Missteps on The Way to Nicea: A critical reading of Lonergan's theory of the development of Nicene doctrine

Abstract

This article explores the foundational assumptions which govern Bernard Lonergan's reading of the ante-Nicene Fathers and the development of doctrine on "the way to Nicea." In contrast to Lonergan, I examine an alternative and non-foundationalist position on the Nicene Creed and its development by considering the approach offered by postliberal theologian, George Lindbeck. This article engages Lindbeck's famous regulative theory of doctrine therapeutically against the position of Lonergan. In so doing, I hope to point out not only the shortcomings of Lonergan's approach, but also the abiding ecumenical promise of George Lindbeck's study of doctrine, not only as it describes its "nature," but also, the "development" and normativity of trinitarian doctrine.