The Magisterium and Theologians in the Writings of Avery R. Dulles: The Conflicting Legacy of the Second Vatican Council

Abstract

This study explores Avery Robert Dulles's views regarding the nature of doctrinal authority in the Roman Catholic Church, and particularly the relationship between the hierarchical magisterium and theologians, with special focus on the apparent disparity between his early post- Vatican II views and his recent views. To attain this goal, Dulles's convictions are considered in the context of his doctrine of the Church, and, whenever relevant, from the perspective of his overall theological system, without neglecting the presuppositions undergirding his ideas and the methodologies used to support them. To highlight contrasting positions, three periods are studied consecutively: the earliest writings, i.e., those published before the end of the Second Vatican Council; the post-Vatican II publications, with particular emphasis on the seventies; and, finally, his writings during the nineties.