The Trinity in History is the first volume in a new series by Robert M. Doran that uses the thought of Bernard Lonergan to develop a unified field structure for systematic work in theology. Building on his successful and thought-provoking Theology and the Dialectics of History and What Is Systematic Theology?, Doran works out a starting point for a contemporary theology of history and proposes a new application of the 'psychological analogy' for understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Advancing the work of Lonergan, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas, The Trinity in History also enters into conversation with contemporary philosophical emphases, especially with the mimetic theory of noted anthropological philosopher Rene Girard. Doran suggests several refinements of Lonergan's notion of functional specialization - developing a perspective for including the data of various religious traditions in theological construction, and establishing this theory's relevance for contemporary interreligious dialogue.

In his classic work Method in Theology, Bernard Lonergan left many questions unanswered in regard to his treatment of systematics. In What Is Systematic Theology? Robert M. Doran attempts to articulate and respond to these questions. Doran begins by accepting four emphases presented by Lonergan concerning systematics: first, that its principal function is the hypothetical and analogical understanding of the mysteries of faith; second, that it should begin with those mysteries of faith that have received dogmatic status; third, that it must proceed in the 'order of teaching' rather than the 'order of discovery'; and last, that it must be explanatory rather than merely descriptive. He then addresses questions that are raised by each of these emphases. What Is Systematic Theology? is the most thorough attempt undertaken to date to advance Lonergan's program for systematics, fully in the spirit of his work but addressing issues that he left to others. Doran's idea of a core set of meanings for systematics - or a 'unified field structure' - is highly original, as is the integration of the systematic ideal and contemporary historical consciousness.

Synopsis: Secular contemporary development discourse deals with the problems of societal development and transformation by prioritizing the human good in terms of vital and social values with the aim of providing the basic necessities of life through social institutions that work. While such an approach is profitable by promoting economic growth, it does not take note of other dynamics of social progress and development. Also, it fails to notice the consequences of development strategies on human flourishing, well-being, and happiness. Ogbonnayu argues for an integral approach to development by engaging in a fruitful dialogue between Bernard Lonergan's philosophical anthropology with contemporary development discourse, as represented in select theories of development, and in select principles of Catholic social teaching. It makes a case for social progress and transformation as emanating from human understanding. Also, it highlights the parts of Lonergan's theory that contribute to an understanding, specifically of his treatment of bias, and of the shorter and longer cycles of societal decline. In view of the reality of moral impotence and limitations, it considers the reversal of societal decline as possible through the supernatural solution of God's grace. Endorsement: "This text offers a weighty theoretical prolegomena to the concrete implementation of sustainable development throughout the vulnerable economic areas in the world." --John Dadosky, University of Toronto "Joseph Ogbonnaya has produced a valuable book that contributes to the stock of knowledge both for theological studies in general and Lonergan scholarship in particular. . . . By retrieving and utilizing Lonergan's philosophical anthropology in this important discourse on development, Ogbonnaya has opened up a new area of intellectual activity, an area that if further investigated and developed holds a bright future, not only for theological education, but also for sociology and politics." --Cyril Orji, University of Dayton "This book brings contemporary development discourse and Catholic social teachings into conversation with Lonergan's philosophical anthropology. . . . I highly commend this book, which presents a focused and well-researched application of Lonergan's work to a contemporary context of relevance." --Thomas E. Reynolds, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto "This book . . . touches on themes related to economics, social justice, and cultural and historical differences, with core references to Africa and to the work of Lonergan on what it means to be human, on what makes for progress, decline, and redemption in human affairs." --Therese Mason, Discovery Theatre for Adult Liberal Learning Author Biography: Joseph Ogbonnaya is Assistant Professor of Theology, author of Deepening the Christian Faith (2011Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the ) and coeditor of The Church as Salt and Light (2011).

The second volume of Robert M. Doran's magisterial The Trinity in History continues his exploration of the Trinitarian theology of Bernard Lonergan, focusing now on the notions of relations and persons and connecting the systematic proposals with the so-called "Third Quest for the Historical Jesus." Doran not only interprets Lonergan's major work in Trinitarian theology and Christology but also suggests at least a twofold advance: a new version of the psychological analogy for understanding Trinitarian doctrine and a new starting point for the whole of systematic theology. He links these theological concerns with Rene Girard's mimetic theory, proposes a theory of history based in Lonergan's scale of values, and creates a link between exegetical and historical scholarship and systematic theology.

In this challenging work Robert M. Doran explores the basis of systematic theology in consciousness, and goes on to consider the practical role of such theology in establishing and fostering communities with an authentic way of life. This way of life would counteract the distortions and deformations of humanity that are exemplified by both late capitalism and Marxism.

Theology positions and interpretations today, argues Doran, must be stated in the categories of a theory of history. The first part of the book outlines the horizon required for such categories. The second, third, and fourth parts incrementally derive the categories expressing a theory of history in terms of the reciprocal relations among subjects, cultures, and social structures. The final part, on hermeneutics, oresents an argument for the pertinence of what has preceded for interpreting the words and deeds of others.

Doran draws extensively on the thought of Bernard Lonergan, and the work develops Lonergan's methodological insights. It issues a call to persona; genuineness and authenticity, informed by religious, moral, intellectual, affective, and psychic 'conversions, ' by 'interior' differentiation of one's consciousness, and by Christian faith, on the parts of theologians who aspire to arrest effectively the course of cultural decline.