SOME THOUGHTS ON THE ENCYCLICAL FIDES ET RATIO ON ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

The following thoughts on the encyclical Fides et ratio on the tenth anniversary of it being released encompass only some of the chosen perspective topics of that otherwise very complicated and layered text. Firstly the article reminds us of some ecclesiastic and cultural reasons that led to the encyclical on the relationship between faith and reason. The article then investigates the reaction that the encyclical came across in the theological and secular public. This is followed by a brief reflection on the first chapter of the encyclical from a fundamental-theological perspective. In the end the article presents some new elements that the encyclical brings in observing and defining relations of vital connections and permeation and mutual independence between reason and faith, philosophy and theology. Current attempts for dialogue between Christian faith and those representing a secular mind as well as new motivation for inter-religious dialogue are confirmation of the prevalence of the encyclical.