The Shape of Catholic Theology: An Introduction to its Sources, Principles, and History

by Aidan Nichols

An exemplary summary of the state of Catholic theology and what appears to be its future.

This historical treatment of Catholic theology looks not to the content of that theology but rather to the form in which that content is contained and how it is expressed. Faithful to Catholic teaching yet critical, discerning yet impartial, Nichols offers this introduction to dogmatic theology, with the firm belief that dogmatics are the center of theology, and that any theological discipline which cuts itself off from these heartlands does so at its own peril. For it is in dogmatics that theology is in touch with the heart of revelation, and only by virtue of the quality of its contact with that revelation is thinking Christian at all.

Though comprehensive and far-reaching, this work is not beyond the understanding of people just commencing a study of theology. It makes an excellent text for study groups.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Christian

374 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

About the author

John Christopher "Aidan" Nichols O.P., S.T.M. (born 17 September 1948) is an English academic and Catholic priest.

Nichols served as the first John Paul II Memorial Visiting Lecturer at the University of Oxford for 2006 to 2008, the first lectureship of Catholic theology at that university since the Reformation. He is a member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and is the Prior of St Michael the Archangel in Cambridge.

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing in that it sets out to provide the Catholic context for theological study -- a nice primer on how the Roman Catholic church thinks about itself, philosophy, and theology.

[Jan-Jaap van Peperstraten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucid and erudite, an unmissable primer in Catholic theology for anyone with even a remote interest in the subject.

[Robbie Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the shape of catholic theology Aidan Nichols offers a valuable primer on the tasks of the catholic theologian. This isn’t a catechism or a systematic theology text, but rather an overview of the sources and methods used by theologians paired, with a brief historical overview of catholic thought. Nichols is evenhanded throughout and places the methods of many theologians (beloved or controversial) into context. Nichols’ discussion of tradition and the sources of revelation was especially excellent, and the chapter “soundings in theological history” provided plenty of insight on various thinkers and a bunch of recommended reading.

As a beginner to theology this was a very helpful read. I learned a lot and look forward to revisiting this book in the near future!

[Matthew Purt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book thinking it would be some kind of orthodox Thomistic treatise in the face of post V2 craziness. It’s not what I got.

Fr Aidan Nicholls OP had a reputation of being a bastion of orthodoxy in the immediate post-conciliar period. This book didn’t give me that impression. He endorses limited inerrancy and isn’t very clear with his language all throughout the book.

This book shows its age. There are far better books to read about Catholic fundamental theology from a Thomistic perspective. ‘Faith comes from what is heard’ by Feingold and ‘Fundamental Theology’ by Ocariz & Blanco are far better.

[Jon Wisnieski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview. The author does exactly what he set out to do: not to dive deep into any one particular theological topic but to provide an overview of how Catholic theology works and the range it covers. I was very impressed by how well-read Nichols is, based off of the extensive footnotes and citations.

[Andres · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not especially deep, but then again, it is an introduction.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tremendously helpful overview of Catholic fundamental theology. In a clear, well-organized, and (painlessly) systematic and historical treatment, Nichols presents the foundational ideas for the task of Catholic theology, namely, the necessary habits, the approach to philosophy, scripture, tradition, guides for discernment (experience, magisterium). Although a lot to swallow, the part "Soundings in Theological History" gives a lucid review of the basic developments of Catholic theological thought, particularly through the lens of the literary genres produced at that particular moment in theological history.

All in all, an excellent introduction tailored to either the theology student or the intelligent and curious catholic.

[Br. Justin Marie Brophy, O.P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good introductory text. It is readable and quick moving. However, it is exactly that-- an introduction. For somebody looking for an in depth view into theology, this is not the text you want. For the beginner, it is a great place to start.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a passable introduction to theology from a catholic perspective. its primary value is the back third of the book that provides a survey of theologians since the nineteenth century.