Theonomic and Libertarian Freedom. A Metacritical Comparison Cover Image

Wolność teonomiczna i libertariańska. Porównanie metakrytyczne
Theonomic and Libertarian Freedom. A Metacritical Comparison

Author(s): Karl-Heinz Menke
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: freedom; theonomy; libertarianism; revelation; sacramentality; Magisterium of the Church

Summary/Abstract: In this article, Karl-Heinz Menke takes up an argument with two Catholic thinkers, namely Magnus Striet, a fundamental theologian from Freiburg, and Saskia Wendel, a professor-theologian from Tübingen. Striet and Wendel transfer Protestant formulas of sola to recent Catholic theology, building on the libertarian conception of freedom that has continued from Duns Scotus through W. Ockham to I. Kant. The libertarian turn demanded of the Church by Striet and Wendel would be to take the content of revelation ‒ which for them is merely an interpretation ‒ not as subject-independent insights of theoretical reason, but as claims of practical reason. According to them, revelation and reason, grace and freedom are ‒ as K.-H. notes. Menke ‒ first of all a very personal experience. Therefore, the Church’s magisterial teaching is a discriminatory one that fits into the whole history of human oppression. These and other theses are ultimately decisively rejected by Prof. Menke, who represents the classical position of Catholic theology.

  • Issue Year: 17/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 7-32
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Polish