Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 79 No. 1, 2009.
Review article
The Principle of Subsidiarity in the New Testament
Mario Cifrak
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The subsidiarity speech in the New Testament builds on the reality of the community established by Christ - on the Church. In this context we think of the requirements set by subsidiarity principles, i.e. on ihe subsidy offered by the community to an individual or by a 'higher' society to a 'lower' society. The Jesus' Discourse on the Church warns us of the conflict among brothers, where finally, after a failed settlement between two brothers and a later involvement of another one or two witnesses, the community intervened (see Mt 18:15-18). The Roman empire is a social and historical framework for the spread of Christianity. Paul is a very good example of evangelization. Namely, here we are given the opportunity to track down the relationship between the official Roman rule and the Christianity when Paul appeared in Corinth before Gallio, charged by Jews (see Acts 18:12-17). By freeing Paul from charges, the Rome displays its tolerance, most probably thanks to the institution of senatus consultum from 35 A.D. Yet, the life of Christians is full of differences and tensions caused by such problems. In the very beginning, already, the problem connected to the care of the Hellenistic widows is tackled (see Acts 6:1-7), and the issue is handled again by Paul in 1 Tm 5:3-16. The solution lies in the institution of the Seven who should take care of the widows (see Acts 6:3). In accordance with the Epistle, the care of the 'true' widow should be taken by the Church, whereas the care of other sorts of 'widows' should be taken by some woman from the community.
Keywords
subsidiarity; New Testament; the Church; Jesus; Roman rule; the Seven; widows
Hrčak ID:
35261
URI
Publication date:
18.3.2009.
Visits: 1.998 *