Titus Brandsma (1881–1942)
It is gradually becoming clear what image of God will emerge from today's constellation of thought and what "concept of God" (1) will guide human nature in the right direction and enchant people the most, easily attracting them in light of contemporary thinking.
Because we love God and want everyone to worship Him, it is necessary—if we are to present to people an image of God appropriate to our time—to particularly highlight the following aspects of the divine image (2).
First, we must perceive God as the deepest foundation of our being, hidden within the very core of our nature, yet still "visible" and recognizable. We can clearly recognize this foundation with our reason, and when we regularly remind ourselves of it, we will intuitively keep it before our eyes. Then we will not only worship God deep within ourselves but also in the essence of all creation, in people, in nature, in the universe—omnipresent and permeating everything with His creative action. God's dwelling and action within us should not be merely an object of intuitive knowledge, but should manifest in our lives, in our words and deeds, radiating from our entire being and conduct.
This natural image of God, closest to contemporary philosophical currents, will be strengthened when, from our supernatural image of God, known from revelation (3), we highlight those aspects that correspond the most with the elements of the natural divine image and either describe or explain them in more detail. Now I think of the doctrine of "the work of grace," what experienced theologians understand by the term grace, and the practice of the three theological virtues, which make both this work of grace and God's presence (4) in every creature vivid and "visible." Where faith, hope, and love are heroically practiced, we feel God's closeness; as if God is approaching us in the person who practices these virtues, and everyone who experiences this is fascinated by the radiating divine light.
In these dark times (5), the gradual preparation and development of such an image of God is an extraordinary light. Nothing makes the concept of God as dear and appealing to us as the idea that God dwells within us, that we may discover and recognize Him within ourselves, that He resides in everything surrounding us, and that the light emanating from God's dwelling in our hearts can shine through our entire lives. Such a development in philosophy should certainly be valued positively, as it particularly emphasizes this aspect.
Religion deepens in this "dispute about God" and becomes more internalized, and it is very gratifying that from this intellectual confrontation has emerged such a beautiful image of God. It cannot be said that this divine image "emerged" from this dispute, as it is not a "new image of God"—rather, it has received "new life." This "new life" reflects an image of God that has been present in earlier times, yet it shines in each era with its own colors. Often, these are peripheral matters; the important thing is the combination of various aspects. However, if it is true, as the French say, that "the tone makes the music" (6), then we speak of a "new chord" in which today's person can hear their own tone, which (in their ears) lends this chord extraordinary charm.
(1) In the sense of: what concept, what understanding of God.
(2) The lecture took place on October 17, 1932, at the newly established university in Nijmegen. Our contemporary time is, of course, different, but the way of thinking and searching for an appropriate image of God for proclamation, as seen in Titus Brandsma, remains inspiring for us today.
(3) Referring to biblical revelation.
(4) Literally "divine element."
(5) We are in a time of deep economic crisis, shortly before the legal seizure of power by Adolf Hitler in Germany.
(6) "C’est le ton qui fait la musique"; the Czech translation could also be: "the melody makes the song." The meaning of this saying is that it does not depend (only) on what is said, but (very often even more) on the tone in which it is said; in Titus's usage, therefore, even though the truth about God does not change, the way it is proclaimed matters and a way must be sought that is understandable and appealing to today's person.
Taken from the book: Engagierte Mystik
Author: Titus Brandsma
Published by: Bonifatius-Verlag Paderborn, 1991
Translated and edited by: Norbert Žuška, OCarm.
