Maurice Eminyan’s theology of conversation

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the profound impact of Maurice Eminyan on the local Catholic Church and broader society. Central to Eminyan's identity is his commitment to open and respectful dialogue, shaping his theology into a conversation between friends. As a pioneer in communication, he utilized various channels to convey Church teachings practically, authoring 26 books and contributing extensively to theological discourse. Eminyan's innovative and down-to-earth approach, guided by a vision rooted in Vatican Council II, continues to be recognized as unique and invigorating. The dissertation is structured into three parts. After introducing Eminyan as a Jesuit theologian, it delves into his theological vision of meaningful dialogue. Examining God as the initiator of salvation-focused dialogue, the dissertation then explores Eminyan's perspective on the ongoing conversation between the Church and the world. Finally, it provides a focused analysis of the power of the Word in Eminyan's Sunday reflections. Conclusively, the dissertation argues for the necessity of honest dialogue in embodying true Christian values in today's world, echoing Eminyan's emphasis in his writings and pastoral endeavours.