Faith and paradox in Tomáš Halίk : theological perspectives on Christianity in a secular age

Abstract

This dissertation is based on three works of Tomáš Halík and explores how while faith is paradoxical in its nature and demands radicality, it nonetheless can be professed and lived by anyone, believers and unbelievers alike. Faith and the lack of it are of great concern to the Czech theologian. He illustrates how paradox is essential to understand faith even though these might seem confusing. Halík explains that the notion of paradox paves the way for seekers and non-believers to accept God’s invitation through obedience. The aim of this dissertation is to try to demonstrate ways Christ can be known through faith in a secular age. This leads to that decision taken by a person while trusting in Him and submitting oneself to His will. This cannot take place if not through obedience to the Word of God which is the root of faith. Thus, the seed received begins to sprout. The believer delves deeply into the content of faith and seeks to understand its profound meaning and consequently, internal transformation takes place. It is achieved through the constant abandonment of oneself to the Holy Trinity. This happens through the grace of the Spirit as St Paul reminds all in Romans 5,5. This dissertation deals with two interrelated research questions in particular. How is God constantly sustaining believers and unbelievers in life experience? And how does the Czech theologian manage to unfold paradoxes found in the Bible in such a way to show God’s love for humanity? This research shows that Halík’s intention to include topics like patience and reverence in front of the Word of God; God’s exceptional love for humanity and the writer’s experience as a Catholic priest in a secular underground suppressed church is a clear move to substantiate his claim on the stance of believers and unbelievers in the eyes of God. This study will be treating the importance of faith which involves a living and a personal act from the believer. Finally, the study will analyse the theme of love which enables humans to see rightly the love God has for all humanity, thus learning to love God who humans do not see. In this sense, paradox is essential to understand faith even though these might seem confusing. Paradox paves the way for seekers and non-believers to accept God’s invitation to love deeply.