“New theology” in the context of the evolution of roman catholic thought

The article analyzes the development of Roman Catholic theology in the period between the First (1869-1870) and the Second (1962-1965) Vatican Councils. Te dialectic of its three main directions is explicated: neo-Scholasticism, modernism and “new theology.” It is shown that the profound transformation of Roman Catholic consciousness in this period was accompanied by a radical change in the relationship between theology and secular philosophical and scientific thought. Actually the theological content of the Second Vatican Council was a critical rethinking of the Neo-Tomistic paradigm that prevailed throughout the century in the spirit of the pluralization and de-absolutization of its theological methodology. Te author claims that the transformation that took place in Roman Catholic theology in the span of several decades of the 20th century is very instructive and characteristic for Christians. Te dramatic historical path of “new theology” allows us to see exactly how Christianity understands the relationship between the old and the new, because “a new reading of the classical past from the Christian point of view promotes further penetration into the depth of Christianity itself.” Te relevance of “new theology” in modern conditions lies in the fact that this line of thought indicates that a rich Christian tradition is very pluralistic and variable, and therefore, can inspire a creative and profound rethinking of the past and the present.