This paper critically evaluates discussions that dr. Jakob Aleksič published in the journals Teološki zbornik in Bogoslovni vestnik. These are not strictly scientific by nature, but more a professional presentation, »a review of a merely general introductory character« (1955, 144), as the author himself states in the conclusion of one of his more exhaustive papers. His discussions were strongly influenced by the events in the Church, i.e. the great changes in the official relation of the Catholic Church to the Bible. Almost in every discussion he refers to the important papal documents of that time, in particular: Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943), Providentissimus Deus (1895) and Humani generis (1953). His criterion is »exemplary churchiness« (Stainer 1980, 497), meaning that his pen and thought »faithfully follow the teachings of the Church« (497). All of these documents are extremely polemic or apologetic in nature and can be understood, like most of Aleksič's discussions, as a response to the challenges of a time. In this context, we can also understand Aleksič's enthusiasm over the results of positive sciences, especially archaeology and history, which do not yet show a completely critical and balanced idea on their final role in understanding the Bible.
|