Preliminary communication
Human Freedom and Responsibility towards Oneself, Others, God, and the Created World in the Writings of Edith Stein
Mirjana Pinezić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Abstract
In line with Husserl’s phenomenological method, Edith Stein first describes the phenomenon of freedom in the narrowest sense of the word, that is, as tied to human consciousness and the human spirit, which includes the will. She then presents it in a broader sense as a reality that permeates the entirety of human existence, including its social dimension. True freedom, however, is realized at the deepest spiritual level—in conscience and the spiritual soul—where we receive grace that transforms us. Our responsibility arises from the fact that we are free. A person can shape themselves, and from this ability also stems the responsibility for their own actions. Since grace, at the deepest level of the soul, brings new knowledge, new energy, and new strength, this gift also leads to new forms of responsibility.
The Church, as a community of salvation, is structured in a way that “adds” and provides “external” means of grace, which enable human freedom not only as a spiritual reality but also as a physical one. Intercessory prayer and mutual surrender to God, in a special way, build up the Church and create co-responsibility for the salvation of others. This responsibility extends to all of creation, to which, as God’s children, we are called to mediate God’s grace. According to Edith Stein, the Christian life is thus based on the cooperation between nature, freedom, and grace.
Keywords
Edith Stein; freedom; responsibility; intercessory prayer; created world
Hrčak ID:
330743
URI
Publication date:
9.5.2025.
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