| Abstrakt: | By many researchers, J.S. Pasierb has been included in the group of the greatest Polish poets of the 20th century. His works have been described and interpreted through the prism of multiple literary issues. It seems, however, that Polish theology still does not use this work enough. This dissertation aims to fill these gaps, which broadens the scope of research on the literary legacy of the author of the Open Times by showing the theological value of his works. Interpretation of the literary works of J.S. Pasierb is possible thanks to the methodological tools developed by prof. J. Szymik as a part of the theology of literature, whose task is the theological exploration of literary texts.
The aim of this work is to show the possibilities of various interpretations of the symbolism of the cross in the writings of the Pelplin theologian. The key motive is to identify the figure of the Savior carrying the cross with the contemporary man who struggles with the life difficulties, with the burden of guilt, with the search for salvation. Therefore, this dissertation shows the multidimensional reality of the cross, present both in the life of Christ and in the life of a specific man. It gives the answer to the question of how the theologian poet presents the truth of the cross in his work, what it means to him, how he understands it, and what existential consequences result from the fact of uniting human fate with the Cross of Christ. Analyzing the works of the Pelplin professor, the conclusion is that the cross is revealed in it as the main determinant of the understanding of the saving mission of Jesus, and at the same time it is an interpretative key explaining the meaning of human life in the light of the Lord's Passover. The cross is a reality common to all the people, it embraces the man’s "here and now", it is the keystone that connects everyone's life with the truth about God revealed in Christ, who desires his salvation. The cross is the place where a man meets God. This closeness has a special meaning in a situation of suffering, loss in life, moral failures.
In its main part, the work contains an interpretation of selected works by Father Pasierb showing the Savior, who is ready for the drama of the cross from the very beginning of his mission. He is aware of his presence. He agrees to accept him, knows that by accepting his burden, a difficult, painful road to redeem humanity awaits him. The truth about the cross is shown as a readiness to suffer and hurt, and finally to a cruel death. On the other hand, the victory of the cross is revealed in the works of Father Pasierb in the light of the resurrection. Hope coming from the empty grave is the most important foundation of his writing.
Later, the work focuses on the reality of the cross present in the life of a man, who regardless of his philosophical choices, has to face its weight. The "literary" theology of Father Pasierb emphasises the fact that the one, who through an act of faith, unites the cross of his life with the Cross of Christ, becomes his disciple, his follower: he is included in the mystery of salvation (Pasierb consistently understands and develops this idea in the context of the theology of baptism). A man, experiencing salvage, becomes a witness of faith for his sisters and brothers. Accepting this divine gift, opens up for believers the prospect of a creative life, the meaning of which is a profound personal transformation - the discovery of one's Christological identity. This experience prompts the follower of Christ to shape reality courageously. First of all, it is about taking actions influencing the form of contemporary culture, which should be inspired by the message of the Gospel. The consequence of these choices is the readiness to be a "sign of opposition" to such a shape of culture that wants to oust God from its space. At the same time, acceptance of the cross means to consent to the transitoriness of human life, the experience of loss, defeat, it is the discovery of the longing for ultimate fulfillment - an encounter with God who is love. The end of the human drama - death - leads to the New Jerusalem, which is the ultimate goal of everyone who faithfully follows Christ.
The key conclusion, resulting from the analysed content is the topicality of the message contained in the works of the Pelplin theologian and their timelessness. When reading poems, essays and articles, the reader, apart from being fascinated by the literary form of these texts, can experience a saving message flowing from them. |