The pope speaks his mind, tells what he thinks about theologians, has a plan . . .

Taking no prisoners . . .

Finding current theology and theologians a stumbling block in his plans, Pope Francis has stamped his approval on a new way to theologize. It's in his new apostolic letter calling for a “paradigm shift” in theology.

He begins: “To promote theology in the future, we cannot limit ourselves to abstractly re-proposing formulas and schemes from the past.”

"Abstractly"? How else "re-propose" -- would not "propose" work here? -- what's been said?  Why the pugnacious language? He or his writers are full of that over-the-top talk.

He then said “the Church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently." More pugnacity.

“God has revealed himself as history, not as a compendium of abstract truths.” Well truths tend to be abstract, don't they? Principles too. How else do you make a general point, applicable to all, far and wide?

Again: We cannot be "obsessed" -- pow, pow! -- "with transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently." Disjointed to be demonstrated. It's a harsh accusation for generations of thinkers and writers, and popes and bishops, for one thing. Luther, Calvin, Knox and others could have taken a lesson from this talk. Or has it worked the other way around?

"God has revealed himself as history, not as a compendium of abstract truths.”  Again? And opposed to what other kind?

Sounds like positivism, as I remember it. The here and now is what counts. No more getting to the heart of things, as if there's anything permanent to go by these days.

Theology can't be trusted, he is saying, except to -- crystal ball-like --  "prophetically interpret the present" and "see new itineraries for the future, in the light of Revelation” -- a throwaway line there. The whole issue is working that out, isn't it?

Any way, away we go, folks. you ain't seen nothin' yet -- We are working "amid [our very own] profound cultural transformations."

There's more more more to come about the mind of a pontiff in this his latest manifestation of same . . .