Politika, společnost a kultura v kontextu sakramentální teologie Alexandra Schmemanna

The article examines sources of Schmemann's sacramental theology that lead to pre-revolution Russia as well as to French and American emigration. This first part also clarifies his main interests and his terminology that are later employed in his project of symbolic theology, relating together the world, the church and the Kingdom of God. My questions are, why with such a good link between creation, salvation and sanctification, Schmemann sees politically and socially engaged theologies so critically; and why he is so skeptical to the possibilities of theological and liturgical inculturation. Yet, the dangers of Schmemann's theology: the absolutising of liturgy, traditionalism and both ecclesial and political conservatism; cannot be understood and avoided without seeing them in the context of the Orthodoxy, where ecumenism was sometimes used as an excuse and cover for collaborating with the communist regimes, where inculturation was seen as a synonym for giving up patristic heritage and embracing a simplified and latinised versions of Christianity.