Abstract

This study has discussed Christian-Marxist dialogue with a particular focus on its Polish matrix and the contributions of our two contemporaries, Jozef Tischner and Adam Schaff. ;Starting with the origins of the Polish experience, I examined the historical relationship between Marxism and Christianity, which included a presentation of Marxism's origins and critique of religion, the Roman Catholic attitude toward Marxism and response to the Marxist critique, as well as a history of worldwide Christian-Marxist dialogue and its goals. ;Chapter Two illustrated the context of the problem in Poland: relevant history of Polish Marxism and Christianity, and the past, present, and future of dialogue in Poland. ;Chapter Three examined a particular proponent of Polish dialogue, the Marxist philosopher, Adam Schaff. Reflection on areas of his thought open to Christianity--the value of the human , the loss of human value , and the regaining of human value --led to a discussion of his critique of Christianity. ;This led into Chapter Four where a similar outline of Jozef Tischner's position showed major areas of interest in his writings intersecting with Schaff's. The Christian Tischner's critique of Marxism paralleled the method of presentation of Schaff's thought. The importance of understanding the historical context of both was also emphasized. ;Chapter Five evaluated Schaff's and Tischner's strengths and weaknesses--in their writings as well as within the Polish Communist system and the Polish Roman Catholic Church, and presented a comparison between their respective points of convergence and divergence. ;Chapter Six brought out the theological implications of Polish Marxist-Christian dialogue and the foundations for fruitful development within and beyond the Polish panorama. The current movements of history will bring radically new possibilities for dialogue, and an understanding of the work of the Poles can facilitate positive changes for growth for both sides and for the good of humanity