(November 4, 2009) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak. The Holy Father delivers a spiritual reflection
and greets various groups in their languages, including in English. The General
Audience of Nov. 4 was held under a grey sky in St. Peter’s Square. It began with
several aides reading a scripture passage in various languages. An aide greeted
the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims and introduced the various groups
to him. Pope Benedict then delivered a reflection in English. LISTEN: Dear Brothers
and Sisters, Today we continue our comparison of the monastic and scholastic
approaches to theology which we began last week, by looking again at Saint Bernard
of Clairvaux, this time in comparison with Abelard. Both of them considered theology
as “faith seeking understanding”; but whereas Bernard placed the accent on “faith”,
Abelard emphasized “understanding”. Bernard, for whom the aim of theology was to
have a living experience of God, cautioned against intellectual pride which makes
us think we can grasp fully the mysteries of faith. Abelard, who strove to apply
the insights of philosophy to theology, saw in other religions the seeds of an openness
to Christ. The respective approaches of Bernard and Abelard—one a “theology of the
heart” and the other a “theology of reason”—were not without tension. They therefore
illustrate the importance of healthy theological discussion and humble obedience to
ecclesial authority. Theology must respect the principles it receives from revelation
as it uses philosophy to interpret them. Whenever a theological dispute arises, everyone,
and in a particular way the Magisterium, has a responsibility to safeguard the integrity
of the faith. As we strive to deepen our understanding of the Gospel, may God strengthen
us to extol its truth in charity. I am pleased to welcome the English-speaking
pilgrims present at today’s Audience. I particularly greet priests from the dioceses
of England and Wales celebrating Jubilees, pilgrims from the Diocese of Wichita, students
and teachers from Catholic schools in Denmark, and Catholic nurses from the United
States. God’s blessings upon you all!