Philip Arthur Bence PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

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theologian whose task was to take past revelation and
translate it for twentieth century man.
As a science theology is a reflection upon
revealed Christian faith, which has been
undertaken with scientific means and methods.
This reflection stands in the service of the
Church so that it can fulfill its job of
preaching that reaches, as well as it can, the
understanding of the contemporary person.""
The preacher's task follows the theologian's. He
makes the truth contemporary for those both outside and
within the church.
On the one hand, the preacher seeks to enlighten
those outside the Church with the preaching of the truth
revealed in Scripture and tradition. As he does this, he
remembers that all people lie within the realm of
universal revelation. All people, whether or not they
are conscious of this fact, participate in the Being of
God. And so, they do not require proof of God's
existence, but they do need knowledge of what God has
done in history and the specific responses he desires.
The people's awareness of God is certain, but lacking in
content. (To use Rahner's terms, their faith is
non-"thematic," and non-"reflexive.".4°)
To these 'anonymous Christians', people who worship
an 'unknown God', the preacher gives God identity in the
proclamation of Jesus Christ. The preacher assists
'anonymous Christians' in gaining their own identity in
unity with the visible Church.'" While they have
already expressed love for God through love of neighbor,
the preacher further explains the normative Christian