Egzystencjalna aplikacja dogmatu na przykładzie Thomasa Mertona
Existential Application of the Dogmas at the Example of Thomas Merton

Summary/Abstract: The contemporary theology puts a stress on the existential dimension of the faith. The great theological works of the last century focus on the anthropological aspect of the faith which has been shown by the works of Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar and others. The theology does need to have roots in the human existence, for it begins in the reading of the Revelation concretized in the human life. Unfortunately, the dogmas are very often considered by Catholics as abstractive formulas hardly linked with the inner life. The contemporary theological proposals, thanks to some implantation in so- called a n t h r o p o l o g i c a l t u r n, seem to be really closer to the life. However, in spite of their existential direction, they remain products of intellectual speculations. In this context (i.e. tendency to join the faith teaching with the practice) the theology of the mystics and spiritual masters seems to be very useful since they did not practice the theology professionally but yet were perfect theologians thanks to their experience. T. Merton was one of such masters. His writings show how the theology explaining the fundamental dogmas (like Trinitarian or Christological dogmas) may be not so much a doctrinal investigation as a spiritual experience. Moreover, such theology is very strongly harmonized with the daily experience of the world and that is why it may help us accept the truths of the faith in the way they lead us to a deep spiritual experience.

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