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Document Details :

Title: Göttliche Gemeinschaft und menschliche Beziehungen
Subtitle: Welche Art von Beziehungen brauchen wir in der Kirche?
Author(s): HILBERATH, Bernd Jochen
Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality
Volume: 16    Issue: 2   Date: 2010   
Pages: 138-145
DOI: 10.2143/INT.16.2.2066199

Abstract :
Since the Extraordinary Roman Synod of Bishops in 1985, the ecclesiological discussion has focused on the notion of communion. Some see therein a concept that links together sameness and difference, autonomy and relationship. Others criticize a devaluation of the individual, the usurpation of the individual »I« by a giant »we«. Controversial is the question, to what extent the inner-trinitarian relationships can serve as a model for shaping the relationships within the Church and society. It becomes clear, that not only theological options but also personal experiences and preferences determine the stance taken. In this context, theological reflection has the task of clarifying: What significance does the relationship take on in theological perspective? What is common to the diverse relationships (God – man, marriage and family, community, parish, diocese, world church), wherein do they differ? The paper proposes the following thesis for discussion: The relationships in the Church need not necessarily have a familial, friendship, or kinship character. On the other hand, they are not relations of a businesslike character either. Nevertheless, for the concrete life and for the survival of the believers, closer relationships such as family and friendship are important: in such relationships the divine economy and the human relationships are more intimately interwoven.

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