Lonergan and The Law of the Cross

Bernard Lonergan was a Jesuit priest and one of the most influential Catholic thinkers in the twentieth century. In an effort help others understand the redemption he proposes a theory called the Law of the Cross. Lonergan looked to the development of western culture and developed his theology to include human science and degradation of human value. Regarding this William Loewe writes, “it invites theology to enrich itself with the discoveries of the empirical and human sciences and of historical consciousness; more grimly, it presents the cultural crisis engendered by the deterioration of the objective status of meaning and value” (Loewe 162). Lonergan proposes that Christian faith is the example that changed the world.

The goal of humanity is to make the world a better place. In short, we want to humanize everything. This does not mean that are seeking to get rid of God, but that we are seeking the greater good. However, we are human and we get greedy, try to pump up our ego, and look to satisfy self. Individual bias, group bias, and common-sense bias distort our humanity and development. In our individual bias we do what is best for ourselves at all costs. We make a God of ourselves and our satisfaction reigns supreme. In our individual bias we look to the good of our group instead of the good of the whole of humanity. The benefit of the group is what is important even it hurts someone else. This is an individual bias that is taken to the next level. The result is two groups that have a hatred for each other and the criticism of the group is not heard because it is not in their interest to hear it. The only way to maintain “happiness” in the group is with more money and power. Common sense bias states that one can solve all problems. It is cocky and thinks too much of itself. In short, this bias leads to over confidence and pride. This bias can lead to a way of thinking that leads to a complacency in the way things are. Since it has always been that way then it must stay that way. This line of thinking has led to many evil and destructive acts in the world.

The solution to these three biases, or reign of sin as Lonergan puts it, is the Law of the Cross. This view offers a fresh perspective on Christian identity and it s implications in the world (Loewe 163). The Christian faith looks to the example of Christ, and the belief that he changed the world. Through his work on the cross he gave the world a whole new meaning.

The three-bias mentioned above are counteracted by the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Charity, or love as we call it now, counteracts these acts of evil. It is through charity that we let go of our egos and recognize the image of God in other people. It is through charity that groups look out for the welfare of others to make the world better. It is through charity that we look past our own common-sense views to see if there is a better way. We hope that others see the sufficiency of Charity, and faith holds the other two together because it helps us grasp the truth of who God is.

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