Przemysław Artemiuk

Apologetics as Approached by Józef Myśków (1927-1988)

Introduction

Apologetics as approached by józef myśków (1927-1988). Explore Józef Myśków's unique apologetics: an independent, non-theological science with a comparative, ecumenical character. Discover his defense against fundamental theology.

Abstract

The aim of the article is to take a holistic look at the writings of J. Myśkow and to present the apologetics he practices. In the first part, the author defines the essence of the apologetics of the Warsaw professor, in the second part, his original proposal of comparative or ecumenical apologetics, and in the third part, he presents the apology of apologetics towards the emerging fundamental theology. The analyses conducted allow us to draw the following conclusions. Apologetics practiced by J. Myśkow, first of all, is an independent and non-theological science, which has its own formal and material subject and methods. As a scientific discipline, it is not part of the theological disciplines, but it maintains independence, and it does not have a theological feature, but a religious one. Secondly, the Warsaw professor, inspired by the documents of Vatican II and referring to the early research of W. Kwiatkowski, creates his own concept of apologetics, defining it as comparative apologetics with a clear ecumenical character, which uses the achievements of other Christian confessions to discover the classical apology of Jesus and its secondary forms. Thirdly, J. Myśków, in the era of post-conciliar changes, defends apologetics against fundamental theology,seeing its specificity and religious studies orientation.

Review

This article offers a valuable and overdue examination of Józef Myśków's distinctive approach to apologetics. The author successfully undertakes a holistic review of Myśków's oeuvre, structuring the analysis into three clear sections that define his apologetic essence, present his original comparative methodology, and detail his defense of the discipline against emerging fundamental theology. A key takeaway is Myśków's foundational assertion that apologetics is an independent, non-theological science with its own formal and material subjects and methods, characterized by a religious rather than strictly theological feature. This initial premise sets the stage for a re-evaluation of apologetics as a distinct academic pursuit. The article effectively highlights Myśków's significant contributions, particularly his proposal of a comparative or ecumenical apologetics. Inspired by Vatican II and building upon earlier scholarship, Myśków's vision involves leveraging the insights and achievements of various Christian confessions to illuminate the classical apology of Jesus and its subsequent forms. This interdenominational approach is a notable departure from more traditional, confessional apologetics. Furthermore, the abstract reveals Myśków's crucial role in defending apologetics during the post-conciliar period against the rising influence of fundamental theology, arguing for its unique specificity and its inherent orientation towards religious studies rather than solely theology. Overall, this review promises to shed important light on a perhaps underappreciated figure in the history of apologetics. By presenting Myśków's concept of apologetics as an independent, religious science with a strong ecumenical dimension, the article not only contextualizes his work within the post-Vatican II landscape but also offers a fresh perspective on the discipline's scope and methodology. Scholars interested in the philosophy of religion, interfaith dialogue, and the historical development of theological and religious studies will find this analysis particularly insightful, prompting further consideration of the disciplinary boundaries and interconnections within these fields.

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