Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.64356/2233-1387.2025.29.2.177
The Incarnate God and the Mystery of the Trinity in the Thought of Friar Kvirin Vasilj
Marija Pehar
orcid.org/0000-0002-8083-1896
; Catholic Faculty of Theology - University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Antonio Ramljak
; Catholic Faculty of Theology - University Zagreb
Abstract
This paper examines the atypical reflections on Trinitarian doctrine found in the thought of Friar Kvirin Vasilj, a Croatian Franciscan and philosopher who is not widely known to the Croatian public. Motivated by scholarly interest and, above all, by a believer’s quest for a deeper comprehension of the most profound mystery of the Christian faith, Vasilj embarks upon a novel reflection on the divine Trinity. His point of departure is the mystery of the Incarnation, for he recognizes in Jesus of Nazareth the center of the transformation of the natural and supernatural orders. He considers the being of Christ in its ontological, anthropological, and divine dimensions, presenting Trinitarian doctrine in a manner distinct from all previously known Trinitarian reflections, wherein, from his primarily philosophical perspective, he identifies certain contradictions. A critical analysis of his work, which holds considerable theological and faith-based interest, reveals the freshness and originality of his approach, especially his noteworthy philosophical-theological terminology. Therein lies the recognition of his original contribution to Croatian theological-philosophical thought. His endeavor is not intended to diminish the significance of classical dogmatic formulations or previous philosophical-theological attempts to understand the mystery of the Trinity, but rather stems from a desire to contribute, from a new perspective, to its better understanding and more effective pastoral proclamation.
Keywords
Kvirin Vasilj; Trinity; Incarnation; relationship between theology and philosophy
Hrčak ID:
343855
URI
Publication date:
28.1.2026.
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