therefore, there is a growing need for a relevant study of the world and man in relation to the mystery of God. This function is entrusted to theology to be carried out within an interdisciplinary and ecumenical discourse. A special partnership is established with philosophy, based on recognition of its autonomous cognitive competences which may enrich theological knowledge. The awareness of theology’s scientific nature and mission has resulted in a desire for critical independence of theology within the Church. At the same time, the conceptual and methodological adjustments raise the problem of dogmatic relativism. The way to solve the problem is in an informal treatment of the concept of ecclesiasticism that may ensure the freedom of theological reflection while keeping a profound connection to ecclesiological reality, as well as in building balanced communication between different authoritative sources. The article demonstrates the existing tendency to diversify the magisterial authority of the hierarchy by reinforcing other verification criteria and instances. The observed possibility for forming a multipolar epistemological model within a hierarchical structure is significant for justifying the consistency of theology as a discursive discipline without compromising its ecclesiastical-religious essence.