Fides et Ratio: Theology and Contemporary Pluralism

The encyclical Fides et ratio has received much attention since its appearance in 1998. This article examines several of its strengths and weaknesses. One strong point is its significant emphasis on conceptual pluralism, a pluralism affording a wide berth to philosophical and theological speculation. One weakness is the document's failure to respond to the most pressing contemporary philosophical challenge, the historicized hermeneutical approach, to the encyclical's call for a renewed metaphysics. In general, the encyclical encourages pluralism within the boundaries circumscribed by the Church's faith.