In search of determinants of a specifically Christian model of criticism that thinks and acts differently

Abstract

The aim of the article is to show the specifi city of the Christian model of criticism of those who think differently and act differently, and to indicate its basic determinants and contexts. The point of reference for considering this issue is the contemporary challenge to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, resulting from the fact of strong appreciation of the pluralistic nature of the “market of ideas”, which determines the uniqueness of today’s cultural situation. First, the Christocentric-Trinitological perspective will be shown, which is the basis of the originally Christian view of reality, including the reality of criticism, ultimately centered on the Person of Jesus Christ. Then, three key issues related to the Christian vision of criticism will be addressed: the distinction between criticism of man and criticism of his views and attitudes, love as the ultimate foundation of criticism, and the universal call to conversion. In the summary, it will be emphasized that at the basis of the specificity of the Christian approach to criticism there is God revealed in Jesus Christ, who is Truth and Love, and it is He who is the optics, measure and differentiating criterion of the Christian critical attitude towards those who think and act differently, and at the same time of self-criticism.