Theological-Moral Epistemology: The Question of Method and Inter-Transdisciplinary in Amoris Laetitia and Veritatis Gaudium

Abstract

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The Second Vatican Council’s roadmap for the renewal of moral theology is being vigorously updated by the magisterium of Pope Francis, with Evangelii gaudium already in 2013 and with a special commitment in 2016’s Amoris laetitia and 2018’s Veritatis gaudium, along with some important addresses that have helped interpret that apostolic constitution. This article examines the epistemological renewal of morality from the challenges posed by the pontifical magisterium concerning the question of theological method and its relationship with inter-transdisciplinary dialogue in pursuit of an authentically pastoral and synodal theology, one that extends to the peripheries and opens itself to the sensus fidei fidelium and to discernment in both personal and social morality. These proposals on some core issues of theological-moral knowledge are addressed to the community of moral theologians working in the universal church so that, through rigorous study and honest exchange together, we might seek how to respond better to reality, placing the person at the center and making mercy the hermeneutical principle of our theological ministry under the sign of the cross of Christ.