[Bellarmine]

Actually, Fr. Ripperger explains JPII's method in this article. It is called the Hegelian dialectic. In this case, Thomism, is the existing element or thesis. It is opposed by Phenomenology, the antithesis. The synthesis of the two represents a new thesis which is an advance over the old (Thomism).

The whole problem with the pope's method is that it embraces the modern philosophy of Hegel.

Perhaps his work, which has been around for over twenty years, is still largely unexplained because it is utterly unexplainable.

[ninenot]

Reading JPII's work is a chore, to say the least.

But even the MOST conservative theologian I know has mentioned, frequently, that the Church has often, and successfully, "baptized" non-Catholic concepts for Her own, and better, use.

Further, as you know, the Catholic mind seeks synthesis (while maintaining doctrinal impeccability.) Has do do with that prayer for unity of Christ, you know...

Thus, a reconciliation of Hegel to Aquinas is not, in itself, some sort of launch into Protestantism; it is no different than Aquinas' reconciliation of Aristotle to Catholicism. Please note that we ARE speaking of "toward Catholicism" or "into Catholicism." The phrase is meaningful...

Further, the concept that "new" is de-facto "bad" is utterly ridiculous--as is its opposite (played hard by the poofter-wonks) that "old" is "bad." I am certain that you do not wish to become a knee-jerk reactionary.

As you can determine from hundreds of prior posts, I am hardly a neo-con admirer. On the other hand, the Pope is a fairly smart guy, and he is informed by REALLY good sources from above.

Last, not least: if his attempted reconciliation does not work, the Faith has not been compromised. The Nicene Creed was not revoked, nor the efficacy of the Mass and the sacraments.