Catholic Web Content Development Articles Series (1 of 7) - Using the SEE-JUDGE-ACT Theological Method in Writing Catholic Articles and Blog Posts

Introduction

This first of a series on writing Catholic articles and blog posts introduces the use of a theological method. This theological method, known popularly as the SEE-JUDGE-ACT method, can help develop web content that helps readers obtain insight and think reflectively on matters relating to the Catholic faith. The method can be approached simply and need not require extensive theological training. Just basic theology learned in college can help you write substantial Catholic articles and blog posts.

Introduction to the SEE-JUDGE-ACT theological method

This method, according to "The Dictionary of Theology", by editors Komonchak, Collins and Lane, is actually one of eight dominant theological methods. The SEE-JUDGE-ACT method is based on Bernard Lonergan's view of theology, that moves in a fourfold way: from experience to understanding, then to judgment, and finally to decision. Theology professors trained in the Louvain school of theology, compact this fourfold way of Lonergan into just three steps: SEE-JUDGE-ACT. (Just to complete what was mentioned in "The Dictionary of Theology", the other prevailing theological methods mentioned together with this SEE-JUDGE-ACT method, view theology are the following: 1. as existentialism, 2. as transcendental anthropology, 3. as hermeneutics, 4. as eschatology, 5. as linguistic analysis, 6. as process thought, and 7. as liberation praxis.) For small Catholic web site content development purposes, the SEE-JUDGE-ACT theological method is the easiest to apply from a lay perspective.

Form and content in writing the SEE-JUDGE-ACT method

Using SEE-JUDGE-ACT need not be complicated in developing web content. As an example, you can develop your Catholic article to contain three main sections: 1. actual human experience in the family or work setting (SEE); 2. what the Scriptures and Church (catechism or encyclicals) teach as a value in relation to living together as a family or working in secular environments (JUDGE); and what your action will be based on the insights and reflection you obtain from 'judging' (ACT). With an introduction to set the tone of your Catholic article, and a summary to recap all the essential points examined, you can already develop simple and solid web content to share with other Catholics also seeking a deeper understanding of family life and the meaning of one's work in the context of the Catholic faith.

Organisation technique in writing SEE-JUDGE-ACT

As a concrete example, we can investigate the present phenomenon of broken families as the subject in the method. One initial step is to organise both ideas and actual statistics, and make an informal outline on the subject. The introduction can be free-flowing: a description of the human family based on the news or from actual life (without mentioning names). Then in the "SEE" paragraph, you can begin to explore the present situation of the human family - backed up with some statistical data, such as percentages of broken families to strongly-bonded families.

JUDGE

As you move on to the "JUDGE" step of this theological process, you can then explore what Scriptures and the Church teach say about the human family. One good writing technique you can employ is to always quote, or at least give a reference from Scripture or Church teaching. This will make your insights and reflection substantial.

ACT

In the process of reflecting on what may be the root cause of broken families, you can then start reflecting on what difficulties human families presently experience, and how the Bible and the Church encourage families to move towards the ideal. You can pose questions for reflection that can obtain deep insights for your readers. Questions like: what step can we make so that our families are encouraged to follow the ideal given by the Scriptures and the Church? How can we help other families also follow this ideal promoted by the Bible and the Church?

Finally, you can end this theological method with a summary that recaps the whole process. It would be good to always end with a positive message, saying that the Church always gathers the family and supports it with the strength they need through the sacraments of healing and reconciliation.

Comprehensive research applied to web content development

For this structured theological method of SEE-JUDGE-ACT, if you are able to do a bit of research on specific data and statistics concerning the subject being developed, then your readers will truly benefit from your writing. The key to effectively write with this method is to already have a basic background on the subject you are developing, and to use bible passages and passages from the Catechism you are familiar with.

Related resources

• The New Dictionary of Theology, be editors Komonchak, Collins, and Lane
• Catholic Web Content Development Series Main Page
• Promoting a Brand of Writing Catholic Articles
• Good and Effective Writing Techniques
• Basic Organisation of Form and Content in Effective Writing

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