Catholic rhythms – spiritual quests in contemporary Polish poetry Cover Image

Katolickie rytmy – duchowe poszukiwania w najnowszej poezji polskiej
Catholic rhythms – spiritual quests in contemporary Polish poetry

Author(s): Edyta Sołtys-Lewandowska
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Poetry, Polish Literature, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Akademii im. Jakuba z Paradyża
Keywords: religious poetry; contemporary poetry; desacralization; individualization; catholic holidays; homo quaerens;

Summary/Abstract: The goal of this article is to present the attitude of the seeking subject (homo quaerens) in the most recent contemporary Polish poetry as an answer to what is called by sociologists of religion the privatization of sacrum. By referring to the poetry of Radosław Kobierski and other contemporary poets, I prove that despite desacramental and individualist tendencies there is a strong need in Polish poetry to confront ceremonial and liturgical tradition of Catholicism. This confrontation occurs especially in the dimension of the biggest church holidays. It is with regard to them that homo quaerens establishes his not so obvious position. On the one hand, he is uncertain and doubtful, which reflects significant difficulties in forming relations with sacrum; on the other hand, he is continuously attempting to show a trace of religious faith and hope.

  • Issue Year: 12/2015
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 179-194
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish