Vol. XXXVIII / 1 - Studia Moralia

MODELS AND MULTIVALENCE 63
which the interaction between the two disciplines tends. It must
be noted, however, that the envisioned reintegration brought
about by the evolution of these theological disciplines will
demand that theology itself be thought of in an entirely different
way. The absorption of the disciplines, in other words, cannot
take place without having profound methodological and
material effects on the emerging science. Those effects point to
the reintegration of theology in a post-hierarchical setting in a
way that it will be perceived as both a “unified diversity” and a
“diversified unity.” The juxtaposition of these heuristic terms
adds yet another layer to the logical web of insights that sets the
parameters for the interface between the two disciplines and
adds a certain, eschatological “already but not yet” quality to
their ongoing evolution.
9. Each of the above models provides valuable insights into
the nature of the interaction between spirituality and moral
theology. Their hermeneutical juxtaposition emphasizes the
importance of strict boundaries (the hierarchical), no
boundaries (the integrative), boundaries-with-dialogue (the
collaborative), loose boundaries (the contextual), and merging
boundaries (the absorption(al)) in discussing the interface
between the two disciplines. Using these models in this way
allows one to understand the complex parameters of the
relationship. The logical web of insights formed by their
simultaneous juxtaposition allows their ongoing interaction to
assume a dynamic (as opposed to static) character. As such, it
prevents an oversimplified description of their relationship and
invites the theologian to envision a relationship of profound
depth and subtlety. This multivalent approach resolves conflicts
by placing them on different levels of the interface between the
two disciplines. The logical web it constructs initiates a
hermeneutical process whereby the weaknesses of one model
are checked by the strengths of the others. It is also sensitive to
the historical and cultural contingencies of this process which,
at any given period in the interaction of the two disciplines,
might allow one model to achieve the privileged status of a
theological paradigm.
10. At any one moment, this juxtaposition of models
provides the possibility of multiple perspectives from which to
examine the interaction between spirituality and moral theology.