This is the second conversation with Dr. Lawrence Feingold and it follows my reading of his book on fundamental theology: Faith Comes From What is Heard - An Introduction to Fundamental Theology. Fundamental theology is the study of theology itself - it establishes the ground rules by which we can look at scripture, for example, and develop theological statements which are true Don’t be put off by what seems to be a dry subject. This is well written and engagingly written and is intended for the intelligent layperson as well as an introductory text for seminarians.

As just one example, he discusses how the most recent advances in the study of the texts of scripture, combined with the approach of Benedict XVI, John Paul II reinforce the traditional teachings of the Church Fathers and, simultaneously of the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on revelation Dei verbum. He uses the example of consideration of the order in which the four gospels were written. The patristic tradition always held that they were written in the order that they appear in the Bible - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and not, as the scholarship of 100 years ago seemed to suggest, with Mark first.

And of course, we discuss the impact of all this on art and culture!