A Method of Narrative Theology: "Understanding comes only after an event"

The article is divided into three major parts. The first one deals with the basic definition of what the term "narrative theology" means. The second one is dedicated to the expression "memoria" as the memory of events. The third part concentrates on the relation between "understanding" and the "event". Narrative theology is based upon its own discipline methodology. Its rules are restricted and take into account the basic paradigm: the "theology of the text" growing from the "theology of the speech". The discipline of narrative theology was initiated by Johannes Baptist Metz and Harald Weinrich in the year 1973. They developed (with regard to the model of the Frankfort School of Theology) the basic assertions, so-called memoria passionis, mortis et resurrectionis Jesu Christi. It is the event that makes every theology word worthy. Narrative theology does not exist in singularity. Instead, there are various approaches that are strongly divergent. The matter lies in finding the meaningful message in theological works of past generations, especially those of the Fathers of the Church, called commonly at that time the "contemplative method". The plurality of narrative theologies lies in diversity of spiritual life types.

Keywords: narrative theology; theological anamnesis; theological event; contemplative method; Frankfurt School of Theology