Bogactwo – niebezpieczeństwo czy szansa (1 Tm 6, 6–10. 17–19)?
Ładowanie...
Data
2023
Autorzy
Tytuł czasopisma
ISSN czasopisma
Tytuł tomu
Wydawca
Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie Wydawnictwo Naukowe
Abstrakt
At first impression, it would seem that the texts of 1 Tim 6:6-10 and 6:17-19 contradict each other. The former encourages one to realize the ideal of the Greekαὐτάρκεια, that is, to be content with what a person has and be satisfied with it. In support of the proposed pattern, the author appeals to arguments derived from observations of life. Therefore, he does not refer to theological reasons, but purely practical ones. The two most fundamental moments of life, that is its beginning and end, are marked by absolute powerlessness. Man brings nothing and takes nothing out of this world. He remains deprived of all possession. For that reason, the guaranteed life minimum is completely sufficient for human existence. The author warns against the fatal temptation to multiply one’s riches leading ultimately to definitive ruin. This is because the love of money distances one from faith and leads him into the wilderness. The second text, covering vv. 17–19 within the same chapter, is, like the first, a parenesis in which encouragement inter-twines with exhortation. The entire focus in this passage is on wealthy people. The wealth with which they have been endowed cannot serve only their selfish ends and generate disharmony in the life of the ecclesial community. Instead, it is to be generously given to all who are in need. The rich, being aware of the temporary nature of the wealth they possess and their dependence on God, are also invited to use the goods they have received from Him. By supporting others, they can be assured that they will attain true, that is, eternal life. Therefore, we see that the author, on the one hand, opts for a life of poverty, while on the other hand, considering wealthy people, he does not condemn their state of possession. Yes, he warns them of the dangers of the selfish use of mammon. Nevertheless, his rebukes are dominated by the positive dimension of wealth. He sees in it an opportunity to help the poor. Analyzing the cited passages, it should also be kept in mind that sympathy toward the rich could also express the author’s opposition to Christians, influenced by the emerging gnosis, with its hostile attitude to matter. Meanwhile, wealth is not evil, since it comes from God, who provides everything in abundance and invites to attitude of service towards those in need.
Opis
Słowa kluczowe
stick to essentials, love of money, insecurity of wealth, good deeds, true life