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ARTICLES
Adam Drozdek
DYSKURSY TEOLOGICZNE JOHNA ABERNETHY’EGO
Abstract: John Abernathy was an eighteenth-century Irish pastor in the age of the popularity
of physico-theology wanted to provide arguments for the existence of God from the
structure and orderliness of the universe. He also argued, that the harmony found in nature
can be used as an argument for God’s power, wisdom, and goodness. He also discusses the
problem of the existence of evil arguing that God eventually is the cause of all natural phenomena,
including natural disasters and rational beings are the cause of moral evil.
Keywords: John Abernathy, physico-theology, theodicy.
Robert Goczał
TEOFANIA I OŚWIECENIE: POZNAWANIE BOSKOŚCI W FILOZOFII PATRYSTYCZNEJ OJCÓW KAPADOCKICH I ŚW. AUGUSTYNA
Abstract: This article explores two seemingly opposing theories according to which the
pursuit of the comprehension of God through created things, which were considerd as
primum cognitum, may lead to mutually exclusive conclusions. However, this assumption
turns out to be unlikely both for the Cappadocians and for St. Augustine. In the following
inquiry, I will explore two types of cognitive approach in terms of reflection on God in the
Christian tradition of the early Church (Patrisitics), proving that Nature or created things
are only an inherent and unavoidable medium cognitum, but not the ultimate ratio for gaining
knowledge about God. On the contrary, there seems to be either an indispensable supernatural
or at least a specific human factor at work. In order to demonstrate this, I relied
on two congruous concepts, i.e. the Cappadocian Fathers’ theophany and St. Augustine’s illumination,
which were strongly linked to both the Neoplatonic concept of emanation and
the philosophical enlightenment inscribed in the so-called metaphysics of light. It mostly
prevails that these theories, having their significant meanings in the teachings of the early
Church, are commonly tied to theology, and sparsely combined with philosophy. Presumably,
both the Cappadocians and Augustine pointed to their concepts as a sort of metaphysical
categories that can convincingly connect theology with philosophy (relatively faith
with reason), considering God as the supreme being who, on the one hand, reveals Himself
in created realm and, on the other hand, may supernaturally inspire human rational knowledge
and spiritual growth. Through this exposure, they seem to fill a certain gap that
usually divides faith (theology) and reason (philosophy) in their approach to God. Despite
their presumed divergences, the subject of theophany and illumination have undoubtedly something in common, at least in some convergent points. For the Cappadocians and Augustine, and the Neoplatonic thinkers who followed them to a large extent (e.g. John Scotus
Eriugen, Nicholas of Cusa), God appears as the supreme cause of being, its foundation and
ultimate destiny. He can be underlying concept and a foremost criterion of truth both for
early Eastern theology that operates on the borders of philosophy and for early Eastern
philosophy that operates on the borders of theology. Since they approach God in different
ways, one might get the impression that they are apparently divergent. Nevertheless, they
seem to refer in a comparable manner to the same object of knowledge as God, presupposing
a created reality both as the first object of knowledge (primum cognitum) and the
mediating turning point in knowledge (medium cognitum). This requires recourse to an
intellectual-spiritual cognition higher than the senses, that is, entering upon the inevitable
path leading to a heightened rational-spiritual experience, and even to that mystical one,
resulting from the supernatural enlightenment flowing from God Himself.
Keywords: Cappadocian Fathers, St. Augustine; theophany; illumination; early Eastern Church theology; early Eastern Church philosophy.
Klaudia Graczyk
THE INFLUENCE OF BEAUTY ON CONSCIOUS FAITH
Abstract: The world around us can be described with the words: beautiful, good, and true.
These three aspects shape human awe toward everything surrounding them. Christianity
has adopted the concept of beauty that was initiated by Aristotle. He linked beauty with
pleasure and goodness. The teachings of the Church emphasize the connection between
artistic beauty, or beauty in general, and God. Examples of this can be found in the statements
of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. It is a pastoral truth that art, especially sacred
art, is a magnificent tool for evangelization, including in catechetical settings. Through
engagement with art, a person not only opens themselves to aesthetic experiences but also
to religious and deeply intellectual ones, which significantly impacts the development of
a mature human personality. It is certain that beauty speaks of the Creator. It also speaks
of the human being as both an artist and a recipient, in the context of their dignity, talent,
and calling.
Keywords: beauty, via pulchritudinis, art, religious painting, the path of faith, artistry.
Ks. Sławomir Kowalski
OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF THE ORGAN IN THE PARISH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN LWÓWEK ŚLĄSKI
Abstract: For centuries, music has held and continues to hold a special place in the celebration
of the liturgy. Singing and playing instruments serve as a means of communication
between the faithful and strengthen faith and piety. Instruments express what the soul
cannot externalize. Among all instruments, the organ holds a particularly significant place.
The centuries-old use of this instrument in the liturgy indicates its distinguishing role and
purpose. Above all, organs serve prayer, but they are also an inspiration for composers.
Many times, people who were non-believers, after listening to organ music, experienced
a conversion, while the faithful were strengthened in their closeness to God. Organs often
became an expression of religious feelings and an aid in discovering goodness, truth, and
beauty. This study is an attempt to highlight the value of the organ instrument, its use
in the church, and its close connection with the religiosity of the residents of the parish
community in Lwówek Śląski. It presents an outline of the history of one of the oldest parishes
in Lower Silesia, in which the history of the organs in the parish churches has been
incorporated.
Keywords: Legnica diocese, Lwówek Śląski deanery, organs, musicology, the Church in
Silesia.
Ks. Józef Mandziuk
POETIC WORKS OF THE CLERGY OF UPPER SILESIA AT THE TURN OF THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES
Abstract: In the field of intellectual life in Upper Silesia at the turn of the 19th and 20th
centuries, clergy played a significant role, leaving behind poetic works as part of their legacy.
These works varied in their literary quality but have become part of the treasury of
Silesian literature. The article presents four diocesan priests: father Antoni Stabik – the
priest-poet; father Norbert Bończyk – the Silesian epic poet; father Konstanty Augustyn
Damrot – the Silesian lyric poet; and father Aleksander Skowroński – a social activist and
national poet. They published their works in various periodicals as well as in book editions.
Certainly, their poems stirred the patriotism of the Polish inhabitants of Upper Silesia.
Keywords: clergy, diocese of Wrocław, Upper Silesia, poetry, patriotism, father Antoni Stabik, father Norbert Bończyk, father Konstanty Augustyn Damrot, father Aleksander Skowroński.
Ks. Kacper Radzki
REFLECTIVE THINKING AND RECOGNIZING THE TRUENESS OF NEWS IN THE LIFE OF CATHOLICS.
Abstract: Results of a partial replication of the study of the relationship between analytical thinking and the ability to recognize fake news (Rosińska K., Brzóska P., Nowak B., 2021)
Abstract: In the digital age, where the flow of information is unprecedentedly fast and
widespread, the ability to discern the truthfulness of news becomes an essential skill, particularly
for Catholics. This article examines the relationship between reflective thinking
and the ability to recognize the truthfulness of news, highlighting how reflective thinking
can be developed through prayer, religious education, and spiritual practices. The research
findings confirm that individuals with higher levels of reflective thinking are better at identifying
true information, which is significant for Catholic education and spirituality. The
article also discusses the moral and spiritual aspects of recognizing truth, suggesting how
the Catholic Church can support the faithful in this area.
Keywords: reflective thinking, news discernment, religious education, catholic spirituality, disinformation.
Bp Andrzej Siemieniewski
OD RADY KOŚCIOŁÓW DO FORUM CHRZEŚCIJAN: NAJNOWSZY ROZWÓJ EKUMENIZMU
Abstract: Bishop Andrzej Siemieniewski, is a delegate of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
for maintaining contacts with the Polish Christian Forum and has been an active participant
in the meetings for 8 years. The following reflections are based on this long experience
enriched by participation in the Fourth Global Assembly of the Christian Global Forum
(GG4) in Accra, Ghana (April 16-19, 2024). The text develops first the communication
problems between the “old (historical) churches” and “new (Evangelical / Independent /
Pentecostal / African Instituted churches) in the global (Christian) village”. Then a development
of the Global Christian Forum out of the World Council of Churches is presented,
after which a Polish institution is introduced, the Polish Christian Forum – as a new
Ecumenical Opening. To help our understanding of this new vision a traditional idea is
proposed, of the “three streams”.
Keywords: Polish Christian Forum, Interchurch Partnership, Ecumenism, Global Christian Forum, World Council of Churches.
Ks. Sławomir Stasiak
TWO OR EVEN THREE FACES OF FAITH IN THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS (ROMANS 3:22,26,30)
Abstract: The article does not claim to provide a comprehensive treatment of the topic
of faith in the Letter to the Romans. The author focuses on three passages (Romans
3:22,26,20), in which we find, in a certain sense, three facets of faith in the Letter to the
Romans. In all three, we encounter phrases that are difficult to explain: ek pisteōs and dia
pisteōs. Some see these as a genetivus obiectivus (objective genitive), while others interpret
them as a genetivus subiectivus (subjective genitive). However, the question arises: Can we
limit ourselves to a discussion about the grammar and syntax of the Letter to the Romans?
Did the apostle intentionally leave some ambiguity, some interpretative space in the spiritual
dimension? From such an understanding of the phrases ek pisteōs and dia pisteōs,
a triple image of faith emerges in the Letter to the Romans. First, in relation to Jesus Christ,
then to Jewish Christians, and finally to Gentile Christians. Especially in Romans 3:22,26,
where a broader interpretative space is left, Paul directly introduces the reader into the
spiritual realm. Pistis Christou can have both a subjective meaning (the faith of Christ) and
an objective meaning (our faith), which produces the desired effect of our faith being based
on the faith/faithfulness of Christ. In Romans 3:30, we notice that Paul more often uses
the phrase dia tēs pisteōs in relation to the Gentiles, while ek pisteōs refers to both Gentiles
and Israelites. Detailed studies raise the question: Did Paul use such precise theological
language (which, of course, is possible), or did he perhaps, once again, wish to leave his audience with room for a much broader interpretation of concepts and phrases, beyond
mere grammatical and morphological perfection? The author believes that such a possibility,
at least theoretically, exists.
Keywords: St. Paul, the Letter to the Romans, the faith of a Christian, the faithfulness of Christ.
O. Winfried M. Wermter COr
BECOMING EUCHARIST. A REPORT ON THE “DISCOVERY” OF THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
Abstract: In the Church, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of all Christian spirituality.
The Eucharist is not only the model of all prayer that pleases God, but also the pattern
for shaping the entire life of Christ’s disciples. The Eucharist is a meeting with Jesus Christ.
The Eucharist is both a gift and a task. The Eucharist is closely connected with the Holy Trinity.
Just as in the liturgy of the Eucharist, we distinguish the liturgy of the word, the liturgy
of the sacrifice, and the liturgy of communion, we can also speak about the liturgy of the
Father – relating it to the liturgy of the word, the liturgy of the Son – in relation to the liturgy
of sacrifice, and the liturgy of the Holy Spirit – linking it to the liturgy of communion.
Keywords: Eucharist, Holy Mass, Eucharistic liturgy, Eucharistic experience, participation in the Eucharist, priesthood.
Ks. Mateusz Zając
PREEVANGELIZATION COMPETENCIES OF ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION TEACHERS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHURCH DOCTRINE
Abstract: Knowledge and skills related to pre-evangelization seem to be necessary in
today’s catechetical service, because these competencies of religious teachers that largely
determine whether school catechesis in which students participate will only be a theory
or will they become actual evangelization for young people and therefore a way to shape
the next generation of mature Christians. This article is an attempt to answer the question:
what are the expectations of the Catholic Church from catechists – religion teachers in relation
to their preevangelization competencies? Moreover, the author’s intention is to show
the essence of pre-evangelization and the ways of implementing this evangelization process
as a part of teaching the Catholic religion in Poland.
Keywords: religion teacher – catechist, evangelization, preevangelization competencies.
Ks. Robert Zapotoczny
THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND THE SOURCES OF THEIR FULFILLMENT
Abstract: Aging of the population is one of the fundamental problems of modern times.
Potentially, it applies to all people, regardless of their psychophysical condition, material
status, education, environment of origin, and recognized views. Old age is a common phenomenon,
and at the same time individualized in its conditions and manifestations, difficult
to define unequivocally. Nevertheless, the issue of old age appears more and more
frequently in various areas of social life, ranging from family and environmental relations,
through economic and political problems, researching many disciplines of science, to ideological
and moral issues. Modern man, despite his pragmatic and utilitarian attitude, is
looking for spirituality, therefore the focus should be on caring for the spirit, soul and
spirituality. Every person has spirituality, regardless of race, culture, education, intelligence,
religion. He does not acquire it because it is the core of every human being. Thanks
to spirituality, a person is guided in life by hope and optimism, responsibility, sensitivity,
love, he knows his goal, because it gives him the meaning of existence and leads to his own
happiness. Today, one of the most important challenges facing the Church is to restore
the sense of meaning and value of life to older people through the affirmation of spiritual
values. Old age is therefore the most spiritual period of a person’s life, viewed from the
perspective of its entirety. However, from the perspective of satisfying spiritual needs, old
age can be called a key stage in achieving full humanity.
Keywords: old age, dignity, spirituality, needs, wisdom, meaning in life, development.
TEKSTY ŹRÓDŁOWE
Dk. Piotr Kaczmarek
Stanowisko abp. Bolesława Kominka i księży z Brzegu wobec zajęcia „wikarówki” przez władze komunistyczne
Ks. Grzegorz Sokołowski
Sprawozdanie z duszpasterstwa wśród ludności przybyłej po II wojnie światowej z Jugosławii do powiatu bolesławieckiego
RECENZJE, OMÓWIENIA I SPRAWOZDANIA
Ks. Radosław Bariasz
Ks. Sławomir Kowalski. Obecność bł. kard. Stefana Wyszyńskiego na uroczystościach milenijnych w archidiecezji wrocławskiej w świetle źródeł administracji państwowej.
„Perspectiva. Legnickie Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne” 22:2023 nr 1 (42) p. 128-139
Ks. Radosław Bariasz
Joanna Wieliczka-Szarkowa. Rotmistrz Pilecki. Niezłomny bohater.
Kraków: Wydawnictwo AA 2023 ss. 160
Bogdan Giemza SDS
Michał Wilkosz. Chance oder Utopie? Jugendliche und Neuevangelisierung im Kontext der Situation der Kirche in Polen und in Deutschland. Untersuchungen bei polnischen und deutschen AbiturientInnen.
Krakow: Unum Press 2019 ss. 385
Stanisław A. Potycz
Sprawozdanie z uroczystości wręczenia Nagrody im. Henryka Pobożnego prof. Krzysztofowi Szwagrzykowi.
Legnica, 19 października 2024 r.
