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Document Details : Title: Theologaal en humaan Subtitle: Dominicaanse spiritualiteit volgens Edward Schillebeeckx Author(s): BORGMAN, Erik , MILH, Anton Journal: Tijdschrift voor Theologie Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Date: 2019 Pages: 312-334 DOI: 10.2143/TVT.59.4.3287121 Abstract : This article discusses Schillebeeckx’ view on Dominican spirituality in four steps. During the 1940s, as a young lecturer in dogmatics, Schillebeeckx wrote a number of articles for the then recently founded Tijdschrift voor Geestelijk Leven in which he developed the theological foundations of monastic spirituality. He emphasized mankind’s (creaturely) orientation towards God (the Creator) – the so-called theological dimension – and the receptivity to God’s grace that should ensue from it through monastic virtues like asceticism and obedience. In 1954, Schillebeeckx published a brochure on Dominican spirituality in his role as student master (Magister) for Dominican brothers in their studies. Inspired by the movement of worker-priests, Schillebeeckx added an openness to mankind and the world – the humane dimension – as a characteristic of Dominican life. During the seventies, when he was professor at the Nijmegen university, Schillebeeckx’s work became more political under the influence of liberation theology. This also had an effect on his approach to Dominican spirituality: he emphasized the humane aspect and developed the critical potential of this spiritual tradition. Around the year 2000 – many years into his retirement – Schillebeeckx provided a more solid foundation for the humane character of Dominican spirituality. Like his theology, his approach to spirituality also reflects his personal biography. The humane and theological dimensions of Dominican spirituality were not two separate aspects but coincided in Schillebeeckx’ belief that God is committed to humanity, that he is a Deus humanissimus. This meant that a présence au monde is always also a présence à Dieu and that, conversely, a présence à Dieu should always be a présence au monde. Both in contemplation and in apostolate, the Dominican will develop an attitude of receptivity to God’s grace, and for Schillebeeckx this turned out to be more than just a theoretical principle. Instead, it is at the heart of his theological oeuvre, as M.C. Hilkert has pointed out. |
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