Flowers of evil: Constructing the wicked in Wisdom of Solomon

The distinction between the good and the wicked is common in wisdom literature. Although the distinction can be viewed as ubiquitous, I would like to problematize it by considering the literary device deployed in constructing the archetypes of the good and the wicked. Specifically, I analyze the depiction of the wicked in chapters 1–6 in Wisdom of Solomon and argue that the construction of the wicked in Wisdom is indispensable in understanding how the righteous obtain wisdom through divine protection and acceptance of divine provision. First, I offer a close reading of the text, mainly Chapters 1–6, and parse out the ways of depicting the wicked in Wisdom of Solomon. In particular, I highlight the “collectivity” of the crowd, as opposed to a “single” righteous individual or group. Social theories of the crowd are critical to my formulation of the characteristics of the wicked. Second, I examine the relationship between the wicked and the righteous, and propose the idea of “a mirror effect” in these antithetical depictions. The mirror effect exhibits didactic values, as it instructs one to pursue righteousness and shun from evil. Third, I focus on the interaction between God, the righteous, and the wicked and suggest that divine intervention in helping the righteous stand firm among the wicked manifests both divine justice and divine mercy.

The Gospel of Divine Mercy in King Lear

The paper discusses Shakespeare’s preoccupation with the Christian notions of divine love, forgiveness and justice in The Tragedy of King Lear. In my reading I employ Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenological reflection on the givenness of love and Hans-Urs von Balthasar’s theology of Paschal mystery. I take issue with the Marxist and existentialist interpretations of Shakespeare’s tragedy which prevailed in the second half of the 20th century. My aim is not a simple recuperation of the “redemptionism” of the play, but an in-depth consideration of Christian allusions in the play which may tie love and forgiveness to justice and throw light on the ending of King Lear.

Unconditional Divine Mercy and Hell. John Paul II on some Key Ideas about Damnation

Throughout history, theological reflection on hell expanded considerably. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Christian eschatology in general, and theology of hell in particular, underwent a major renewal. At the end of the 20th century John Paul II issued a document in which he examined the appropriate way to connect divine mercy and hell in the light of the very core of Christian revelation. Although it has been largely ignored, John Paul II’s document is relevant to any current presentation of Christian eschatology that aims to deepen the renewal of this discipline. A new synthesis of the theology of hell is presented at the end of the text.

“The Human Was Created Out of Haste.” On Prophecy and the Problem of Human Nature in the Qur’an

In this article it is argued that the Qur’an’s doctrine of divine mercy is best understood in light of its pessimistic anthropology, an aspect of the text that is often underappreciated. The so-called “primordial covenant” verse (Q 7:172) of the Qur’an holds humans responsible for submission to God. The Qur’anic language on “signs” in the natural world suggests that humans should recognize God (and be grateful to Him) by reflection on nature alone. Yet, according to the Qur’an they do not. The Qur’an refers frequently to humans as “ungrateful” and “hasty”. It also makes divine punishments a regular element of human history, suggesting that rebellion is endemic to human nature. It is, I argue, precisely the rebelliousness of humans that makes God’s initiative in sending prophets merciful. The ministry of prophets in the Qur’an is an unmerited manifestation of divine compassion for a sinful humanity.

Deeds, Reward, and Divine Mercy: Jewish Views and Pauline Passages

The present article deals with a strand of ancient Jewish theological notions (in rabbinic literature, Fourth Ezra, and elsewhere) and Pauline ones. In these Jewish passages—sharing similar religious sensitivities and using similar terminology—human works stand vis-à-vis God’s mercy and his benevolence (צדקה). In some passages these categories turn out to be in tension in view of human sinfulness, since no human being can comply with the rigid standards of observing God’s commandments, resulting in the emphasis of divine mercy. Paul’s view, according to which “works (of the law)” and “grace” are mutually exclusive, is a radical intensification of this tension. Paul’s distinct ideas display the inherent dynamics of contemporary Jewish notions and reveal the inner tension within Jewish thought of the late Second Temple period, a tension that continued in Jewish writings (including rabbinic literature) after the Second Temple’s destruction.

A Fifth Mark of the Church?

In addition to the four marks of the Church, mercy has been emphasized since the pontificate of St. John Paul II as essential to the authentic fulfillment of the Church’s identity and mission. A Christological and pneumatological understanding of these marks of the Church leads to a proper grasp of the Church in relation to mercy. The Church is merciful not de facto because of her works of mercy on behalf of the poor or sinners. Rather, she is first the recipient of unprecedented Divine Mercy, poured forth in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and so shares that same Spirit of Mercy with others through her sacraments, preaching, and service. The Church’s mission of mercy thus extends beyond the myriad of manners to alleviate human misery. In union with Christ, her Bridegroom, the Church is to communicate the one gift of Divine Mercy, the Holy Spirit, to all.

The Tenacity of Popular Devotions in the Age of Vatican II: Learning from the Divine Mercy

Despite is global popularity in recent decades, the Divine Mercy devotion has received scant scrutiny from scholars. This article examines its historical development and evolving appeal, with an eye toward how this nuances our understanding of Catholic devotions in the “age of Vatican II.” The Divine Mercy first gained popularity during World War II and the early Cold War, an anxious era in which many Catholic devotions flourished. The Holy Office prohibited the active promotion of the Divine Mercy devotion in 1958, owing to a number of theological concerns. While often linked with the decline of Catholic devotional life generally, the Second Vatican Council helped set the stage for the eventual rehabilitation of the Divine Mercy devotion. The 1958 prohibition was finally lifted in 1978, and the Divine Mercy devotion has since gained a massive following around the world, benefiting in particular from the enthusiastic endorsement of Pope John Paul II. The testimonies of devotees reveal how the devotion’s appeal has changed over time. Originally understood as a method for escaping the torments of hell or purgatory, the devotion developed into a miraculous means to preserve life and, more recently, a therapeutic tool for various forms of malaise.

The Worship of Divine Mercy in Light of the Teaching of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis

Kult Miłosierdzia Bożego w świetle nauczania papieża Benedykta XVI i papieża Franciszka Dwaj ostatni papieże, Benedykt XVI i Franciszek, wzorem Jana Pawła II, akcentują w swoim nauczaniu Miłosierdzie Boże. Każdy z nich czyni to inaczej, a w związku z tym sposób oddawania czci Bożemu Miłosierdziu będzie u nich inny. Podczas gdy obydwaj papieże akcentują całość historii zbawienia, w której objawia się Miłosierdzie Boże, uwieńczone w osobie Jezusa Chrystusa, papież Franciszek częściej mówi o praktyce miłosierdzia i unika teoretyzowania. Jednym ze sposobów urzeczywistniania miłosierdzia jest propozycja dodania do różańca nowych tajemnic, które nie mają wsparcia w papieskim nauczaniu Benedykta XVI, ale znajdują poparcie w pragnieniu papieża Franciszka, by coraz bardziej przenikało ono do codziennych postaw i działań chrześcijan. Należy zadbać, aby wpisać taką zmianę sposobu oddawania czci Bożemu Miłosierdziu wraz z właściwym uzasadnieniem teologicznym, podkreślającym obecność Miłosierdzia Bożego w istniejących już tajemnicach różańca, zwłaszcza we Wcieleniu i Tajemnicy Paschalnej.

Conciliation and Conflict in the Meccan and Medinan Qur'an: A Thematic Study of Suras 6 to 9

Despite its important social implications, the subject of conciliation in the Qur'an remains an under-researched field of study. This article focuses on the relationship between conciliation and conflict in Suras 6 to 9, a section of the muṣḥaf in which two Meccan suras are followed by two Medinan suras. In assessing the importance of conciliation in the Qur'an, this article considers its pervasiveness, manifestations, emphasis, and coherent thematic development. The analysis utilises two influential commentaries, the premodern Arabic exegesis by al-Rāzī (d. 606/1209) and the contemporary Urdu exegesis by Iṣlāḥī (d. 1997) which, taken together, provide complementary linguistic and structural insight. I will argue that conciliation is emphasised firstly in the Meccan component through the exemplars of prophetic restraint and divine mercy, and the central notion of iṣlāḥ. Iṣlāḥ forms the central axis around which equilibrium is maintained in the divine world order, a process of divine education in the form of revelation and prophetic instruction, which prevents and contains disputes. Secondly, Medinan injunctions highlight the importance of unity and the sanctity of maintaining peace treaties, thereby supporting the Qur'anic principle of non-compulsion in faith. In the course of analysis it becomes clear that, even during conflict (which is subject to extensive restrictions), conciliation remains of paramount importance.