Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 79 No. 2, 2009.
Original scientific paper
The Theology of Hope - Once and Now
Jürgen Moltmann
; Faculty of Protestant Theology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tubingen, Tübingen, Germany
Abstract
The author presents a succinct review of the founding starting points of his Theology of Hope. The article first refers to the specifity of the Christian God as a »God of hope«, that is, God that comes to us from the future. The article then speaks about the »mind of hope«, in hope man transcends his self reality, thinking about the future as a kingdom of opportunities and develops his own sense for opportunity. The author further investigates the speciality of Christian hope which he sees in the belief that Christ's future can become the present, here and not some far away reality in the future. In that hope, Christians endeavour to realise God's kingdom here and now. The author then notes some vital events in the sixties of the 20th century which were filled with tendencies for changes for the better when everyone shared a common hope and eschatological expectation that surpassed historical possibility. It was during this period that the author wrote his Theology of Hope, which he wished to return authentic hope in Christians for a new Divine world. The Theology of Hope is interpreted in the following key notions: 1. God's promise to be comprehended not only as a promise for the future but of God's presence; 2. Christ's resurrection which gives strength to God's promise not only in relation to Jesus but to creation on the whole; 3. A call to accept life as a duty and history as a mission with the aim of anticipating God's kingdom. The foundation of hope is a new beginning and that new beginning is here today. The author concludes with a critical review to the talk of hope in Pope Benedict XVI encyclical Spe salvi. He compares it with the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes by the Second Vatican Council and notices that the encyclical limits Christian hope to the faithful and is separated from those who do not have hope while Gaudium et spes reflects on the deepest connection between the Church and all of mankind both in hope and in difficulties. The author points out a weak point in the encyclical in its lack to stress Jesus' joyful news about the kingdom of God, the universal authority of the resurrected Christ which becomes hope for all of creation not only through the promise of eternal serenity but within the framework of this world in which the words »I am doing everything new« become the motive for new hope, new courage and where abilities may begin.
Keywords
the Theology of Hope; God of hope; God's future in the present; promise; resurrected Christ; kingdom of God; Spe salvi
Hrčak ID:
38165
URI
Publication date:
2.7.2009.
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