In his book "The Craft of Theology," Avery Dulles (1992) starts chapter four; "Fundamental Theology and the Dynamics of Conversion," by making reference to one of the best known essays by Bernard Lonergan where he states that, Theology is entering a new age it is changing from a deductive science into an altogether empirical discipline. This new Theology if is not to deceived every fashion, needs a new foundation. In seeking this new foundation, Lonergan concludes that even though its conclusions have to be revised it is possible for a science to have identity and unity. Methodologically speaking he points out that today empirical theology is a reflection of religion. Furthermore, the foundation is based upon the reality of the person reflected in; upon their religious experience, particularly what we call conversion. .
Lonergan defines Conversion as a radical change in a person's apprehensions and values, accompanied by a radical change in oneself, in one's relation with others and with God. The subject of the Theology, then, is the person undergoing conversion to God. Lonergan further says that conversion and living religion go hand in hand, and that needs to be well founded, it must be; concrete, dynamic, personal, communal and historical. .
The author's aim is to establish in a simple manner a realistic conception of fundamental theology as a reflection on the structures of religious conversion, specifically conversion to Christianity. Previous to this conclusion he mentions how controversial fundamental theology has become. He points out how Karl Rahner found a distinction between fundamental theology and a "formal theology of foundations"; concluding that Rahner names it a first-level reflection of Christian faith." His aim in this essay is to set a practical conception of fundamental theology as a reflection for religious conversion, specifically conversion to Christianity.
