Theological Foundations new file

201 CHAPTER SEVEN AN ATTEMPTATATHEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE FOUNDER’S AND THE RENOVATOR’S DOCTRINE By analyzing the writings of the Founder and the Renovator of the Marians, we have familiarized ourselves with the theological founda- tions of the Christian life as presented by these two authors. ATrinitarian approach is evident in the teachings of both Father Stanislaus Papczynski and Father George Matulaitis-Matulewicz; always present in these teachings are God the Father, Jesus Christ, His Word and His saving deeds and the Holy Spirit who teaches, enlightens, comforts and leads to the heights of the Christian life. All of this takes place in the Church and through the Church where an important role is played by Mary, Mother of the Church; and the Church is bound for eschatologi- cal fullness. As we make a critical evaluation of these two authors’ teachings on the Christian life, we must take into account the sources fromwhich they drew their knowledge. Thus, we will be able to see the origin of their views, the directions of their theological thought as well as its originali- ty. It will be very useful to study the formal aspects of Father Papczynski’s and Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz’s teachings because it will allow us to give a more complete evaluation of the essence of these teachings. 1. The Sources of the Doctrine of the Founder and of the Renovator of the Marians Even the very first contact with the writings of Father Stanislaus Papczynski and Father George Matulaitis-Matulewicz makes us realize that their teachings come primarily from the Bible. The proof of this can