Theology is often seen as a static discipline, the passing on of a set of immutable doctrines that have remained unchanged with time. This is not so. Theology is dynamic; it concerns the word of God which “ is something alive and active ” (Heb 4:12 ).

This dynamic aspect of theology is also seen in its traditional definition: “ fides quarens intellectum ” – “faith seeking understanding” (St Anselm of Canterbury – 11 th century). Every culture that accepts Christian faith must seek to understand it within its own particular context while remaining in communion with the “deposit of faith” handed on by the apostles.

“Catholic Theology in the Caribbean Today”, an association formed twelve years ago, seeks to do just that. It comprises priests, religious and laity – most of them in full-time parish ministry - who seek to understand our Christian faith within the Caribbean context.

This gives rise to a Caribbean theology, just as reflection on Christian faith in Africa , Asia and Latin America has given rise to African, Asian and Latin American theologies. These theologies, while unique in their own way, are in constant dialogue with the Church's tradition.

We see this in the work of Fr. Michel de Verteuil, who over the past twenty-five years, has pioneered Lectio Divina as a particular way of doing theology in the Caribbean .

The ground of all theology is human experience of the divine. The apostles were able to pass on deep truths about Jesus' life, death and resurrection because of their experience of him. We too need to pass on those same truths about Jesus as we have experienced them in our own culture and history.

HISTORY AND LITERATURE

One distinctive feature of Caribbean theology is its emphasis on history. This is deeply biblical. The Jewish feast of Passover appeals to history; it commemorates the time when the Israelites were set free from slavery under Pharaoh and passed safely through the Sea of Reeds – an event that gave them their distinctive identity.

So too Caribbean theology started in the 70s by reflecting on our unique history as transplanted populations.

Since the Caribbean region has produced three Nobel laureates in literature, we should not be surprised that literature has been fruitful ground for talking about our experience of God.

Caribbean theologians like Fr Henry Charles and Msgr Patrick Anthony have discerned profound theological themes in the writings of Caribbean novelists and poets as they explore notions like identity, nothingness, belongingness and transformation.

In all these explorations the local Church must be in communion with the universal Church. The universal Church through two thousand years of history can offer guidance to the local Church in its explorations, while the local Church can add to the richness and plurality of the universal Church.

The search for a Caribbean theology is not without dangers, as is the search of any theology. Today's gospel offers a timely warning: “ Do not turn your steps to pagan territory. ”

The late Pope John Paul II encouraged the Church in Africa to develop its own distinctive theology, urging them to reject what was evil (“ pagan ”) in the culture and preserve and promote what was good. Those committed to forging a Caribbean theology must do the same.

As we commend the efforts of our priests, religious and laity in their theological explorations, may their work continue to be in communion with and at the service of the universal Church.