Catholic Theology: An Introduction

There once was a lengthy span of time when theology, standing at the heart of university faculties, was classified as the “Queen of the Sciences.” This is no longer the case. Theology is a topic that is becoming more and more foreign to contemporary minds. 

This Catholic Handbook is an introduction to Catholic theology. It attempts to provide well-disposed readers with an accessible overview of what Catholic theology is, why it is important, and what the Magisterium has said about it. Not only is God knowable, but he has also actually revealed himself to human persons. God is both known and knowable. This is the fundamental conviction of this Handbook. 

Because theology is the study of the knowable God, two derivative themes inform the entirety of this volume. The first is that Catholic theology is about God and all things in reference to God. Ultimately, theology is not about the human person or human life, or even about sacred writings or holy authors. It is specifically about God, the origin and end of the human person. 

The second overarching theme of this book is that theological inquiry is necessary for human fulfillment and ultimate happiness. God created the human person. And every human person is naturally inclined to know the truth about God. He is an essential part of human flourishing. Consequently, there is a sense in which every human person is a theologian—someone who studies God. All human persons are fundamentally inclined to the truth that the science of theology contemplates. 

The Catholic Handbooks Series provides concise overviews in print form of doctrines essential to Christian thought and life.