Trojí diakonie
Triple Diakonia

On the Differentiation of Christian Helping Activity in Modern Society

Summary/Abstract: The paper attempts to present a differentiated conception of diakonia as Christian oriented helping activity in modern society. It starts from the forms of social differentiation, as described by Luhmann’s social systems theory (society, interaction, organizations), and discusses them further in the context of practical theologically oriented attitudes to distinguishing between social forms of religion. It brings to mind J. H. Wichern’s typology of triple diakonia (free, civic, and church diakonia) and then tests the indicated theoretical points of departure on the real forms of diakonia in the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren – see on the ‘tripod’ of Christian service, Diaconia of ECCB, and diaconate. In conclusion it asks how the specifically Christian dimension of diakonia can be expressed in helping within the context of interaction, organization and social institutions.

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