Znaki miłosierdzia w pracach generacji polskich pozytywistów. Wybrane aspekty
Signs of mercy in the works of Polish positivists. Chosen aspects.

Author(s): Beata K. Obsulewicz
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Mercy; Polish positivism; XIX/XX century literature; charity; theological motifs in literature; ethical and moral issues in literature
Summary/Abstract: The paper covers reasons and signs of the interest in the phenomenon of mercy by Polish positivists (generation starting their works after failed January Uprising in 1863). Their literature, journalism and letters include multiple remarks about both God’s and people’s mercy. It seems that mercy understood as philanthropy was one of the most important, although not direct, postulates of their sociopolitical program. It was also a psychological factor aiding the rationalization of the effects of captivity they experienced. In the religious aspect, the need to experience God’s mercy as a chance for the people and the world to be saved, many a time discussed in positivists’ writings, led to the fascination with this God’s attribute in XX century and to His mystery being discovered more completely in the modern times.

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