The Church as a Theocratic Community Cover Image

Kościół jako społeczność teokratyczna
The Church as a Theocratic Community

Author(s): Tomasz Orzeł
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History of Church(es), Sociology of Religion
Published by: Uniwersytet Opolski
Keywords: Antonio Rosmini; Church; ecclesiology; The Five Wounds of Holy Church;

Summary/Abstract: In the unusually wide spectrum of scientific interests of Bl. Antonio Rosmini – an Italian priest, philosopher, theologian, politician and intellectual, his ecclesiological reflection takes pride of place. Despite criticism, misunderstanding and even persecution by some people of the Church, he remained a faithful son, which he confirmed with his heroic obedience to the Pope and his decisions. He undertook both a sociological reflection on the Bride of Christ, developing the concept of “theocratic community”, and a theological one, creating an original ecclesiological concept. In one of his most important works, The Five Wounds of Holy Church, he indicated the most important diseases and weaknesses affecting the Mystical Body of Christ. According to the philosopher from Stresa, they include: the separation of the people from the clergy in worship, insufficient education of the clergy, lack of unity between bishops, excessive influence of secular authorities on bishop’s appointments, and excessive attachment of clergy to material goods. In his book, he also indicated adequate methods of treating particular wounds of the Church. Echoes of his concept of ecclesiological renewal can be found both in the documents of the Second Vatican Council and in post-conciliar theology. In the first part of the article, the author presents the genesis of Rosmini’s postulate to reform the Church “in the Church”.

  • Issue Year: 41/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 151-168
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish