The article argues that the debate over continuity/discontinuity at Vatican II is hindered by the descriptive nature of the categories under consideration. To move beyond description and into explanation one must adopt an “ontology of meaning.” The nature of such a shift is illustrated with reference to the work of John Henry Newman, Alasdair MacIntyre,

[After reviewing various proposals concerning the structure of Augustine’s De Trinitate, the author presents a structural analysis of that work using the notion of “realms of meaning” found in Bernard Lonergan’s Method in Theology. It suggests that Augustine’s treatise comprises four distinct sections which present an account of the Trinity from the perspective of a

[Drawing on the classical understanding of theology as faith seeking understanding, the author explores the structure of a systematic ecclesiology, arguing that such a theology must be empirical, critical, normative, dialectic, and practical. He further maintains that such a goal requires the critical engagement of the social sciences. His position is illustrated though an analysis