In the new issue Verba Theologica (1/2024) can you find these studies:
Artificial Intelligence and its Spiritual-Theological Reflection
Michal ČERNÝ
This study offers a view of the development of generative systems with artificial intelligence based on large language models and its analysis in the context of spiritual-theological reflection. It will focus on the current theological reflection of Pope Francis in the document Intelligenza artificiale e pace, but also on the works of contemporary theologians analyzing selected perspectives of this phenomenon. The essay will discuss phenomena such as spiritual accompaniment with artificial intelligence, new forms of individualized Christianity or the relationship to the limits of humanity, inquiry and the understanding of mystery. The study seeks a basic conceptualisation of the topic as a spiritual phenomenon that must beadequately reflected theologically.
Emmanuel Lévinas‘s conception of the „infinite“ as a possible way out of the identity crisis of the „human“
Ján MIČKO
This study focuses on Emanuel Lévinas, a representative of the 20th century dialogical philosophy and Jewish theology, who, in breaking down previously familiar philosophical and anthropological constructs, offers in his ethics the possibility of both accepting and understanding the other (of reaching the Other). Although Lévinas drew directly on Martin Buber‘s ideas for his dialogical principle, there are moments in which their conceptions differ significantly from each other (the Other, the Face). The aim of the study is not only to acquaint the reader with Lévinas‘s conception of philosophy and theology, but also with his life and the religious, philosophical, and literary influences that contributed
greatly to the development of Lévinas‘s personality and can offer the reflective subject of today a way out of the identity crisis of values and culture caused by the instability of the present.
The concept of God and God´s creation in the philosophy of G.W. Leibniz
Silvia CAISOVÁ
The picture of the world that Leibniz proposes in his doctrine is undeniably remarkable. The created world we inhabit is, according to Leibniz, the best of all possible worlds. And the world is the best because it is the masterpiece of the most perfect architect: God. God, who possesses all qualities and attributes in the highest degree, could only have acted in the best possible way in creation. According to Leibniz, such a noble task as the creation of the world could only have fallen to the supreme Being. Inspired by tradition and motivated by the resolution of metaphysical and theological questions, Leibniz attempted at many places in his teaching to provide evidence for God‘s existence and his infinite goodness. The aim of this work is to analyse and clarify the concept of God and his creation within the thesis of the best of all possible worlds in the philosophy of G. W. Leibniz.
The Anthropomorphic God of James Sterba
Patrik HRMO
Abstract:
The study deals with three specific synodality processes, which the Czech Catholic Church organised in the 19th and 20th century. The first instance is Prague Province Synod in 1860, which was followed by other diocese synods in the second half of the 19th century. The second process consisted in repeated gatherings of Land Syndicate of Catholic Clergy, a professional organisation of clerics, at the turn of the 19the and 20th century, which originally started as an effort to reform ecclesiastical art, but later formulated reform goals regarding ecclesiastical lifestyle as well. The third processes revolved around the Plenary Assembly of the Czech Catholic Church in years 1997 to 2005. The study gives a description of the proceedings and outcomes of respective synodality processes and also offers an analysis of their strong and weak points and in the conclusion it formulates several principles which play decisive role in the success or failure of the whole and, by that, responds to Sterba’s objections.
How Quietism Dented Confidence in Mysticism
Lukáš VANÍK
At the end of the 17th century, we can see notable decline of interest in mysticism among Christians. This article looks at how the Quietist movement played a role in this process. It also highlights the dangers of the quietistic tendencies that can still be seen today in some types of non-Christian spirituality that try to infiltrate the Church. On the background of authentic mysticism, this article points out not only the features characteristic of quietistic pseudomysticism, but also the features characteristic of modern types of false mysticism. A person experiencing authentic mysticism never loses his fear of offending God neither completely abandons the humanity of Christ, for it is the means of our salvation. But it would be a mistake, even out of fear of falling into error, to completely renounce the mystical dimension of life with Christ. For God calls us all to intimate union withhimself.
