Dominican Engagement with the World: History, Biblical Studies, and Theology

Much has been written over the years of the history of the Dominican Order, of its founder (St Dominic), its many saints and blesseds, key historical figures, different institutions, and its activities. St Dominic in founding the Order of Preachers left nothing written, and used the Rule written by another (St Augustine's) when founding his religious order. Within the Catholic world there are many spiritual and theological traditions that have a pace in the call to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In the realm of spirituality there are a variety of schools following the life and writings of a number of people. The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius are one such very well-known and followed example which has been the model for many religious institutes and organisations of spiritual renewal. The Dominican 'way' has always been a less structured and defined spirituality. It is to some extent illusive, hard to define or encapsulate in one word, one line or phrase however by looking at the tradition that has developed over the last 800 plus years one can discern certain threads, certain key elements, certain constants, that shape and define it to some degree. The motto of Veritas-truth-has been often quoted as the defining word, but as like all one word mottos needs explanation, defining, distilling to meet the an ever changing context of challenges and needs. The essays in this volume examine various aspects of Dominican life. There are essays on prayer, spirituality, as well as historical and biblical pieces as well as a piece on the work of publishing. The contributors come from different parts of the world and reflect different vocations within the Order. The overarching theme in the volume is that the Dominican tradition is one of dynamic engagement, a dynamic engagement with the world, with issues, ideas, concepts, topics, biblical studies, theology, philosophy, and history in whatever activity is undertaken. It is a process, never static but always searching and calling for new ideas, new expressions, new ways to look at, to respond to the situation/s in front of us, and also importantly to make some response to the needs of the time as they confront us. It is the following of an intuition, a thought an insight, to see where it leads, to look at the context/s, all the twists of possible interpretations, understandings and to come to certain decisions in how to frame this and talk about it.