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Feature Articles

Brian Lewis
Against the background of the development in the understanding of the magisterium in the history of the Church, the article considers the difference between the teaching of the magisterium in relation to morals and concerning faith. The different levels of authoritative teaching in the area of morals is clarified in the light of the distinction between formal, attitudinal norms and concrete, behavioural norms, which govern the broad field of moral living. It is in regard to these latter norms that Christian conscience may experience tension with the teaching of the magisterium. Pronouncements on issues of behaviour need to be well researched and supported by sound arguments. Otherwise they become purely �extrinsic� in terms of conscience decisions.
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Brian Gleeson CP
The author revisits and personally comments upon the now classic work of Avery Dulles, Models of the Church, which he first published in 1974 and updated subsequently. He recalls Dulles� interpretations of the nature and mission of the church in terms of institution; communion; sacrament; herald; and servant (1974), and in subsequent editions his synthetic model of community of disciples. To the perspectives of Dulles, the author adds recent comments upon and developments of, some of Dulles� categories, as offered by John Fuellenbach. Two additional models, as proposed by Fuellenbach, are introduced into the mix. These are 1. the church as basic ecclesial communities; and 2. the church as a contrast society. The author concludes by endorsing Dulles� earlier conclusion as still applicable, that �by a kind of mental juggling act, we need to keep several models in the air at once�.
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Anthony J. Kelly C.Ss.R
In the search for a global ethic, natural law continues to be a lively area of discussion�and a difficult one. For the purpose of communicating a natural law ethic of global proportions, this article first discusses four negative connotations of �natural law�, and then proceeds more positively in sections dealing respectively with global consciousness, self-transcendence as the interior foundation of natural law, and new contexts of ecology and evolution. We conclude to the multi-dimensional significance of natural law in promoting a conversion to a global morality, and for stimulating a global conversation to that end.
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Glenn Morrison
The article investigates the recent turn towards Emmanuel Levinas� writings in the philosophy of Education. Engaging this turn, the article sets out to develop an ethical, personal and contemplative approach towards understanding and responding to psychosis. By imagining a Levinasian horizon for understanding the experience of psychosis in the Teaching-Learning environment, Levinas� thought gives hope to take on the work of justice and offer a gift of friendship especially when faced with students experiencing psychosis. The approach towards people suffering the moods and difficulties of psychosis, the article argues, parallels the very spiritual practice of contemplation.
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Joseph S. O'Leary
Origen wrote the first great commentary on Romans, which had considerable influence in the Latin West. The subtle, multifaceted character of Origen�s exegesis has led to conflicting interpretations of his position, some seeing him as the first Pelagian, others as a witness to the sola fide. Melanchthon, in his lifelong preoccupation with Romans, attempted to come to grips with this slippery situation, praising Origen for some insights but criticizing him for betraying them in further developments. Revisiting this debate, with special attention to Romans 3.21-4.8, we attempt to grasp what is fundamentally at stake and to open a path to fruitful reading of Paul, Origen, the Reformers and the Council of Trent for today.
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John Thornhill SM
Editor's Note: The Preface and Chapter One "A Challenging Originality" are available in the former issue, No. 11, of Australian Ejournal of Theology. Later chapters will appear in future AEJT issues.
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Fran�ois Barriquand
The question of freedom is one of the central issues of the dialogue between science and religion. Here, a multi-disciplinary approach is used to analyze the nature of freedom. Special attention is devoted to its ontological status. Scientific, philosophical and theological points of view are successively presented. Special attention is paid to the articulation between different approaches, so that the specificity of each is respected.
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John Kinder
The author confronts the reality of multilingualism from historical, cultural and religious perspectives. Complementing the view that language is a means of communication derived from the desire for unity, we should realise that language is also a declaration of diversity derived from the desire for difference. This makes speech an act of trust. This paper is a revised version of an address given at the 28th Meeting for Friendship among the Peoples, Rimini, August 2007. [Editor]
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