Theological Foundations new file

220 Theological Foundations as Christian Democracy. He was the main ideologist of the movement in the Kingdom of Poland and participated in its most important actions. In his speech delivered at a social studies course in 1907, he stated that the Church should occupy itself with matters of salvation adding, however, ‘The Church knows very well that a certain abun- dance of goods is also necessary to practice virtues and religion.’ ” 49 This testimony alone says a lot about Father George’s social involve- ment and his ability to read the signs of the times. Father Papczynski’s and Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz’s moral teach- ing, rooted in the revealed truth, is close to the contemporary theology after the Second Vatican Council, which also points to the special value of this teaching. The ideas which inspired our authors are present in the decree entitled Perfectae caritatis , dealing with the up-to-date renewal of religious life. Just as it is stated in the said decree, our authors, too, realized that it is through the profession of the evangelical counsels that the members of religious congregations truly and fully respond to God’s call and dedicate their whole lives to the service of God. To be thus ded- icated means to participate in the life of Christ which impels one to prac- tice virtues after His example. And since such dedication is accepted by the Church, the religious are dedicated to the service of the Church as well. By seeking God before all else, and solely; by cleaving to Him, they are to cultivate in themselves apostolic love by which they endeav- or to be associated with the work of Redemption (cf. PC 5). As can be seen from everything said above, the ideas proclaimed by Father Stanislaus Papczynski and Father George Matulaitis-Matulewicz in their writings belonged to the healthy current of the Church’s teach- ing and, in their theological interpretation, were far ahead of their times. It is understandable that, just as in any human work, Father Papczynski’s and Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz’s teaching is not free from certain deficiencies and shortcomings, especially such as were typ- ical of a particular period of history. After all, we should not require that their teaching have all the characteristics of contemporary post-conciliar theology. Their theological reflections have certain weak points typical