Herbert McCabe on the Development of Doctrine

This article explores Herbert McCabe’s work on the development of doctrine. It contends that he provides a perspective that helps theologians move beyond the stale disputes that identify one’s position on this subject as either ‘conservative’ or ‘progressive.’ In light of his notion of the nature of tradition and use of the concept of a revolution, he is able to argue that the Church’s ongoing reception of her deposit of faith is both a radical and conversative process. By implication, his portrait of this process enables Catholic theologians to carry out their work with academic freedom and joyful wonder.