From Dogmatism to a Public Theology

This Special Issue gathers a set of contributions that collectively engage in an archeo-genealogical exercise of theological knowledge. The aim is to trace how theology, across different contexts and traditions, has been historically configured and how it can renew its public vocation today. Rather than presenting theology as a self-contained system of doctrines, the contributions examine its historical, ethical, and cultural expressions, showing how theological discourse participates in the shaping of public life and moral imagination. Each article identifies distinctive forms of commitment to the public agenda, highlighting theology’s potential to inspire responsibility, dialogue, and social transformation. The Special Issue thus reveals theology not as a static body of knowledge but as a living practice that interacts with philosophy, ethics, and politics. By uncovering the conditions and developments that shaped theological reasoning, this Special Issue contributes to the reconstruction of theology as a public, critical, and transformative discipline. It invites readers to consider how faith-based reflection can support democratic coexistence, ecological awareness, and solidarity, offering renewed insights into the role of theology in building the common good.