Kościół uniwersalny

Abstract

The author suggests an extension and deepening of the concept of Church beyond the meaning of comprising all the nations of the earth. Hence he suggests the name „universal” (universalis) for the Church as God's idea, God’s Kingdom, and as a community of rational beings, consisting not only of people, but also of all possible other humanities. Next he suggests the Polish name „powszechny” – „common” (communis) for the coextensive Church with the earthly history of redemption, along with the ages ante legem, sub legem and sub gratia. The name „catholic” should be linked with the Church historically established by Jesus Christ and his apostles, especially with the Roman-Catholic Church. And finally, to the question of the universal Church belongs the personal pleromisation, or personal fulfilment of the Church, which is the necessary element of a true universality.