Translation and “esprit de finesse”. Theology in the servi­ce of a culturally plural Church in Europe
Translation and “esprit de finesse”. Theology in the servi­ce of a culturally plural Church in Europe

Summary/Abstract: The following article reflects on a redefinition of theological work in Europe in times of synodality. The new synodal processes make it clear that theology cannot be anything other than “local”; it grows out of the various places where theologians are active. In the plurality of these places, in continuous processes of inculturation, theology must reflect the message of faith, and so its task includes the “art of translation” in and between the diverse spaces. Theology thus places itself at the service of a Church that is a “sacrament of the peoples”, an emblematic image from the Second Vatican Council that requires fresh expression in this era of synodality. In this sense, the article addresses the question of a theology in the service of a culturally plural church in Europe. The philosophical approach of Paul Ricœur is – on a methodological level – the reference for the approach to cultural pluralism in Europe and the search for a Christian unity. Theology can only address the question of the identity and truth of Christian faith by means of translation and recognition and with an “esprit de finesse.” These are the foundations for the current search for a theology that traces synodal paths.

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