The relation between history and theology according to R. Draguet (Louvain), M.-D. Chenu (Le Saulchoir) and Y. Congar (Le Saulchoir). A comparative analysis from the perspective of interaction and networking between theological schools.

The project is focused on the way two theological schools (Leuven-Le Saulchoir) dealt with the problematic relation between history and theology, in the period between the modernist crisis and the Second Vatican Council, especially in the 1930s. For both schools we discuss in a comparative way the views of its most prominent representatives, R. Draguet (1896-1980) and M.-D. Chenu (1895-1990) respectively, who were both reproved by the H. Office in 1942. A second Saulchoir theologian, Y. Congar (1904-1995) is included in the research as a pioneer in historical theology and as a mediator between the divergent views of Draguet and Chenu. The interaction between the views of these three theologians is analyzed in three case studies. In the first case study the views of Draguet and Chenu are expounded in their conflicting interaction. In the second case study the focus is on the resemblances and even dependence between the views of Draguet and Congar. The third case study assesses the implications of the links between Draguet and Congar for the relation between the theology of Chenu and Congar. The project will shed light both on the characteristic traits and on the interaction and interdependence of two very important schools of twentieth century Catholic theology.

Keywords:Theology of tradition, Nouvelle théologie, Theological methodology, Doctrinal development, Historicity of Christianity, Yves Congar (1904-1995), Marie-Dominique Chenu (1895-1990), René Draguet (1896-1980)

Disciplines:Theology and religious studies, General pedagogical and educational sciences, Communication sciences, Philosophy