Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 80

DIVISION

II

THE ORGANISM OF SCIENCE 3j«0

§ 36.

Introduction

It is the task of Theological

Encyclopedia to investigate

the nature of Theology for the stated purposes of under-

standing

it,

of passing criticism

upon

assisting its healthful development.

its

progress,

and of

It is not sufficient that

it must also answer the question. What Theology is examine the studies that have thus far been bestowed upon Theology, and mark out the course henceforth This investigation would bear no scientific to be pursued. character, and consequently would not be Encyclopedic, if Theology were merely a private pursuit of individuals. Now, however, it is both, because Theology presents an interest that engages the human mind as such. We face a phenomenon that extends across the ages, and has engaged many persons, and therefore cannot be the outcome of a whim or notion, nor yet of an agreement or common contract, but is governed by a motive of its own, which has worked upon these persons in all ages. This motive cannot lie elsewhere than in the human mind and if a certain regularity, order and perceptible development are clearly manifest in these theological studies, as prosecuted in whatever period and by whatever persons, it follows that this motive, by which the human mind is impelled to theological investigation, not only formally demands such an investigation, but is bound to govern the content and the tendency of these Distinction therefore must be made between the studies. theological study of individual theologians and the impulse

it

;

critically

;

56

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