Abstract

&. e need for multiple integration in Christology as well as the Christological
correlation of all theology must not raise any doubts nowadays. As we have
seen, this is supported by the clear indications of the last Council as well as by
the multiple tendencies that can be seen in the post-conciliar renewal of theology.
e Christological correlation of theology profoundly corresponds not
only to its unity, but also to its return to biblical sources, to apostolic tradition
and its kerygmatic character, the proclamation of the mystery of salvation and
the call to faith. Similarly, the systematic integration of Christology itself, the
greater link between biblical and speculative Christology and the mystery of the
Incarnation and the mystery of Redemption allow it be possible to make from
the mystery of Christ the central theme of the entire lecture on dogmatic theology
and, more importantly, to show Christ and his salvific works as eternally
living and highest value in which we are involved and to which we are to make
a full consecration. e integration of the different directions of Christology
better reflects the unfathomable richness of the revealed truth about Christ
and the history of constant efforts of Christian thought to penetrate this truth
most deeply. It also takes into account the specific circumstances that have
led to the gradual clarification of the various aspects of the mystery of Christ
in dogmatic definitions. Finally, it emphasises the fact that one and the same
Christian faith has been expressed over the centuries in different traditions in the
East and West, and that there has almost always been a variety of theological
approaches to one and the same Christological dogma. erefore, such an integration
of Christology is of great importance for the preparation of ecumenical
dialogue and the proper exposition of the problems of theological pluralism and
reinterpretation of dogmas.
3. However, it is difficult to find any ideal way to achieve this correlation and integration.
Attempts made so far show many different possibilities, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. As for the Christological correlation
of the whole theology, especially the dogmatic, one can take Christology – the
science, the work and Christ Himself – as the starting point for the lecture
of all other theological treatises because the whole salvific economy of God was
revealed to us fully only in the mystery of Christ. It is also possible, following
the traditional dogmatic system, to consider Christology as a central theological
treatise and to show that the whole revelation of God and the history of salvation
were directed towards Christ, that in him they found their full realisation,
and that the further history of salvation in the Church in the world until the
second coming of the Lord is the continuation of Christ’s salvific work and
derives its meaning and effectiveness from the mystery of the Incarnation and
Redemption. e systematic integration of Christology itself can also take on
different forms. It is possible to move from Christ’s work, His words and deeds
to His person, or from Christ’s person to His work. In other words, it is possible
to begin by showing what Christ has done, and then analyse who he was, or vice
versa. e first way is probably more in line with the biblical phenomenological
character of the latest approaches to Christology. e second follows the line
of traditional concepts.
Integration in the historical direction can also be carried out in different
ways. e prospective method recommended by the Council can be adopted,
i.e. to show the gradual development of the revelation of the mystery of Christ
in St. and N. e Testament and the development of an awareness of faith in this
mystery in the history of the Church up to the present day, the formation of different
traditions and many theological approaches, while preserving the essential
identity of faith, is precise where necessary in symbols of faith and dogmatic
definitions. It is also possible to use a more traditional retrospective method,
i.e. to present today’s awareness of the Church’s faith in the mystery of Christ
with various theological controversies and emerging problems, and, going back
through centuries of Church tradition and the development of theological thought,
to show the whole historical-biblical background of Christian Christology. is
will prove its identity and at the same time its constant development and richness
of views. us, theologians, lecturers and textbook authors have different
possibilities to implement the postulates of correlation and integration. e
lack of one ready-made model in this field as a result of the ongoing process
of post-conciliar renewal of the entire theology sometimes gives rise to some
anxiety. However, it is a creative anxiety, protecting against routine and ossification.
is situation makes it necessary to rethink and adapt the lectures on the
central mystery of Christianity to the current conditions and needs of the listeners
in order to revive their faith and commitment to the salvific work of Christ.