Review article

https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.94.3.11

Characteristics of Current Spiritual Tendencies of the Church in Croatia

Franjo Podgorelec ; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Spirituality deals with the assimilation aspect of revelation (fides qua), insofar as faith becomes an experience and practice. It is about a life that is animated and organized from the relationship with the Triune God, and as such, it is the integration point of a person’s life and influences his choices, his entire life, and actions. From this relationship, the believer builds his or her personal, family, interpersonal, professional and ecclesial-social engagement. The article analyses four spiritual tendencies dominant within our Croatian Church today: conservative, »adolescent progressivism«, charismatic, and the Međugorje spiritual movement. Their positive and constructive components shall be examined, as well as those that lead to one-sidedness and even to possible alienation. The pluralism of charisms encouraged by the Holy Spirit within the Mystical Body of Christ, as well as the various anthropological, ecclesial and social circumstances, require that no one can claim the exclusivity of his spiritual path and direction. That is why each of the tendencies must be aware of the partiality of their point of view, the Holy Spirit is fully present only in the Church as a whole. For the growth of individuals and groups within these tendencies, it is necessary to cultivate dialogic openness, as well as the ability to integrate two seemingly contradictory realities into their personal life (antinomies of spiritual life), such as: action and contemplation, obedience and personal initiative, asceticism and humanism, engagement in the world and immunity to the worldly spirit, etc.

Keywords

spirituality; conservatism; church movements; charisms; Međugorje; special prophetic revelations; Second Vatican Council.

Hrčak ID:

323609

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/323609

Publication date:

14.12.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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