Dogmatic theology defines the doctrines of the Catholic Church, which utilizes the source of their belief in scripture and tradition. Dogmatic theology will also include definitions given by the Popes and General Church Councils.
Dogmatic Theology According to St. Thomas Aquinas
Dogmatic theology "is a true science, because it uses as principles the securely founded basic truths of Divine Revelation and draws from these new knowledge (theological conclusions) by a strict scientific method and unites the whole in a closed system," according to Dr. Ludwig Ott in Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma.
At the same time, however, dogmatic theology is considered subordinate to other sciences in that the principles thereof are not inherently evident to each individual human being. The higher sciences from which they derive come from God which is called sacred doctrine and revealed through revelation. Therefore, dogmatic theology originates from knowledge possessed by God and the blessed of God.
Both speculative and practical in its science, St. Thomas also defines dogmatic theology the science of contemplation of God in the light of revealed divine truth. But it also goes beyond such first things as God into other created things in relation to God and the moral actions of humankind relative to the supernatural goal of heaven.
St. Thomas Aquinas also stated that dogmatic theology is the most important and transcendent of sciences. He said this was so because of the sublimity of its object, by the supreme certainty of its knowledge and by its practical purpose.
According to Franciscan Schools, dogmatic theology holds as its goal the moral perfection of man.
The Positive and Speculative Method of Dogmatic Theology
The Teaching Authority of the Catholic Church and doctrines contained within sources of Revelation, scripture and tradition, form the basis for the positive method of dogmatic theology. The purpose of this method is to defend the Church from false beliefs or conceptions about Catholic Teaching.
The speculative method of dogmatic theology, on the other hand, seeks insight into truths of the Catholic faith by inquiring and applying human reason to the aforementioned content of divine revelation.
There are four different kinds of dogmas which are defined according to their subject: general dogmas, special dogmas, pure dogmas and mixed dogmas. Here is a short understanding of the specific purpose of each dogma:
- General – Fundamental Truths of Christianity
- Special – Individual Truths Contained within the Fundamental Truths of Christianity
- Pure – Dogmas known solely through Divine Revelation
- Mixed – Dogmas known by Natural Revelation
Other theologies in the Catholic Tradition of great importance include Mystical, Ascetical and Moral Theology.
Sources:
- A Catholic Dictionary, by William E. Addis and Thomas Arnold, M.A.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott.
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