Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 81

Uiv.

L]

§ 36.

INTRODUCTION

57

Theology which they obeyed consciously or unconsciously, This theological impulse is the general phenomenon, which is certainly exhibited in special theologiThis general cal studies, but never exhausts itself in them. phenomenon lies behind and above its temporal and individual revelations. It is not the excogitation of an individual man, but men have found it in the human mind. Neither was it found as an indifferent something, but as something definite in essence and tendency in virtue of which it can and must be included in the investigation of science as This very distinction, however, between the a whole. theological motive in general and the effect of this motive upon the individual theologian, presents both the danger and the probability that the study of Theology will encounter influences that are antagonistic to this motive which divergence will of necessity cause it to become bastardized and the mutual relation of these studies to suffer loss. With this motive itself, therefore, the impulse of criticism is given, and of

entirely or in part.

;

;

the scientific investigation into the essence of Theology

would never be finished, if it did not inquire as to how far motive had been allowed to exert itself, and in what

this

way

it

is

to continue its task.

Technically, therefore, encyclopedical investigation would be prosecuted most accurately if the essence of Theology

could

first be determined thetically if, after that, empirical Theology could be compared with this and if the means could be indicated therapeutically by which to make and maintain the healthful development of Theology. But to follow out this scheme would be unwise for three reasons. In the first place, the thetic result cannot be found except in consultation with empiricism, and this calls in the aid of the devia;

;

tions as antitheses for the definition of the conception.

the second place, with Theology in general,

Izi

and afterwards

with each of its parts, a continuous repetition of consonant criticism could not be avoided. And in the third place, the thetical, critical and therapeutical or dietetical treatment of each department would be torn altogether out of relation and come in order at three entirely different places. This

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