THE ROLE AND PLACE OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY IN A PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY/INSTITUTE

Abstract

The article concerns the role and place of systematic theology in Pontifical University. The problem is that the value of Systematic Theology in ecclesiastical Faculties of theology had been strongly denied and mightily diminished. In point of facts, the absence of the light of Systematic Theology in Pontifical University has been the reason of darkness of the mystery of our apostolic faith, especially in ecclesial, secular and public life. The objective of the article is to demonstrate that Systematic Theology has a role and a place in a Pontifical Institute, using the method of correlation, and the methodological questions, which include, what is theology? Has Systematic Theology a role or a place in a Pontifical University? The argument of the article is that we cannot easily bracket the role of Systematic Theology in a faculty of theology and ignore its place as a unifier in the curriculum of theological studies in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Another important aspect of its role is that Systematic Theology sheds a great light on the mystery of God (a mystery which is to be approached through inquiry - faith seeking understanding). The article contributes to the flourishing of the greenhouse of faith in Pontifical University, by laying aside all fundamentalists' misunderstanding that twisted the meaning and Catholic origin of Systematic Theology in the early Church. Keywords: University, Pontifical, Theology, revelation, faith, culture.