Reconstructing the State–Church Relationship from Symbols Used in Priests’ Narratives Cover Image

Az állam és az egyház viszonyának rekonstruálása papok narrativáinak szimbolumrétegeiből
Reconstructing the State–Church Relationship from Symbols Used in Priests’ Narratives

Author(s): Márton Albert-Lőrincz
Subject(s): History
Published by: VERBUM Keresztény Kulturális Egyesület
Keywords: narrative; symbol; analysis; priest; church; state; communism; communication

Summary/Abstract: During the communist era ordinary people were cautious and circumspect in communicating their true feelings concerning the system. There is no written account of this kind of communication. In some letters written by priests to their bishop some issues and discontent is uttered. The analysis of these letters in the archives show the image of the state and the perception of the communist regime. In the article this image is interpreted through the method of narrative and symbol analysis. The symbols used in the narratives of priests show the tension between the possibilities, limitations and personal expectations concerning authentic communication in the context of state–church relationship.

  • Issue Year: XXII/2011
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 18-25
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Hungarian