Phenomenological Philosophy: And Reconstruction in Western Theism

Front Cover
WestBow Press, 2010 - Philosophy - 106 pages
This book is a contribution to the existing body of philosophical and theological thought. It is a personal account, not a historical or chronological one. The approach taken reflects the metamorphosis from a classical to a contemporary view of theology. The book is an excellent teaching tool, one, which faithfully reflects the word of God. It stresses that through personal engagement with the Spirit of God one may begin to understand religious experience, thereby enabling one's personal faith conviction. The primary purpose of theological study is spiritual growth, while intellectual understanding is of secondary importance. The deepening of theological understanding, it appears, has been achieved, not by ecclesiastical officials, but by faithful individuals sometimes even in opposition to official interpretation. Furthermore, the author says, individuals need to accept their co-responsibility and co-creative relationships with that which is divine. A viable future Church, he says, must relinquish its hold on sovereignty and centralization and institute a decision-making procedure through the principle of subsidiarity. An incursion into the Modernist movement clarifies new interpretations within theological thinking illuminating the potential for development in the future Church. This book passes as not only an informative guide to reflection on interpretation of truth but serves as a must-read for any serious student of theology, which compels the reader to examine his or her own life in the search for truth -- Publisher description.

About the author (2010)

Allan Savage, DTh, S.T.D., has served in diverse and varying ministries since being ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1978. Academic, pastoral and ecclesial affairs have captured his attention over the years. His postgraduate academic credentials were obtained later in life and, "on the job," which enabled him to keep abreast of developments as they occurred in the various areas of contemporary theology, Western and Eastern. He has written books in the areas of theology, philosophy and psychology. That contemporary culture is significantly different from the Medieval culture from which much of the Church's theology and philosophy is inherited, and thus is no longer satisfactory for the contemporary context, has provided the motivation for his writing. Having recently retired from teaching at the Faculty of Theology in the University of Winnipeg, while Director of the Adult Faith Office, Diocese of Thunder Bay, he is presently Pastor of St Patrick's Parish, Québec City, QC, Canada.

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