Symbol w filozofii religii Paula Tillicha

Author(s): Maciej Bogdalczyk / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2012

The concept of a symbol has its meaning not only in epistemology and psychology but also in philosophy of religion. The reconstructed concept of a religious symbol, based on Paul Tillich’s understanding and compared with present achievements in the field, is current and interesting motive to investigate the phenomenon of religion. Tillich’s existential interpretation of the ontology-based symbol, makes it more understandable and open for contemporary man and world questions concerning religion. The structure of religious symbol, its use and interpretation make man – religion communication more comprehensive and clear.

Powstanie religii w świetle antropologii i psychologii kognitywnej. Koncepcja Pascala Boyera

Author(s): Julian Jeliński / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2012

The diversity of religious beliefs still surprises even scholars most familiar with these phenomena. What is most surprising is the sheer number of practices that reflect relations between deities and men – ranging from„devotion”, „cooperation”, to trying to „trick” deities. There have been many theories explaining the cause of these relations and the diversity of religious beliefs including the simplest, that these relations are true and reflect an ontological order.Leaving the question regarding the existence of supernatural beings aside, we’re still left with a very interesting issue of human beliefs. Why do we have such different beliefs? Why are we so attached to them? Do they have anything in common? What were the origins of religious beliefs? Did they changed through time?Pascal Boyer, French anthropologist studying the human mind and the process of learning among other issues tries to answer these, and other questions. He bases his answers on scientific researches of other scholars – anthropologists, evolutionary biologists, cognitive psychologists and linguists. Boyer employs researches from such different scientific fields to find a new and very interesting way to try to reach the origins of religious beliefs, to reconstruct the process of forming beliefs concerning the metaphysical/non-physical world. He also tries to explain the nature of relations between men and deities. As a result of his efforts he created a theory explaining beliefs and religious behaviors that refers only to the mechanisms of human brain, and this theory is the subject of this article.The diversity of religious beliefs still surprises even scholars most familiar with these phenomena. What is most surprising is the sheer number of practices that reflect relations between deities and men – ranging from „devotion”, „cooperation”, to trying to „trick” deities. There have been many theories explaining the cause of these relations and the diversity of religious beliefs including the simplest, that these relations are true and reflect an ontological order. Leaving the question regarding the existence of supernatural beings aside, we’re still left with a very interesting issue of human beliefs. Why do we have such different beliefs? Why are we so attached to them? Do they have anything in common? What were the origins of religious beliefs? Did they change through time? Pascal Boyer, French anthropologist studying the human mind and the process of learning among other issues tries to answer these, and other questions. He bases his answers on scientific researches of other scholars – anthropologists, evolutionary biologists, cognitive psychologists and linguists. Boyer employs researches from such different scientific fields to find a new and very interesting way to try to reach the origins of religious beliefs, to reconstruct the process of forming beliefs concerning the metaphysical/non-physical world. He also tries to explain the nature of relations between men and deities. As a result of his efforts he created a theory explaining beliefs and religious behaviors that refers only to the mechanisms of human brain, and this theory is the subject of this article.

Czesław Miłosz wobec pytania unde malum?

Author(s): Marcin Potyczka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 3/2013

The evolution of his views on the world of nature led Miłosz to spiritual transformation, which connected awareness the pain of existence with largeness and beauty of the universe. Conscious, that behind the color of nature curtain take place continuous performance of tortures and sufferings, he treated haiku of Japanese poet as his own, which he was asked to translate: „we walk above hell, gazing at flowers”. One more antidote on coping with awareness of evil, which exists in nature was warning, that human measures should not be used in assessment of world of plants and animals. Present in Miłosz world view conviction about beautiful world and permeated with evil caused, that Nobel Prize winner tried to strengthen life with all his works. The author of Orpheus and Eurydice in disguise of mythical god passed on implicit, certain characteristic feature of his own creative power. Namely, the poet always stays on the side of existence, tries to see the happiness of life in surrounding tastes, smells, pictures. Opportunity to polemics, which refer to evil, which exists in our world was meeting organized 29.09.1994 by foundation ,,Sign” in which took participation interalia Czesław Miłosz. During one of this meetings, participants of discussion agreed, that philosophy is helpless in relation to the problem of evil. Touch of evil is or absurdity or secrecy. The secrecy, which bothered Miłosz through all his life, and in front of which he stood helpless.

Integrująca rola mediów: spojrzenie z perspektywy misterium stworzenia-zbawienia

Author(s): / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1 (10)/2014

The article refers to the relations between the social life, the mass media, and the spirituality. This subject is more and more relevant and important. Today the social changes and the technological development seems to be accompanied by an increased interest in spirituality. The article presents the multi dimensionality of integration and the associated consequences as well as the instruments which are used to build a community. Then the mystery of creation-salvation is shown as arche globalization (the Greek word archê means “beginning”, but also “first cause”,“rule”). In this context the media are presented as an instrument of building the community.

Unterwegs zu heiligen Orten – alte und neue Wallfahrtskritik im Christentum als Inspiration für die Pilgerpastoral

Author(s): Michaela C. Hastetter / Language(s): German Issue: 4/2015

According to the religious phenomenon of pilgrimage in the monotheistic religions the author references to the criticism of pilgrimage in the early church fathers. Their shifting of the focal point from the extern to an interior pilgrimage can also be considered today in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. From there consequences concerning the motivation to Christian pilgrimage, the locus sacer, the transitus from extern to interior pilgrimage as well as ecumenical aspects are discussed for the pastoral accompaniment of pilgrims.

Starotestamentowe życie nienarodzonych

Author(s): Wojciech Węgrzyniak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

The article aims to analyze the Old Testament’s idea of life before birth. Firstly, I examine some expressions describing sexual intercourse. Secondly, I study the meaning of the word הרה hārāh “to conceive”. Thirdly, I analyze some crucial texts (ad es. Rdz 25, 21– 24; Wj 21, 22–25; Hi 10; Ps 139). At the end, I offer a brief synthesis of the Old Testament’s idea about life between conception and birth.

Początkowe stadia życia ludzkiego według św. Pawła

Author(s): Andrzej Muszala / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

The article makes an attempt to decode the concept of the human conception in the mothers womb represented by the Apostle of Nations. His opinion in this issue is based on two fragments from the Old Testament: Jb 10: 8–10 and Ps 139: 13–16. They represent the one seed theory, saying that a new man is formed only from the man’s seed; the role of the mother comes down to be a container receiving male semen. They also express a conviction, that every human life is under God’s special protection from the very beginning. Therefore it demands a total respect, the same respect as for a child already born. The article analyze also three expressions of embryological meaning, used by St. Paul: “from the mother’s womb” (ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός; Ga 1: 15), “Christ is formed in you” (μορφωθῇ; Ga 4: 19) and “child born abnormally” (ἔκτρωμα; 1 Kor 15: 8).

Początki życia ludzkiego w komentarzach patrystycznych

Author(s): Roman Sala / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

The article “The Origins of the Human Life in Patristic Comments” tries to show the richness of thoughts and ideas presented by various writers in the early times of Christianity. Their views dealt with the prenatal stadium of a human being. Among main matters concerning the beginning of the human life analyzed by first Christian writers were: time of animation (the moment of union of the body and soul), abortion, the status of the human embryo, pre- existence of the soul referring to the belief that each individual human soul exists before conception, the origin of the soul. Among these issues, very present and lively discussed in the communities of early Christians, we can also find the reflection concerning the embryonic stages of Christ’s life.

Los dzieci zmarłych bez chrztu – nieznana historia i współczesne pytania

Author(s): Marta Ficoń / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

The article presents a brief history of the question concerning the fate of infants who die without the sacrament of baptism. It includes both the theological dimension of this issue and its existential consequences. Such a presentation of the question serves to formulate responses to the ever-arising problems concerning the baptism of children, the lack of this sacrament, theological perplexities or pastors’ and parents’ behavior. The aim is also to understand that God loves and wills to save everyone, especially the smallest representatives of the human race who has no chance to be baptized.

Ora sive labora?

Author(s): Wojciech Zyzak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

Reflecting upon the relationship between prayer and work the Author of the article refers to the wellknown Benedictine formula “ora et labora”. It is to emphasize that both, prayer and work should find a proper place in a Christian’s life. Since the accents can be optional, the Author claims that within the incarnational spirituality the lay Christians may identify themselves rather with the reverse order of this formula: “labora et ora”. However we should never separate these two options neither put them in the form: “ora sive labora”, which has been provocatively used in the title of this paper. The true masterpiece of the lays’ life is to perform duties of Martha in the spirit of Mary, which does not necessarily mean the focus on God during one’s work. It’s often even impossible. The work itself done professionally and with the proper intention can become a form of ontological worship, unless one would neglect the prayer itself. Nourished with prayer the theologal love makes all activities a form of adoration of God, transforming life into the constant prayer.

Zagadnienie nawrócenia i pokuty w dziełach Sulpicjusza Sewera

Author(s): Józef Pochwat / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

In his writings, Sulpicius Severus (360– 420) urged his readers to repentance, so they would not expose themselves to eternal damnation, and therefore not remain in a state of slavery in this life. When a lawyer from Bordeaux encourages penance, He pays special attention to the fact that sin calls for the right punishment. Despite this, Sulpicius is a man full of Christian optimism and he emphasizes mercy that God only offers to those people who admit their sins and undertake an appropriate penance. A striking feature of the Sulpicius message on conversion and penance is that a monk of Aquitaine continually shows the figure of St. Martin. Although he writes that the miracles of driving out demons are performed by the power of the cross of Christ, and that repentance is the work of Jesus’ grace and steadfast faith and trust in God’s help, it seems that for him the person of St. Martin is in the first place, not the Son of God Jesus Christ.

Logosowy charakter wiary według Josepha Ratzingera – Benedykta XVI

Author(s): Krzysztof Góźdź / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2013

According to Ratzinger, faith is not a blind theory or an outdated concept. Neither is it an intricate philosophical system. Instead, he defines faith as “finding a way towards wisdom, rationality and factuality; [that is] a way towards perceiving reality in full.” This kind of faith becomes a gate to the communion with God, Lord of history and Lord of the universe. Thus, faith is a personal and not a material category. It belongs to the world of personal and not material relations. “Faith is a decision to be with Lord, and to live with Him.” Nevertheless, the decision cannot be a blind choice. It must rest on Logos, so that it truly is a fact-based reality. Claiming that, Ratzinger discloses his great philosophical mind. He skilfully avoids fideism, subjectivism or irrationalism in comprehending faith. He can see faith as the highest level of existence of the mind, reason, will, love and man self-fulfilment in the Holy Trinity.

Czy wiara decyduje o normach moralnych?

Author(s): Jan Orzeszyna / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2013

Faith is a gift, because God takes the initiative to meet people. Any person accepting the gift of faith makes God the solid foundation of his life. The Christian faith can not exist “on its own”, since God’s revelation requires the authority of the Church, to not go wrong. Therefore, it is necessary to believe in the Church, where faith also grows and develops. Anyone who loses his connection to the Church, also loses faith. Moreover, the existence of the Church confirms the truth that faith determines moral principles. Accepting baptism signifies acceptance Christian morality and Christian teaching. The modern world wants to constrain Christian faith to the private sphere. The consequence of such an action is relativism of moral norms which subsequently lose their foundation which proceeds from the authority of the Church.

Odnowa życia zakonnego w świetle Soboru Watykańskiego II i w nauczaniu magisterium Kościoła

Author(s): Piotr Jamioł / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2012

Discussion Document on the Church’s renewal of religious life in the light of Vatican II and the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church The article presents renewal of religious life in the light of the Vatican II and in the teaching of the Magisterium of the Church. An important consideration was paid to the decree on the adaptation and renewal of religious life Perfectae Caritatis, which deals directly with the religious life. Also, reference was made to the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, with particular emphasis on the fifth and sixth chapter, and to the teaching of the post-conciliar Magisterium of the Church on religious life. Through their teaching the popes and Vatican congregations unfolded the message of the Vatican II and re-ignited enthusiasm in making reflection on the renewal of religious life, which is constantly in progress. Various efforts were made to present this issue from different perspective. There is no doubt that there are two important issues concerning the renewal of religious life that appear in almost every document. I mean a contemplative dimension of religious life that should be in the center of every monk and nun life, and a return to the spring, the charism of the founder and the institute, which will help to face the signs of time and undertake new challenges. These two realities seem to be simple and straightforward, but in fact they required from the religious institutes a great deal of openness and fair cooperation. The post-conciliar vision of theology of religious life is different from the one presented before the Council. Currently it is based on the newly developed Christology, pneumatology and especially the renewed post-conciliar ecclesiology. This is reflected in many documents, most important of them were presented in this text. As you might notice a contemporary theology of religious life revolves around the following themes: the religious life as a gift to the Church and the world, religious consecration, radicalism in the imitation of Christ, the charismatic dimension of religious life, the contemplative dimension of religious life, prophetic presence in the world, witness to communion with God and man. Careful study of the documents presented here will help the religious people to understand better and love even more the mystery of vocation, the mystery of religious life.

Marriage Consent vis-à-vis St. Thomas Aquinas’ notion on Internal Freedom

Author(s): Erwin José A. Balagapo / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2012

La visione paolina della spiritualità cristiana: quali prospettive per l’avvenire del cristianesimo?

Author(s): / Language(s): Italian Issue: 1/2012

As an attempt to arrive at a concise synthesis of this rich material, this article is an invitation for furthering both research and the application of its findings. The subject has been presented in relation to the following points: Saint Paul’s spirituality and the history of Christian spirituality; essential elements of Christian spirituality according to the Pauline corpus; God: a mystery about which it is possible, worthwhile and necessary to think and speak; the reunion of Christianity with the world, as a self-presentation and as an offer of providing help; the concept of rebirth and fulfillment of life as a proposal of reveling the sense of existence in mutual togetherness.

Zraniony strzałą piękna. Piękno i misja Kościoła według Josepha Ratzingera

Author(s): Andrzej Michalik / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2014

Thoughts about beauty appear in various places of incredibly rich writings of Joseph Ratzinger. Accordingly with his method, he undertakes this topic in a historical context reaching as far as to the Ancient Times, and develops its theological basis, in order to finally present its ecclesiastic context and a practical development. As always though, the point of origin is the existential problem and the answer of the Revelation as well as diagnosis of modernity. Beauty – according to Joseph Ratzinger – today, is rarely a product of inspiration, but it became a subject of commerce. Beauty seems to suffice by itself, which leads to an art crisis. However, because beauty in its deepest essence points towards a different Reality, that is why we discover all over again its special role in the fulfillment of the Church’s mission. The first task of the Church is to oppose the wicked beauty, which diminishes human, and the second one is to breathe new one in the apostolate thanks to discovering anew the purpose and the meaning of beauty in the human life, in experiencing God and in the Church’s liturgy. Against the crisis of apostolate we need to see the pedagogical aspect of beauty. Human wounded by an arrow of beauty – according to a personal experience of Joseph Ratzinger – is lifted up, above himself. For it is the protection of true beauty and seeing its role in the Church’s mission that are the tasks and a chance for the Church.

Iść za dowodami, dokądkolwiek prowadzą. Nawrócenie słynnego ateisty – profesora Antony’ego Flewa

Author(s): Tomasz Maziarka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2014

This article presents Antony Flew’ s intellectual journey from atheism to the faith in God. The first part of this article contains criticism of theism which Flew presented in several widely discussed works. The second part refers to three arguments which in the opinion of the philosopher argue for the existence of God. The first of them concerns the existence of the laws of nature and it can be expressed as a question: Where are the laws of nature from? The second is connected with the origin of life: How did life emerge from the dead matter? Finally, the third reason is the existence of the world: Why does the world exist? The theistic point of view, the fruit of the intellectual inquiries, the convert’s words enclose briefly: “I believe that the universe was brought into existence by an infinite Intelligence. I believe that the right of forming intricate structure of the universe is an expression of what scientists refer to as the 'Mind of God'. I believe that the phenomenon of life and its ability to reproduce has its source in God.”

Reperkusje traktatu o stworzeniu w całości teologii

Author(s): Sławomir Kunka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2013

Józefa Życińskiego koncepcja ewolucyjnego emergentyzmu

Author(s): Tadeusz Pabjan / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2012

Emergetism is a theory which explains the mechanism of evolutionary development of nature by stipulating that in complex natural systems on the higher levels of complexity there appear some functions and properties that cannot be reduced to and accounted for by functions and properties of the lower levels of complexity. It is therefore the theory of emergence – which stands for some special way the complex systems arise (emerge) from a multiplicity of their relatively simply components. The idea of evolutionary emergentism appears in the philosophical writings of Joseph Życiński in the context of a discussion on the possibility of creating a interpretation of evolutionary processes in which biological theory of evolution could be combined in a coherent way with a theological doctrine about God, the creator of the universe. This paper presents the main ideas and opinions Życiński formulated about this theory; the first part of it contains some basic characterization of emergetnism, the second one compares the notions of emergence and of supervenience; the third one concerns some theological interpretation of this two notions.