Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 74 No. 2, 2004.
Original scientific paper
An Outlined Theological Basis of the Idea od Solidarity
Tonči Matulić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
This contribution from a theological perspective attempts to particularly outline the idea of solidarity. The fundamental-theological question concerning solidarity cannot be presented without a prior knowledge of the concept of solidarity in theology. The Secularistic social ambient, has without a doubt, created the notion of solidarity, which is historically related to the idea of a proclaimed brotherhood by the French Revolution. On the other hand, it is true that the social teachings of the Church more than a century ago, aim to realise the idea of solidarity in the light of the Christian message. In that context the idea of solidarity is understood as a Christian virtue and moral principle for social-ethical action. Its meaning is derived from the ideas of Christian love, Christian fellowship, justice and reciprocity among all people and nations. The starting point for the search of »solidary« dimensions in the theology of creation and salvation, while not risking to reduce the meaning of solidarity to other Christian concepts, and likewise. Dynamic and historical interpretation and understanding of the theology of creation in its inherent theology of salvation, brings to conclusion that, the theological basis of the idea of solidarity and its contents, essentially depends on the dynamic and contextual interpretation and understanding of God's creative works and the salvation of man and the world in Jesus Christ. The dialectical tension of »already yes«, »not now« and »not yet« of the Kingdom of God is offered as a hermeneutical key for interpreting the idea of solidarity as a historical and natural reality in the light of the complete Christian message that seeks actualisation in a given historical context, and in a way that the idea of solidarity demands of actualisation. The results of the presented opinions need to be taken with a dose of benevolence, since it relates to only one of the attempts in this outlines. They are not completely covered in discussion and as such are not definitive. Therefore, these draft plans serve only as a methodical orientation for further theological research and a deepening of »solidary« dimensions of creation and salvation, and as a presumption for the correct historical and contextual understanding of the relationship between »natural solidarity« (»natural brotherhood among people«) and »supernatural solidarity« (»supernatural brotherhood among people who make up one family of God by the intervention of the power of God in a unique action of creation with inherent Christological implications, and the final unique action of salvation in Christ«). This understanding of historical-salvific dialectics opens the door for possible investigation of dynamic historical-contextual anthropological and ethical implications relating to the idea of solidarity in the light of particular conditions in biblical revelation and Christian tradition.
Keywords
natural-supernatural solidarity; brotherhood; reciprocity; love; justice; Social teachings of the Catholic Church; theology of creatio
Hrčak ID:
25622
URI
Publication date:
3.8.2004.
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