Truth and Freedom in Modern Theological Hermeneutics. Arguments of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XV Cover Image

Prawda i wolność we współczesnej hermeneutyce teologicznej. Argumenty J. Ratzingera/Benedykta XVI
Truth and Freedom in Modern Theological Hermeneutics. Arguments of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XV

Author(s): Jerzy Szymik
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Księgarnia Świętego Jacka
Keywords: God; Logos; Christianity; theology; philosophy; Christology; truth; freedom; sense; salvation; hope; modern times; post-modernity; relativism; forgiveness; consensus; tolerance

Summary/Abstract: Having been distorted since modern times, the notions of truth and freedom have been radically juxtaposed in post-modern world views, consequently resulting in losing the very values: the truth is questioned, while freedom is deter-mined and limited by worldly purposes. Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI shows that the terms are, de facto, theologically important (theological hermeneutics), i.e. they may be fully and properly understood from the heart of Christian faith. God is the right guarantor of the truth (involving the existence of the objective and judicious reality) and the embodiment of god’s son, logos, is the ultimate argument for its attainability and cognizability. When Jesus confessed: ‘I am the truth’ (John, 14.6), he convinces that the truth is universal and belongs to god. Thereby, it remains universally binding – it is the appropriate basis of ethos. The truth constitutes the key to interpret reality and a superior (independent) criterion for its arrangement (also in the social and political sense). Thus, the task of Christianity and theology is to restore the proper, Christological understanding of truth and freedom for the world, as well as their inseparable, redemptive relationship: ‘the truth will set you free’ (John, 8.32).

  • Issue Year: 46/2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 76-92
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish