Ideał chrześcijanina w świetle „Konstytucji apostolskich”

Abstract

Both the apostles, and many generations of preachers of the Gospel, in order to facilitate the implementation of the Christ calls Christians to perfection, a constructed image of the perfect disciple of Christ, modified depending on the trends of theological, philosophical concepts and the culture and customs environment. A valuable source of information about the Christian ideal, the shape of which was influenced by multiculturalism and religious diversity, are formed in the late fourth century – Apostolic Constitutions. Presented in them the image of the perfect Christian, resulting from concern of the author of a work of Christian identity, is, as shown by an analysis of the exhortation and precepts contained in the Constitutions, the call to follow the path of faithfulness to Christ’s commandment to love God and neighbour, the implementation of which would be manifested primarily in piety , the attitude of repentance and a willingness to martyrdom. So essential complement to the filled Christ’s injunction love, seen by the Constitution in fostering devotion and willingness to constantly forgiveness, love of enemies, supporting the needy, obedience to secular authority and spiritual. Understood in this way, love of neighbour also was associated with cultivating conjugal love and parental what was to be an expression of marital fidelity, openness to life, respect, mutual love, devotion and support, and in relation to parental love – concern about the future offspring. The Christian ideal has also written acceptance by the student of Christ Church doctrine, as well as the attitude of prudence, essential for associating with a foreign culture, Christianity and the accompanying efforts aimed at strengthening and development of the faith.

Keywords

• Patristic
• Apostolic Constitutions
• the ideal of Christian
• holiness