In this essay, the connections between philosophy and culture in John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio and Gaudium et Spes are discussed. The orientation towards transcendence can be inhibited by cultural trends and intellectual attitudes. Faith purifies and elevates culture. The designation of Jacques Maritain as a model for the integration of faith and reason is also discussed here. In the light of this recommendation, we consider the argument of Jacques and Raïssa Maritain that culture is under the sway of evil especially through the ministrations of the prince of this world. The passage from Ephesians 6:10 is interpreted as the scriptural source for this view. The thought of John Henry Newman in The Dream of Gerontius is also brought into consideration in reference to the evil sway of the demons. We conclude with a look at the project of the Maritains as an apostolate to culture.

There is no conclusive and universally valid answer to the question whether reason is an accidental result of mindless evolution, or whether the world is the creation of reason while human intellect is its essence derives from the Divine Creative Reason. Every thinking person should choose the proper concept. Such a choice entails serious consequences since it decisively affects the interpretation of human facts and generates an overall attitude towards reality. The article presents some consequences concerning both choices and particularly focuses on the characteristics of the life environment seen from the perspective of a rational and believing person. The author presents his understanding of faith, based on the texts by Martin Buber, Josef Pieper, Józef Tischner and Stanisław Wszołek, and models the optimal form of the relationship between faith and reason. He elaborates on the idea that a Christian’s faith is Man’s response to being chosen by God. Everything essential in faith begins with interpersonal experiences. A person who lives in the environment of faith, hope and love will more easily discover that God is close to him. As a result, he will become a credible witness to the Gospel truth in his society.

The article reflects on the situation of the man’s desire for knowledge, drawing on Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio which stresses the importance of the union of faith and reason in search of truth. The Latin term situatio (literally to place) refers to the totality of circumstances, conditions and relationships in which the man comes to know himself, the world and God. The text warns of the risk of the Gnostic temptation which lies in denying the existential and cognitive limits of the man. This attitude leads to the loss of perception of the cosmic inner harmony, the rejection of critical attitudes, and the emergence of absurd constructions with negative consequences. At the same time, the article points to the importance of metaphysics and the need for openness to the transcendent truth that the Christian faith reliably conveys. It encourages intellectual dialogue between faith and philosophy in academic and personal life.

The purpose of this paper is to reflect critically on the model of theology as a rationalisation of religious faith (the revealed truth), and on different models of theology as the commited knowledge (sapiential) and hermeneutics. The first of these models is insufficient because it is dominated by a rationalistic concept of theology at the expense of its more existential and experiential nature. The paper consists of three parts. The first part presents a model of theology as a rationalisation of the revealed truth (the philosophical critique of revelation, the historical-doctrinal investigation of truths of faith, the explanation and systematisation of the content of revelation by philosophical categories, and the a priori system of knowledge). The second part focuses on the model of theology as commited and the wisdom knowledge (a commitment in the recognition of specific truths of faith and a religious way of life, a commitment in the experience of mystery and prayerful contemplation, a commitment in the realization of life’s meaning and the transformation of the world). The third part presents a model of theology as hermeneutics, i.e. the art of reading and interpreting various components of reality (problems of human existence, historical events and religious texts).

The encyclical Fides et Ratio is a continually inspiring document in which John Paul II sought to answer the question of the relationship between faith and reason, and thus between theology and philosophy. It follows the tradition of the Church, but at the same time reflects the post-Conciliar view of the autonomy of the empirical sciences and the humanities. The present study deals with philosophy which John Paul II calls “Christian philosophy.” The concept of metaphysics, which has influenced Christian philosophy, is crucial here. Despite a lot of criticism concerning metaphysics since the modern period, John Paul II defends the metaphysical position as an integral part of the Christian philosopher’s thinking. His understanding of metaphysics will be discussed in the following study.

Exploring the ethical implications of new modes of communication in the context of the theology of Benedict XVI and the official documents of the Catholic Church, this article offers insightful reflections on how digital technologies and modern media affect human dignity, authentic communication, and the dissemination of truth. During his pontificate, Benedict XVI paid particular attention to this theme, which is evident in his official documents and speeches. Benedict XVI brought a theological dimension to the debate on new media, emphasizing the connection between truth, love and authentic communication. His theology and the official documents of the Catholic Church remind us that technologies and new forms of communication are moral tools that must be used responsibly, with respect for human dignity and with the aim of spreading the truth and building a more just society.

Review of the one-volume synthesis of Prudence Allen on gender complementarity

Krzysztof Wielecki, Kultura versus kultura masowa, 662 pp.

Warszawa: Narodowe Cenrum Kultury, 2024