John Paul II and the Renewal of Thomistic Theology
August 8-9, 2003

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Conference Speakers:
· Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ – Keynote Address
· Thomas Weinandy, O.F.M. Cap., University of Oxford
· Reinhard Hütter, Duke University Divinity School
· Fergus Kerr, OP, University of Oxford and Editor of New Blackfriars
· Charles Morerod, OP, The Angelicum
· Francesca Murphy, University of Aberdeen
· Michael Sherwin, OP, University of Fribourg
· Pia Francesca de Solenni
· Russell Hittinger, University of Tulsa
· Robert Barron, Mundelein Seminary
· Michael Waldstein, International Theological Institute
· Steven Long, University of St. Thomas (MN)
· Matthew Levering, Ave Maria University
· John Berkman, Catholic University of America
· Guy Mansini, O.S.B., St. Meinrad’s School of Theology
· Frederick Bauerschmidt, Loyola College in Maryland and Co-Editor of Modern Theology

On the occasion of Pope John Paul II’s Silver Jubilee year, this conference explored the contemporary theological situation in light of the Pope’s groundbreaking work. The past quarter-century has witnessed a significant amount of theological turbulence, but also numerous positive signs for the development of theology within the Church. Theologians from a wide variety of backgrounds can agree that the widely respected, timely encyclicals of Pope John Paul II brilliantly addressed a number of the most important aspects of the post-conciliar Church. Building upon the documents of the Second Vatican Council, his encyclicals have touched upon the entire spectrum of theological themes, from Christ and the moral life, to the role of women in contemporary society, to the relationship of faith and reason. His Theology of the Body, articulated in his catechetical addresses, has shed vital light upon the truth of the teaching of Humanae Vitae that marital relations, to be acts of Christian love, must embody self-giving openness to the other person, rather than the “protection” that is mistakenly prized in our society today.

At the same time, Thomistic theology has been experiencing a period of renewed growth and excitement. Without neglecting Aquinas’s profound metaphysics, Thomistic theologians such as the Dominicans Jean-Pierre Torrell, a master of the historical milieu in which Thomas wrote, and Servais Pinckaers, who has reminded moral theologians of the centrality of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, have focused attention upon St. Thomas Aquinas’s spiritual, liturgical, patristic, and biblical sources. Thomistic theologians have identified in Aquinas’s speculative theology and biblical commentaries significant resources for today.

This conference identified connections and areas of convergence between the enormous theological contribution of John Paul II and the resources of Thomistic theology. In a number of areas of vital importance to theology today, the conference discussed how the new directions and points of concern identified by Pope John Paul II resonate with the current renewal of Thomistic theology as a vibrant and living tradition of inquiry into Catholic truth.