The Aesthetic Nature of the Theological Artefact: An Approach from the Practical Theology According to Marcel Viau

Contemporary times are marked by a challenge to the public nature of theological discourse. This is increasingly analyzed from the point of view of its relevance and verisimilitude, within the framework of sociocultural and linguistic plurality. This problem represents the starting point for the work of the Canadian theologian Marcel Viau (born in 1948). Viau’s reflection situates the object of Practical Theology in its capacity to develop theological artifacts capable of influencing the universe of beliefs of the subject to whom they are addressed. These artifacts possess, in their constitution, a threefold universe: epistemological, rhetorical, and esthetic. This article analyzes the contribution and potentialities present in Viau’s theological thought regarding the hermeneutical approach, on the part of theology, to the multiple devices of esthetic creation of the human being and, on the other hand, regarding the openness to diverse devices for the production of theological artifacts, particularly in ritual experience. In the first part, Viau’s reflection will be situated within the fundamental scope of Practical Theology, around the definition of a fides quaerens verbum. Next, the understanding of the rhetorical and esthetic nature of the theological artifact as proposed by Viau will be presented. Finally, concrete hermeneutical lines made possible by this theological proposal will be identified.