ABSTRACT
The most general level of reflection is that of philosophical theology that tries to determine which conceptual forms can be accepted without contradiction. The next level is that of confessional theology that goes a step further by involving confessional criteria and trying to determine which conceptual forms can be accepted without becoming untrue to the community of faith. Although philosophical theology reflects on the faith, it is not derived from any specific faith. To the extent that philosophical theology limits itself to applying general logical criteria, it seeks to achieve a consensus including everybody. The group for which it aims to speak includes all people. Finally, philosophical theology does not presuppose any confessional allegiance; nor does it provide a rational foundation or justification for any confessional position. From this it does not follow, however, that philosophical theology and confessional dogmatics have nothing to do with each other.
