Theology as Madness

Ks. Grzegorz STRZELCZYK

Abstract

The present article is devoted to the analysis of some aspects of Christian theology which may render it as ‘madness’ in the sense of “conduct going beyond accepted norms, and customs.” The sources of the ‘going beyond’ in question are located in the teaching and activity of Jesus (which was perceived as madness already by some of his contemporaries), and this transgression has been continued in the dogmatic interpretations of his identity (especially in the doctrine of the Trinity and incarnation). The theology based on them makes claims to the ability to get to know God (albeit with a series of reservations), which in turn may be interpreted as madness in the contemporary context. Moreover, transgression against deep-rooted epistemological or religious attitudes leads in some cases to attitudes which may be identified as ‘mad.’ However, it seems that in those signs of madness, simultaneously, the most meaningful and vivid intuitions are revealed, and they determine the originality of the Christian identity and, in consequence, the originality of Christian theology.