Introduction

In 1988, the Catholic Theological Society of America published a collection of essays whose intent was to 'begin a new conversation among scholars about the sources of Catholic theology'. The Society had called upon its then Vice-President, Walter H. Principe, CSB, to reflect on the history of theology as a principal source for theological work. More commonly, however, a fortress protects against unwanted attack, and in this mode the history of theology can help to protect a theological idea from receiving legitimate criticism. By contrast, the history of theology can function like a launching pad: it can propel scholars into new spheres of inquiry. Using the past as a launching pad for creative theologies in the present and future will prevent a stagnating fortress use of past theology and at the same time (to change the metaphor) provide a gravitational pull that will keep space-travelling theologians from floating off into the darkness of outer space.