Relative to theology, Xavier’s Mission statement runs parallel to the mission of theology; a mission to “create a more just and humane society”. As theology serves as a medium between society and the church, Xavier also mediates between the institution and society. In order to understand the function of Xavier’s mission, we must first gain insight into the function of theology. By first grasping a clear understanding of theological function, we may compare the utility of critical reflection in regard to dissolving what Gutierrez states are “temporary truths”. Consequently, we will begin to delve into how having a critical attitude in theology serves as a step before not only those who study the faith, but also those who wish to create a just
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Most importantly, critical reflection safeguards, the church and society in that theology’s critical assessment of the past and current trends help to justify the reason for Christian action and awareness. In fact, as Gutierrez asserts, “Critical reflection thus always plays the inverse role of an ideology which rationalizes and justifies a given social ecclesial order” (Pg 10). Gutierrez stresses that in the past, theology main role was to justify truth’s implicated by the Church. Today, theology must have a critical attitude about pastoral activity and social action taken by the church. In the past, the church did not grow with the time and social trends of the era, only sticking to their guns. Thus critical assessment of praxis of the Christian life is necessary to see if a church and its’ devotees are truly faithful to the word of god. Critical contemplation of action on the members and pastor(s) of the church reveals to us the truth meaning behind Christian life built; a true Christian or theologian must be acutely aware of the trends culturally, socially, and historically, and take action on behalf of god. This critical reflection is also what drives Xavier’s ultimate …show more content…
What we have to take from this quote is that fixed truths become stagnant. When we apply a truth that no longer is relevant to the world, it becomes unable to produce any further fact or fruitful action. It is in this way that critical reflection sets up the basis for a new perspectives on truths and how they should be handled in the context of the world we live in today as opposed to the “facts” established
Most importantly, critical reflection safeguards, the church and society in that theology’s critical assessment of the past and current trends help to justify the reason for Christian action and awareness. In fact, as Gutierrez asserts, “Critical reflection thus always plays the inverse role of an ideology which rationalizes and justifies a given social ecclesial order” (Pg 10). Gutierrez stresses that in the past, theology main role was to justify truth’s implicated by the Church. Today, theology must have a critical attitude about pastoral activity and social action taken by the church. In the past, the church did not grow with the time and social trends of the era, only sticking to their guns. Thus critical assessment of praxis of the Christian life is necessary to see if a church and its’ devotees are truly faithful to the word of god. Critical contemplation of action on the members and pastor(s) of the church reveals to us the truth meaning behind Christian life built; a true Christian or theologian must be acutely aware of the trends culturally, socially, and historically, and take action on behalf of god. This critical reflection is also what drives Xavier’s ultimate …show more content…
What we have to take from this quote is that fixed truths become stagnant. When we apply a truth that no longer is relevant to the world, it becomes unable to produce any further fact or fruitful action. It is in this way that critical reflection sets up the basis for a new perspectives on truths and how they should be handled in the context of the world we live in today as opposed to the “facts” established