Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 1, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.1.7
Apologists of the Second Century as Inspiration for an »‘Outgoing’ Theology«
Andrea Filić
orcid.org/0000-0002-1609-3972
; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The article, starting with selected points of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter in the form of motu proprio »Ad theologiam promovendam« (1 November 2023), presents the results of reading the texts of the 2nd-century apologists in terms of their alignment with the Pope’s encouragements to contemporary theologians. In the introductory reflections, the similarities between the time of the apologists and today, as well as the theological challenges they faced and those we face today are pointed out. This is followed by six chapters: 1. Prophetic interpretation of the present and reflection on new itineraries for the future, in light of Revelation; 2. Transmitting the truths of faith and the teaching of Jesus in today’s languages, with originality and critical awareness; 3. The Incarnation of the eternal Logos – a model of theological reflection and action; 4. The peculiar task of theology is to discover the Trinitarian imprint that makes the cosmos in which we live a »web of relationships«; 5. Dialogue; 6. Theology as intellectual charity, developed on one’s knees, prophesies the hope of ultimate fulfilment. Through the elaboration of the titles, a twofold goal is intended to be achieved. Firstly, to demonstrate that the guidelines outlined by the Pope for contemporary theology are deeply connected to the guidelines established by the apologists, theologians of the 2nd century, who created the prerequisites for the development of theology as a scientific discipline. Secondly, to find inspiration for an »outgoing« theology in the content that the apologists dealt with, in their approach, and their methods.
Keywords
Greek apologists of the second century; Pope Francis; theology; philosophy; dialogue
Hrčak ID:
330351
URI
Publication date:
25.4.2025.
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