Father – Source and Measure: On the Considerable Implications of Broadening the Perspective of Education
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The object of the text is to reinterpret the relationship between masculinity and fatherhood, and between biological and spiritual fatherhood, as well. The aim is to show what the inclusion of a theological perspective implies and to what consequences it leads.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The main question of the work is formulated as follows: what is the significance for the understanding of human fatherhood of referring to the fatherhood of God as the model of all fatherhood, understood after Thomas Aquinas. A method of analysis of philosophical and theological texts was used and reference was made to the ‘man ex- perience’ as it is understood by K. Wojtyla.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Interpreting fatherhood on a purely biological level is insufficient on a philosophical, theological and popular point of view. Consideration on fatherhood requires moving to the plane of values. The resemblance of human fatherhood to divine fatherhood is analogous, the difference being based, inter alia, on the fact that man is an adventurous being, human love is a response.
RESEARCH RESULTS: Spiritual fatherhood gives meaning to and is the measure of biological fatherhood. The biological characteristics of masculinity and fatherhood through reference to spiritual fatherhood deepen man’s maturity and actualise his being as a person. As parents, father and mother fulfil the one goal of creating a community of love in different ways.
CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: The text is a collection of introductory remarks requiring deepening and further research. Reference to John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and texts on fatherhood may be particularly fruitful. Controversies also need to be addressed: the incommensurability of human and divine fatherhood, the significance of the body and gender for spiritual fatherhood, and the differences and similarities between fatherhood and motherhood.
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