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13.
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Sarnyai, Csaba Máté: |
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In this
paper we present Schmitt Jenő Henrik’s ideas about religious community as
they appear in his 1899 book „Felekezetnélküli közösségek a szellem vallása
alapján” (‘Denomination-free communities based on the religion of the
spirit’). His concepts are quite unique in In this rarely referenced work of his, a singular religion- and
church-image is emphasised (apart from his anarchistic worldviews on
violence, freedom, law or politics). He criticises the traditional (mostly
Catholic) church for being hierarchic, and he describes his contrasting views
on an ideal denomination or church, as well as on a neo-gnostic, somewhat
Tolstoy-ian interpretation of the Christian teachings. A foundation of his theory is a break from the world (as it had
existed until his time – he refers to is as “old world”. The new law is that
man must be free from politics (i.e. state) and theology (i.e. traditional
church). He must recognise that nor even this law brings freedom, since it is
the nature of every rule that they put limits on the person. True freedom can
be attained only man’s own soul, if he begins to follow love’s path instead
of violence. He who understands the essence of love and freedom, can see that
external violence cannot be a means to freedom, only the consciousness and
love of the Spirit can do that. Christ had prophesied this enlightenment,
that this will become clear in front of the Spirit. By Spirit, he means a
Gnostic spirit-concept that permeates and connects the Universe. The
traditional (historical) Christian church(es) is/are not a possessor and
mediator of the true Christian freedom and love, or God’s land. Instead of {99}thus, Schmitt envisions
an ideal brotherhood, held together by love, where people can seek their
consolation. This community would be the order of free negotiation and
endless mercy and it would facilitate the redemption of the world. Apart from
the ideas of a spiritual religion, the discussed text also features a “vision
of the church”. |
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