A Theological Perspective on the Phenomenon of Life: Introduction into the Bios, Psyche, and Zoe

Anna Pędrak; Kamil Duszek

doi:10.18290/rt20672-7

Anna Pędrak John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9813-5277
Kamil Duszek Higher Theological Seminary of the Siedlce Diocese, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4176-5945

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rt20672-7

Keywords: bios, psyche, zoe, religion and science, transcendentality, contemporary theology

Abstract

Life is such a beautiful and unique phenomenon. It cannot be described by a single definition, as it manifests itself in many different ways. Therefore, the phenomenon of life must be captured as a whole and by including its essential planes. The authors of the paper did interdisciplinary research. Their task was an exploration of the issue of life on three planes: bios (life in its core manifestations), psyche (intelligent and conscious life), and zoe (life that transcends itself). The collected data gives an appropriate perspective for theological insight. This approach determines a methodology that is interdisciplinary and very theological in character. This in-depth perspective enables the whole phenomenon to be understood in its transcendental function. Life from its very inception emerges toward “something more.” The final goal of this transcendental dynamism is ever-living God.

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