Tischner's Dispute with Kołakowski Over Grace and Freedom

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Tischner's Dispute with Kołakowski Over Grace and Freedom logos_i_ethos_2021_(57), s. 261–292 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15633/lie.4041 Rev. Miłosz Hołda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0649-2168 The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow Tischner’s dispute with Kołakowski over grace and freedom Introduction Rev. Miłosz Hołda, a doctor of philoso- phy with a habilitation degree, an assis- The dispute over the problem tant professor at the Department of Meta- concerned with the relationship physics and Philosophy of Man, the Facul- between grace and freedom en- ty of Philosophy at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Cracow, a lecturer at the gaged in by Saint Augustine and John Paul II Catholic University of Lub- Pelagius is not merely an interest- lin. He has authored three books and sev- ing element in the history of human eral dozen research papers, and was award- ed the prize of the President of the Coun- thought. This controversy, which cil of Ministers for the rewarded doctoral had been generated centuries ago, dissertation in 2013. His most recent pub- has been many a time revived, and lication is Źródło i noc. Wprowadzenie do współczesnego absconditeizmu [The Spring still continues, undergoing new and the Night. An Introduction to Contem- stages. One of these, which is ad- porary Absconditheism] (Kraków 2020). dressed in the present text, is the He specializes in natural theology, philoso- stage of Józef Tischner’s dispute phy of man, and epistemology. He is a mem- ber of the Internationale-Ferdinand-Ebner- with Leszek Kołakowski. Tischner -Gesellschaft. was earnest about Kołakowski’s in- terpretation of one of the stages of this controversy, i.e. the 17th-centu- ry dispute between Jansenists, Pascal being the foremost among them, and Jesuit theologians. However, he interpreted Kołakowski’s view as a voice in the discussion – which transcended a specific historical con- text – of the problematic relationship between grace and freedom. It is noteworthy that the dispute was “uni-directional:” Tischner discussed 262 Rev. Miłosz Hołda and criticized Kołakowski’s views. That is why it is advisable to speak of Tischner’s dispute with Kołakowski, and not of dispute between Tischner and Kołakowski. This, however, is no impediment to viewing their texts as presentation of two relevant positions that can and should be evaluated. In the present text I will outline the origin and the crucial elements in the history of the controversy over grace and freedom. It is necessary to outline the history in order to set the backdrop for the controversy stage in question. Both Kołakowski and Tischner refer to the views held by the participants in the earlier stages of the controversy, and propose solutions that are comprehensible only after one has understood the solu- tions put forth earlier. Outlining the backdrop will also make it possible to show the misunderstandings and over-interpretations that appear par- ticularly in Kołakowski’s texts that treat of these issues. Then, I will pres- ent the views held by the thinkers in question: the reconstruction of the 17th-century dispute between Jansenists and Molinists by Kołakowski, who suggests that the solution embraced in the dispute by the Catho- lic Church was semi-Pelagianism, as well as Tischner’s criticism of Kołakowski’s views and the solution proposed by the former, which is in the spirit of Saint Augustine’s (appropriately interpreted) teaching. To conclude, I will try to resolve this dispute, showing how the positions taken by Kołakowski and Tischner might be reconciled, and point to the ramifications of this dispute for fields of thought other than theology. The controversy over the relationship between grace and freedom is not merely a narrow controversy over one of many elements in the heritage of Christian theology. Even though it is rooted in theology, it translates into many crucial issues concerned with both thinking about education and thinking about politics. That is why a philosopher too can find this controversy interesting.1 It is necessary to understand the 1 As a matter of fact, Tischner implies that the experience of grace does not lie in theological research only. Theology addresses only one, “supernatural” aspect of this concept. However, grace has an experiential aspect too, and that is why “the experience of grace can and even must beco- me a philosophical subject” (J. Tischner, Zarys filozofii człowieka dla duszpasterzy i artystów [An Tischner’s dispute with Kołakowski over grace and freedom 263 theological concepts at play as well as the entire theological “background” to the controversy so that we can engage in discussion of the subjects belonging in the philosophy of education and the philosophy of politics. Of the relevance of this controversy for the contemporary times, and in reference to Kołakowski’s book God Owes Us Nothing,2 Tischner writes as follows: “The book is targeted at a specific reader. He is a con- temporary man who has experienced totalitarianism, and carries in his soul Pascal’s conflict between trust in man and unbelief in man.” And he asks: “How is it then: to believe or not to believe in man?”3 Tischner also notes the following: “In Kołakowski’s opinion the Jansenist-Jesuit conflict in some measure still holds. After all that we have experienced in this century do we still have grounds to trust in man? The knowledge we have acquired of man gives rise to despair. However, he who has lapsed into despair because of man, and has placed his trust in God, should know: God owes us nothing. Which side should we take?”4 In the present text we will pursue this question. We will, however, supplement it with another question. It reads: who should we side with – Kołakowski or Tischner? The answer to this question is much more important than it might seem at first glance. The origin of the controversy Saint Augustine’s dispute with Pelagius’ views marks the beginning of the controversy, one of the latest stages of which is the focus of our interest.5 The problem with this dispute is that we do not really know the Outline of the Philosophy of Man for Priests and Artists], in: J. Tischner, Myślenie w żywiole piękna [Thinking in the Element of Beauty], Kraków 2013, p. 291). 2 L. Kołakowski, Bóg nam nic nie jest dłużny. Krótka uwaga o religii Pascala i o duchu janseni- zmu [God Owes Us Nothing: A Brief Remark on Pascal’s Religion and on the Spirit of Jansenism], tłum. I. Kania, Kraków 1994. 3 J. Tischner, Szukając mistrzów naszej wiary [In Search of the Masters of Our Faith], in: J. Tischner, Ksiądz na manowcacach [A Priest in the Wilderness], Kraków 1999, p. 236. 4 J. Tischner, Szukając mistrzów naszej wiary, op. cit., pp. 236–237. 5 The best study of the history of the controversy over grace and freedom, which Tischner di- rectly refers to, is: D. Oko, Łaska i wolność. Łaska w Biblii, nauczaniu Kościoła i teologii współczesnej 264 Rev. Miłosz Hołda true views held by Pelagius. It is also unclear whether Augustine’s criti- cism was well-directed with regard to what Pelagius actually preached.6 However, Tischner believes that Pelagianism and Augustinianism can be viewed as paradigms of thinking about grace within the Christian tradition. Treating Pelagius’ views precisely like this, Tischner claims that Pelagius’ true intention was to oppose cheap, “effortless” Christian- ity. Pelagius strove after a spiritual revival predicated on moral rigorism. As a soul-shepherd and preacher he above all aimed to educate his fol- lowers. In the opinion of Pelagius, who was actuated by the Greek idea of paideia – man’s self-improvement – man is supposed to strive after perfection, and philosophy and religion are there to show him the road and the destination. According to Tischner, Pelagius believed that man has capacity for sinlessness and attaining salvation, because he was created in the image of God. The ability to develop and reach the goal, i.e. salvation, is a peculiar dynamism that man is endowed with. The grace brought by Jesus Christ is not necessary for salvation, but acts only as instruction. Sin did not frustrate the possibility of salvation originally offered to man, and it was only a bad example that stood in the way of attaining salvation. As Tisch- ner emphasizes, the important thing is that Pelagius’ views opposed Man- ichaeism. Pelagius believed that Manichaeism plunges man into fatalism, turning him into a passive observer of evil in the world. In the concept proposed by Pelagius man is not condemned to passive observation of evil, but is in a position to become committed on the side of good.7 As he writes about Pelagius, G. Müller observes that he “was in fact more of a religious zealot than a profound theological thinker.” [Grace and Freedom. Grace in the Bible, the Catholic Church Teachings and Contemporary Theology], Kraków 1997. 6 Tischner explains: “Irrespective of what Pelagius and Augustine thought of grace, the para- digm is important, just like for a river important are both its banks. If there were no paradigm like this, then we would have to think it up” (J. Tischner, Podglądanie Pana Boga [Stealthily Watching God], in: J. Tischner, Ksiądz na manowcach, op. cit., p. 255). 7 J. Tischner, Spór o istnienie człowieka [A Controversy over the Existence of Man], Kraków 2011, pp. 162–164. Tischner’s dispute with Kołakowski over grace and freedom 265 In Müller’s opinion, contrary to what Augustine and the theological tra- dition ascribed to him, he did not reject grace. He was aware that man is saved through grace. Importantly, he construed it as a natural capacity to do good. Even if he regarded Jesus as a model to be emulated, he did not understand the word “model” in today’s moralistic sense.
Recommended publications
  • The Existentialism of Martin Buber and Implications for Education
    This dissertation has been microfilmed exactly as received 69-4919 KINER, Edward David, 1939- THE EXISTENTIALISM OF MARTIN BUBER AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION. The Ohio State University, Ph.D., 1968 Education, general University Microfilms, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan THE EXISTENTIALISM OF MARTIN BUBER AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Edward David Kiner, B.A., M.A. ####*### The Ohio State University 1968 Approved by Adviser College of Education This thesis is dedicated to significant others, to warm, vital, concerned people Who have meant much to me and have helped me achieve my self, To people whose lives and beings have manifested "glimpses" of the Eternal Thou, To my wife, Sharyn, and my children, Seth and Debra. VITA February 14* 1939 Born - Cleveland, Ohio 1961......... B.A. Western Reserve University April, 1965..... M.A. Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion June, 1965...... Ordained a Rabbi 1965-1968........ Assistant Rabbi, Temple Israel, Columbus, Ohio 1967-1968...... Director of Religious Education, Columbus, Ohio FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Philosophy of Education Studies in Philosophy of Education, Dr. Everett J. Kircher Studies in Curriculum, Dr. Alexander Frazier Studies in Philosophy, Dr. Marvin Fox ill TABLE OF CONTENTS Page DEDICATION............................................. ii VITA ................................................... iii INTRODUCTION............................ 1 Chapter I. AN INTRODUCTION TO MARTIN BUBER'S THOUGHT....... 6 Philosophical Anthropology I And Thou Martin Buber and Hasidism Buber and Existentialism Conclusion II. EPISTEMOLOGY . 30 Truth Past and Present I-It Knowledge Thinking Philosophy I-Thou Knowledge Complemented by I-It Living Truth Buber as an Ebdstentialist-Intuitionist Implications for Education A Major Problem Education, Inclusion, and the Problem of Criterion Conclusion III.
    [Show full text]
  • AN OVERVIEW and CRITIQUE of the NEW PERSPECTIVE on PAUL's DOCTRINE of JUSTIFICATION: Part Two-The New Perspective Critiqued (1) Jeffery Smith'
    AN OVERVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF THE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL'S DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION: Part Two-The New Perspective Critiqued (1) Jeffery Smith' In a previous article I sought to give an overview of what has been called "The New Perspective on Paul"l. Specific focus was given to those aspects of the New Perspective (NP) that most directly touch on the doctrine of justification by faith. We considered its leading proponents, primary tenets, growing influence, subtle appeal, and alarming implications. In this and following articles, we will take up a summary critique of the NP. This article will address historical and hermeneutical problems with the NP. Those to follow will take up some of its exegetical problems. The Historical Problem with the New Perspective: Was 2nd Temple Judaism Really a Religion of Grace? As we saw in the previous article, much of the NP approach to Paul is based on the assertion that 2nd Temple Judaism was a religion of grace. One might argue that this assertion is the Iynchpin, the keystone, the foundation, the cornerstone, the bedrock of the NP. This assertion (or assumption) is primarily based on the conclusions of E.P. Sanders in his Paul and Palestinian Judaism. It all starts with Sanders. James Dunn puts it this way: Judaism is first and foremost a religion of grace ... Somewhat surprisingly, the picture Sanders painted of what he called covenant nom ism is remarkably like the classic Reformation theology of works .... that good works are the consequence and outworking of divine grace, not the means by which that grace is first attained ...
    [Show full text]
  • Martin Buber's for the Sake of Heaven: Prophetic Education
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 12-2013 Martin Buber's For the Sake of Heaven: Prophetic Education Joseph Lee Hall University of Tennessee - Knoxville, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss Part of the Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons Recommended Citation Hall, Joseph Lee, "Martin Buber's For the Sake of Heaven: Prophetic Education. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2013. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/2575 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Joseph Lee Hall entitled "Martin Buber's For the Sake of Heaven: Prophetic Education." I have examined the final electronic copy of this dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Education. Barbara Thayer-Bacon, Major Professor We have read this dissertation and recommend its acceptance: Joy DeSensi, Diana Moyer, Scott Ellison Accepted for the Council: Carolyn R. Hodges Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) Martin Buber’s For the Sake of Heaven Education as Prophetic A Dissertation Presented for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Joseph Lee Hall December 2013 Copyright © 2013 by Joseph L.
    [Show full text]
  • Becoming Dialogue; Martin Buber's Concept of Turning to the Other As Educational Praxis
    BECOMING DIALOGUE; MARTIN BUBER'S CONCEPT OF TURNING TO THE OTHER AS EDUCATIONAL PRAXIS by Charles Scott Bachelor of Home Economics, University of British Columbia, 1983 DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Faculty of Education © Charles Scott 2011 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2011 All rights reserved. However, in accordance with the Copyright Act of Canada, this work may be reproduced, without authorization, under the conditions for Fair Dealing. Therefore, limited reproduction of this work for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, review and news reporting is likely to be in accordance with the law, particularly if cited appropriately. APPROVAL Name: Charles Scott Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Title of Thesis: Becoming dialogue; Martin Buber’s Concept of Turning to the Other as Educational Praxis Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. Robin Brayne Director, Graduate Programs, Faculty of Education ___________________________________________ Dr. Carolyn Mamchur, Professor Senior Supervisor ___________________________________________ Dr. Sean Blenkinsop, Assistant Professor Supervisor ___________________________________________ Dr. Celeste Snowber, Associate Professor [Internal - External] Examiner __________________________________________ Dr. Maurice Friedman, Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University [External] Examiner Date Defended/Approved: ___________________________________________ ii Declaration of Partial Copyright Licence The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Church History Semi-Pelagianism, Semi-Augustinianism, and the Synod of Orange (529) Pastor Charles R
    Ancient Church History Semi-Pelagianism, Semi-Augustinianism, and the Synod of Orange (529) Pastor Charles R. Biggs Review of Pelagius and Augustine/ Council of Ephesus (431) Pelagius was a British monk, a very zealous preacher who was castrated for the sake of the kingdom and given to rigorous asceticism. He desired to live a life of perfect holiness. In Christian history, he has come to be the arch-heretic of the church, but in his early writings he was very orthodox and sought to maintain and uphold the creeds of the early church. Pelagius came from Rome to Carthage in the year 410 AD (after Alaric I had captured Rome) with his friend and student Celestius. He taught the people of North Africa a new emphasis on morals and the rigorous life of living the Gospel, because he was shocked by the low tone of Roman morals and thought that Augustine’s teaching on divine grace contributed to the immorality. Celestius, who was the most prominent follower of Pelagius at the time, was condemned at the Council of Carthage in 411 because he denied the transmission of Adam’s sins to his descendants. Augustine began to write and preach again Pelagius and Celestius’ doctrines. Pelagius and Celestius were condemned at two councils at Carthage and Milevis (Numidia, North Africa) in 416 and Innocent I (410-17) excommunicated them from the church. On May 1, 418 the Council of Carthage convened to issue a series of nine canons affirming without compromise the Augustinian doctrine of the Fall and Original Sin. Emperor Honorius (395-423) issued an imperial decree denouncing the teachings of Pelagius and Celestius in that same year.
    [Show full text]
  • Trinitarian/Christological Heresies Heresy Description Origin Official
    Trinitarian/Christological Heresies Official Heresy Description Origin Other Condemnation Adoptionism Belief that Jesus Propounded Theodotus was Alternative was born as a by Theodotus of excommunicated names: Psilanthro mere (non-divine) Byzantium , a by Pope Victor and pism and Dynamic man, was leather merchant, Paul was Monarchianism. [9] supremely in Rome c.190, condemned by the Later criticized as virtuous and that later revived Synod of Antioch presupposing he was adopted by Paul of in 268 Nestorianism (see later as "Son of Samosata below) God" by the descent of the Spirit on him. Apollinarism Belief proposed Declared to be . that Jesus had by Apollinaris of a heresy in 381 by a human body Laodicea (died the First Council of and lower soul 390) Constantinople (the seat of the emotions) but a divine mind. Apollinaris further taught that the souls of men were propagated by other souls, as well as their bodies. Arianism Denial of the true The doctrine is Arius was first All forms denied divinity of Jesus associated pronounced that Jesus Christ Christ taking with Arius (ca. AD a heretic at is "consubstantial various specific 250––336) who the First Council of with the Father" forms, but all lived and taught Nicea , he was but proposed agreed that Jesus in Alexandria, later exonerated either "similar in Christ was Egypt . as a result of substance", or created by the imperial pressure "similar", or Father, that he and finally "dissimilar" as the had a beginning declared a heretic correct alternative. in time, and that after his death. the title "Son of The heresy was God" was a finally resolved in courtesy one.
    [Show full text]
  • Dialogue-Theories-Preview.Pdf
    Frances Sleap Edited by Omer Sener Paul Weller Dialogue Theories The Dialogue Society is a registered Dialogue Theories charity, established in London in 1999, with the aim of advancing social cohesion by connecting communities, empowering people to engage and contributing to the development of ideas on dialogue. It operates nation-wide with regional branches across the UK. Through discussion forums, courses, capacity building publications and outreach it enables people to venture across boundaries of religion, culture and social class. It provides a platform where people can meet to share narratives and perspectives, discover the values they have in common and be at ease with their differences. www.DialogueSociety.org First published in Great Britain 2013 [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7619 0361 © Dialogue Society 2013 Dialogue Society All rights reserved. No part of this 402 Holloway Road publication may be reproduced or London N7 6PZ transmitted in any form or by any means or stored or made available on any information storage and retrieval system or on any website without prior written permission from the publisher. Registered Charity No: 1117039 ISBN 978-0-9569304-7-7 In loving memory of my mother Angela, and for my father Peter, Esme, Georgie, and Sam Frances Sleap Dedicated to my family, friends and colleagues, in respect, love and friendship Omer Sener In gratitude for Marie Adenau and for life’s past, present and future, in the year of our marriage Paul Weller About the authors and editor Authors: Frances Sleap studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford, graduating with first class honours.
    [Show full text]
  • Pelagianism Michael S. Horton
    Pelagianism Michael S. Horton We possess neither the ability, free will, power, nor the righteousness to repair ourselves and escape the wrath of God. It must all be God's work, Christ's work, or there is no salvation. Cicero observed of his own civilization that people thank the gods for their material prosperity, but never for their virtue, for this is their own doing. Princeton theologian B. B. Warfield considered Pelagianism "the rehabilitation of that heathen view of the world," and concluded with characteristic clarity, "There are fundamentally only two doctrines of salvation: that salvation is from God, and that salvation is from ourselves. The former is the doctrine of common Christianity; the latter is the doctrine of universal heathenism." (1) But Warfield's sharp criticisms are consistent with the witness of the church ever since Pelagius and his disciples championed the heresy. St. Jerome, the fourth century Latin father, called it "the heresy of Pythagoras and Zeno," as in general paganism rested on the fundamental conviction that human beings have it within their power to save themselves. What, then, was Pelagianism and how did it get started? First, this heresy originated with the first human couple, as we shall see soon. It was actually defined and labeled in the fifth century, when a British monk came to Rome. Immediately, Pelagius was deeply impressed with the immorality of this center of Christendom, and he set out to reform the morals of clergy and laity alike. This moral campaign required a great deal of energy and Pelagius found many supporters and admirers for his cause.
    [Show full text]
  • John Wesley, Irenaeus, and Christian Mission: Rethinking Western Christian Theology
    The Asbury Journal 73/1: 138-159 © 2018 Asbury Theological Seminary DOI: 10.7252/Journal.01.2018S.07 Howard A. Snyder John Wesley, Irenaeus, and Christian Mission: Rethinking Western Christian Theology Abstract John Wesley (1703-1791) was a theologian and practitioner of mission. The theological sophistication of his missiology has never been fully appreciated for three reasons: 1) Wesley seldom used the language of “mission,” 2) he intentionally masked the depth of his learning in the interest of “plain, sound English,” and 3) interpreters assumed that as an evangelist, Wesley could not be taken seriously as theologian. Quite to the contrary, this article shows the depth and sophistication of Wesley’s doctrinal and missiological thinking. Reviewing Western Christian theology from the frst century to our day, this article examines the close use of Irenaeus by Wesley, which carries high potency for Christian fdelity, discipleship, theological integrity, authentic mission, and Spirit-powered transformation in persons and culture. Keywords: John Wesley, Irenaeus, mission, theology, recapitulation Howard A. Snyder is currently the International Representative for the Manchester Wesley Research Centre in Manchester, UK. He is a former Professor of Wesley Studies at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Canada and a former Professor of the History and Theology of Mission at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KentucKy. 138 snyder: John Wesley, irenaeus, and christian mission 139 Introduction John Wesley (1703-1791) was a theologian and practitioner of mission. The theological sophistication of his missiology has never been fully appreciated for three reasons: 1) Wesley seldom used the language of “mission,” 2) he intentionally masked the depth of his learning in the interest of “plain, sound English,”1 and 3) interpreters assumed that as an evangelist, Wesley could not be taken seriously as theologian.
    [Show full text]
  • Systematic Theology 1 THEO5300 New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Theological and Historical Studies Division Fall 2019
    Systematic Theology 1 THEO5300 New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Theological and Historical Studies Division Fall 2019 Grader: Rev John Kwak Peter W. Kendrick, ThD [email protected]. Professor of Theology and Culture Phone: 770-500-6439 North Georgia Extension Center Phone:678-802-7201 Email: [email protected] Classes Meet: Monday 1:00-2:50 PM EST 8/26, 9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2 Mission Statement The mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is to equip leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments through the local church and its ministries. Core Value Focus The seminary has five core values: Doctrinal Integrity, Spiritual Vitality, Mission Focus, Characteristic Excellence, and Servant Leadership. The core value focus for this academic year is Spiritual Vitality: We are a worshiping community emphasizing both personal spirituality and gathering together as a Seminary family for the praise and adoration of God and instruction in His Word. Curriculum Competencies All graduates of NOBTS are expected to have at least a minimum level of competency in each of the following areas: Biblical Exposition, Christian Theological Heritage, Disciple Making, Interpersonal Skills, Servant Leadership, Spiritual and Character Formation, and Worship Leadership. The curriculum competency addressed in this course is Christian Theological Heritage. Course Description This first course in systematic theology introduces the student to the methodology of the study of theology (Prolegomena), and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, and the person of Christ. The biblical foundation and the relevant historical development are considered in comprehensive construction of a Christian understanding of each doctrine.
    [Show full text]
  • Toward a Theory of Dialogic Nationalism Joseph T
    Duquesne University Duquesne Scholarship Collection Electronic Theses and Dissertations Spring 2014 The aN tion as a Communicative Construct: Toward a Theory of Dialogic Nationalism Joseph T. DeCrosta Follow this and additional works at: https://dsc.duq.edu/etd Recommended Citation DeCrosta, J. (2014). The aN tion as a Communicative Construct: Toward a Theory of Dialogic Nationalism (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/470 This Immediate Access is brought to you for free and open access by Duquesne Scholarship Collection. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Duquesne Scholarship Collection. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE NATION AS A COMMUNICATIVE CONSTRUCT: TOWARD A THEORY OF DIALOGIC NATIONALISM A Dissertation Submitted to the McAnulty Graduate School of Liberal Arts Duquesne University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Joseph T. DeCrosta May 2014 Copyright by Joseph T. DeCrosta 2014 THE NATION AS A COMMUNICATIVE CONSTRUCT: TOWARD A THEORY OF DIALOGIC NATIONALISM By Joseph T. DeCrosta Approved March 14, 2014 ________________________________ ________________________________ Dr. Janie Harden Fritz Dr. Kathleen Glenister Roberts Professor of Communication Associate Professor of Communication (Committee Chair) (Committee Member) ________________________________ Dr. Ronald C. Arnett Professor of Communication (Committee Member) ________________________________ ________________________________ Dr. James Swindal Dr. Ronald C. Arnett Dean, McAnulty Graduate School of Chair, Department of Communication & Liberal Arts Rhetorical Studies Professor of Philosophy Professor of Communication iii ABSTRACT THE NATION AS A COMMUNICATIVE CONSTRUCT: TOWARD OF THEORY OF DIALOGIC NATIONALISM By Joseph T. DeCrosta May 2014 Dissertation supervised by Janie Harden Fritz, Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Buber and Bakhtin: Towards a Dialogical Theory of Language and Interpretation
    J. Jewish Thought and Philosophy, Vol. 2, pp. 77-95 © 1992 Reprints available directly from the publisher Photocopying permitted by licence only Buber and Bakhtin: Towards a Dialogical Theory of Language and Interpretation Steven Kepnes Colgate University! USA Mikhail Bakhtin [1895-1975]\ the increasingly influential Russian literary theorist and critic! was quoted in a recent edition of a popular New York publication as having once said that Martin Buber /lis the greatest philosopher of the twentieth century! and perhaps ... the sole philosopher on the scene .... I am very much indebted to him.n2 Given that Martin Buber has been disparaged in some intellec- tual circles as of late! these words of praise for Buber! uttered from the lips of so respected a literary figure as Bakhtin! were received with gladness by those who continue to be inspired by and write on Buber's work. Yet because there is no evidence that the two men knew one another and because Bakhtin refers to Buber only 1 This article is part of a book-length study of Buber's relevance to contemporary hermeneutics titled, The Text as Thou: Martin Buber's Dialogical Hermeneutics and Narrative Theology, (Bloomington: Indiana University Press), 1992. I am grateful to Nathan Scott Jr. for his discussion of Bakhtin in "The House of Intellect in an Age of Carnival: Some Hermeneutical Reflections, " Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 55,1 (Spring, 1987). I also benefitted from the fine reviews of Bakhtin's work by Giles Gunn in The Culture of Criticism and the Criticism of Culture (New York: Oxford, 1987), ch.6; Allon White, "Bakh- tin, Sociolinguistics and Deconstruction," in The Theory of Reading, ed.
    [Show full text]