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Document Details : Title: Between Traditio and Progressio Subtitle: Some Remarks on Augustinianism, Pelagianism, Massilianism and the Challenges of en et-et Theology Author(s): OGLIARI, Donato Journal: Louvain Studies Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Date: spring 2003 Pages: 12-31 DOI: 10.2143/LS.28.1.501768 Abstract : At the beginning of the 5th century, while the discussion between Augustine and Pelagianism on one hand and Augustine and Massilianism on the other was taking place, the notion of Tradition lacked any doctrinal unity, fully and precisely defined. Christian doctrine was undergoing a development, whereby definitions were formulated or readjusted in order to replace some general references no longer considered sufficient. New theoretical insights and acquisitions – as illustrated, for instance, by the Christological question – often provided the conceptual means to (re)formulate the teaching of Scripture and Tradition. In fact it belongs to the essence of the Church Tradition that the depositum fidei (viz. the data of Revelation whose fulfilment is represented by the Jesus-event) be not only 'preserved:' an equally vital aspect is its living 'development.' Problems, however, begin to arise when one is called to determine exactly whether such a development is intrinsically in tune with the depositum fidei and its interpretation by the Church. A notable example of such concern comes from the Commonitoriumof Vincent of Lérins (died ca. 450): a text which was most probably written against the 'novelty' of Augustine's theory of predestination. Although 'conservative' in its intention and rigid and somehow contradictory in its formulation, the interest of this text lies in its plea not only for Tradition but also for a development of Christian teaching. |
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