The Prayer of Philosopher Stjepan Zimmermann

Abstract

This paper is divided into two main sections. In the introduction, the author draws our attention to the fact that Zimmermann is not unknown in Croatian philosophical and cultural circles. Following the introduction is the first section entitled “Zimmermann’s Prayer”. It contains the text of the prayer itself which was published in The Way of Life in 1945. In the works of Zimmermann certain prayers are also mentioned which were written by other authors, such as Giovanni Papini. The second section of the paper, entitled “An Analysis of Zimmermann’s Prayer”, provides a brief study of certain elements contained therein. The analysis is based on his philosophical texts and mental pursuits of topics such as man in search of the meaning of life, Jesus Christ as revelator of God, Jesus Christ as a historical figure, the soul, knowledge of God through the created world and the truth of Christian revelation. As regards the Zimmermann prayer, its starting point and foundation is the historical figure of Jesus Christ who is also the very center of his prayer. Furthermore, it is important for Zimmermann to prove that man can transcend earthly cognition (materialism) by means of his reason, and that he has the potential for super–experiential cognition (metaphysical cognition). God is revealed to man in Jesus Christ who is the mediator of the revelation. God’s revelation is a certainty, and man has no need to doubt its truth. The conclusion of the paper emphasizes that Zimmermann is not a theological but primarily a philosophical writer; however, Zimmermann’s prayer is an indication that there is a theological side to his texts which needs to be explored in more detail.