An Exposition on the Hermeneutics of Juan Luis Segundo: Towards a New Attitude in Doing Theology

Date of Award

12-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts major in Theological Studies

First Advisor

Fr. Hartono Budi, SJ, Th.D.

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the hermeneutics of Juan Luis Segundo to present his notions of a new attitude in doing theology. First, according to Juan Luis Segundo the work of interpretation offers a lens into building a critical spirit to uncover the ideological veils of theology to unveil Christ himself. This is to be done through a continuous confrontation with the reality of poverty and the recognition of the role of the poor in the process of interpretation.

Second, Juan Luis Segundo is also known for his notion of the hermeneutical circle. Hermeneutics for Segundo is to build bridges of encounter between the Word and the World, between the poor and the person of Christ. The idea is that we are to reinterpret our understanding of the Word of God in consideration of our current context. For it is not through our capacity as human beings that we are to be emancipated from these oppressive structures but it is through starting with Christ that we can hope to dream for liberation.

Last, constant and progressive hermeneutics must be considered to testify to the inexhaustible wealth of the Word of God. Segundo’s hermeneutical circle presents a key to understanding the capacity of hermeneutics to afford its self-critique. Furthermore, this last phase is liberation theology liberating itself from being "the interpretation" at any given time. Liberation hermeneutics must transcend itself and acknowledge the last word can only be the very Word of God-made flesh.

Keywords: hermeneutical circle, Juan Luis Segundo, theological method, liberation theology, option for the poor, signs of the time

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