Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 1, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.1.2
The Actuality of the Theology of Mercy in Light of the Apostolic Letter Ad theologiam promovendam
Jakov Rađa
; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of the article is to explore whether theology is actual today and if it is, what kind of theology? To answer both questions, we must analyse Pope Francis’ apostolic letter in the form of »motu proprio« Ad theologiam promovendam from 2023. The first part of the article is dedicated to the analysis of deep transformations of the culture that had created conditions for the key challenge that the Church and its theology are called to face today, and that is the break in passing on the faith from one generation to the other (cf. EG 70). The second part of the article explains the irreplaceable role of theology in the evangelical mission of the Church that consists of efforts to make the Lord’s voice stay available and understandable through different cultural breaks. The second part of the article also demonstrates how theology can no longer rely exclusively on the help of philosophy in fulfilling that task, but that it is important for it to put Kerygma, that is, charity, at the basis of its reflection. The category of charity exhibits a great theological potential in overcoming those antinomies between faith and culture that led to the break in passing on the faith, and at the same time it does not lead theology into the danger of abandoning its specific demands for truth and rationality. The third and final part of the article addresses the actuality of theology through Pope Francis’ core appeal to become »fundamentally contextual«, that is, to revive its sapiential dimension which does not consist so much of the exploration of »God’s things« as in placing all realities of human life, particularly the most painful ones, under the light of the Gospel.
Keywords
Theology; pope Francis; Ad theologiam promovendam; charity
Hrčak ID:
330348
URI
Publication date:
25.4.2025.
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