Dogma has been prepared to meet a long-felt need for a series of integrated texts which would present the broad sweep of dogmatic theology on a level suited to the seminarian and college student. In each volume the author has attempted to write a theology in dialogue not only with Protestant thought, but with that of the major non-Christian religions as well. It reflects, as a consequence, the "new" theology of the Church: scripture and tradition as fonts of Christian faith and a conviction that dogma develops rather than being reaffirmed in the same terms and tones generation after generation. In addition to a responsible treatment of the great themes of Christian teaching, however, this series is aimed at Christian living as well. It attempts to present theology in such a way that the student will be able to live his faith more fully in as far as he has been led to grasp it more deeply. The volumes in this series, then, look upon theology not only as "faith seeking understanding," but also as understanding leading to a more "abundant" life.
Volume I: God in Revelation, treats of the words and works which God has addressed to man. Hence it views divine revelation and human faith as the saving encounter between God and man. Professor Schmaus does not emphasize, however, the content of. divine truth, but stresses the relationship of this truth to man. More in the tradition of Augustine and Newman than of Aquinas, the author is primarily concerned with a theology of action rather than with a
theology of concept, with the place of truth in life rather than with the content of divine truth.
As a result, the reader will find God in Revelation a refreshing departure from most theological treatises on this theme. The author, by the breadth and depth of his treatment, shows that Word of God is, indeed, the Word of Life.