Peter Morée

Observationen aus der Welt Kafkas, Schwejks und Havels

Michel Dion

Le détachement paradoxal en la Présence de l’Infini

Scott Hamilton Andrews

Engaging Our Transhumanist Neighbor. Commonality, Corruptibility, and Preventive Care

Jiří Bochez

Kirche der Freiheit And A Systems Theory Of Church

Peter Morée

Remembering David Ralph Holeton (9. 3. 1948–6. 1. 2023)

Author:

Peter Morée

Abstract:

Vorschläge um die Name des Gustav-Adolf-Werk zu ändern, weil der schwedische König als Kriegsverbrecher gekennzeichnet werden soll, sollen mit Zurückhaltung betrachtet werden.

Citation:

MORÉE, Peter. Observationen aus der Welt Kafkas, Schwejks und Havels. Communio Viatorum. 2023, vol. 65, issue 1, pp. 3-10.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/00103713.2023.1.1

published: 01.09.2023

Author:

Michel Dion

Abstract:

The Presence of the Infinite in human existence may be considered as mystery. If so, then believers endorse three a priori.

Firstly, human person, as finite, has the intuition of the Infinite that opens the way to an existential positioning in front of the Infinite. Secondly, the intuition of the Infinite gives birth to an idea of the Infinite, and eventually to the desire of the Infinite (the desire to be United with such Infinite). Thirdly, the idea of the Infinite allows believers to develop a fragmentary understanding of the ultimate ground for being and existence. The Infinite is thus unknowable by human (finite) beings. Being in the Presence of the Infinite then becomes a paradox that requires detachment. Being detached is being absolutely centered on God rather than any other existential concern. It requires two basic modes of detachment : the detachment from language and conceptual knowledge, on one hand, and the detachment of the self in relation with the Infinite, on the other hand. Being attached is considering God as a being who is alongside innumerable beings. Detachment rather allows believers to avoid the interpretative trap of the objectification of God.

Keywords:

Infinite, detachment, paradox, unknowability of God

Citation:

DION, Michael. Le détachement paradoxal en la Présence de l’Infini. Communio Viatorum. 2023, vol. 65, issue 1, pp. 11-46.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/00103713.2023.1.2

published: 01.09.2023

Author:

Scott Hamilton Andrews

Abstract:

Transhumanism is not limited to a unified or monolithic program; however, within the dynamics of a personal and dialogic relationship between the transhumanist and the Christian theologian or ethicist, a sense of commonality can be established, enabling the latter to care for the former in a manner similar to that described by Henri Nouwen in his classic book The Wounded Healer. Specifically, the Christian theologian or ethicist bears a wound of corruptibility, as the historical record amply demonstrates that even the high ideals of Jesus may become dogmatized to a toxic degree. The transhumanist program has not had sufficient time or power to establish a significant historical record of its own in this regard; but by analyzing the importance of myth and fides qua creditor in transhumanism and its attendant ideologies, the paper argues that even transhumanism may not be impervious to potential wounds of corruptibility, and suggests that this point of commonality between the Christian theologian or ethicist and their transhumanist neighbor presents an opportunity for the Christian to meaningfully serve the transhumanist by providing “preventive care.”

Keywords:

transhumanism, myth, Henri Nouwen, corruptibility.

Citation:

ANDREWS, Scott Hamilton. Engaging Our Transhumanist Neighbor. Commonality, Corruptibility, and Preventive Care. Communio Viatorum. 2023, vol. 65, issue 1, pp. 47-71.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/00103713.2023.1.3

published: 01.09.2023

Author:

Jiří Bochez

Abstract:

The article deals with our understanding of ongoing reform processes taking place in the German and Czech churches, specifically the protestant ones. Are we ready to overcome the stress connected with too much uncertainty? Congregations, like human beings, live between the polarities of order and freedom. The tension between these two polarities gives birth to a renewal. Thinking systematically means seeing the multiplicity of factors and search for causation in a given environment. Acting systematically means seeing opportunities, creating mental models and influencing the environment. There may be historic tensions and group‘s dynamics leading to a permanent conflict. There may be too much liberalism leading to the vague picture of one‘s identity. There may be too much responsibility carried by a few people working voluntarily. There may be too much orthodoxy closing itself in the system of “eternal truths.”We introduce a Systems Theory of Church that takes into account a struggle between the use of traditional instruments used to describe self-reference of the church (ecclesiology) and the use of management tools in the church in recent years, and combine this with the Luhmann‘ s Theory of Social Systems. We propose in the text a theory that takes seriously a language of one of the leading social theories, adapt it to the theological context in order to apply it to a new communication strategy. The language we use is not innocent; it creates its own reality. We cannot grow against the trend. But doing things right as well as doing right things – it is all about “planting, growing and taking care” with patience. A hermeneutic circle, a semantic triangle and a communication model embody a “creation view” can helps us to see the whole picture again.

Keywords:

Kirche der Freiheit – Systems Theory of Church – Evangelical Church in Germany – Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren – Church Reform – Strategic Plan – Management – Identity – Mission – Luhmann – Secularization

Citation:

BOCHEZ, Jiří. Kirche der Freiheit and A Systems Theory Of Church. Communio Viatorum. 2023, vol. 65, issue 1, pp. 72-96.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/00103713.2023.1.4

published: 01.09.2023

Author:

Peter Morée

Abstract:

The Liturgist, Teacher of Theology and Pastor David Holeton influenced the liturgical life of the Anglican Church of Canada, the research on liturgy and the research on the Bohemian Reformation, which caught his attention because of its practice of communion for infants.

Citation:

MORÉE, Peter. Remembering David Ralph Holeton (9. 3. 1948–6. 1. 2023). Communio Viatorum. 2023, vol. 65, issue 1, pp. 97-98.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14712/00103713.2023.1.5

published: 01.09.2023