Abstract

This essay studies the methodological turn undergone by christian theology in France, at Le Saulchoir (from 1930 onwards): from deduction to induction. Starting from the teachings of Chenu's teacher, Gardeil, and the relationships between their ideas, the essay then studies the development of Chenu's own ideas despite the difficulties and adversities. The last part formulates concluding considerations about the consequences of Chenu's methodological turn on theology and on the theologian: his method was later used during the Vatican II council, and after a long absence, has been resumed by Pope Francis through the synodal methodology.