The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey

Miroslav Volf’s concept of memory is deeply connected to his broader theological vision, shaped by his understanding of grace, reconciliation, and eschatological hope. This article surveys how memory fits within Volf’s Christian framework, particularly its relationship to atonement and divine gener...

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Main Author: Vasyl Matsyuk
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Eastern European Instute of Theology 2025-05-01
Series:Богословські роздуми: Східноєвропейський журнал богословʼя
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Online Access:http://reflections.eeit-edu.info/article/view/324086
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author Vasyl Matsyuk
author_facet Vasyl Matsyuk
author_sort Vasyl Matsyuk
collection DOAJ
description Miroslav Volf’s concept of memory is deeply connected to his broader theological vision, shaped by his understanding of grace, reconciliation, and eschatological hope. This article surveys how memory fits within Volf’s Christian framework, particularly its relationship to atonement and divine generosity. In The End of Memory, he argues that while memory is essential for justice and identity, it must ultimately be transformed by grace. In the eschaton, the memory of wrongdoing will gradually fade as a gift from God, making perfect communion with God and one another  possible. This study explores how Volf’s eschatology informs this claim and considers whether his framework sufficiently accounts for the moral weight of past suffering and the need for recognition. Engaging with critiques of his position, the article examines how his reflections on forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation shape his approach to remembering rightly. By situating his concept of memory within his larger theological project, this survey provides an overview of its role in his vision of redemption and the world to come.
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Eastern European Instute of Theology
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series Богословські роздуми: Східноєвропейський журнал богословʼя
spelling doaj-art-e86d42ab01de447fadaa47480afc99582025-08-20T03:48:26ZengEastern European Instute of TheologyБогословські роздуми: Східноєвропейський журнал богословʼя2789-15692789-15772025-05-0123110.29357/2789-1577.2025.23.1.2The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical SurveyVasyl Matsyuk0Independent researcher Miroslav Volf’s concept of memory is deeply connected to his broader theological vision, shaped by his understanding of grace, reconciliation, and eschatological hope. This article surveys how memory fits within Volf’s Christian framework, particularly its relationship to atonement and divine generosity. In The End of Memory, he argues that while memory is essential for justice and identity, it must ultimately be transformed by grace. In the eschaton, the memory of wrongdoing will gradually fade as a gift from God, making perfect communion with God and one another  possible. This study explores how Volf’s eschatology informs this claim and considers whether his framework sufficiently accounts for the moral weight of past suffering and the need for recognition. Engaging with critiques of his position, the article examines how his reflections on forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation shape his approach to remembering rightly. By situating his concept of memory within his larger theological project, this survey provides an overview of its role in his vision of redemption and the world to come. http://reflections.eeit-edu.info/article/view/324086Miroslav Volftheology of memoryreconciliationjusticeforgivenesseschatology
spellingShingle Vasyl Matsyuk
The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
Богословські роздуми: Східноєвропейський журнал богословʼя
Miroslav Volf
theology of memory
reconciliation
justice
forgiveness
eschatology
title The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
title_full The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
title_fullStr The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
title_full_unstemmed The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
title_short The Concept of Memory in the Work of Miroslav Volf: A Critical Survey
title_sort concept of memory in the work of miroslav volf a critical survey
topic Miroslav Volf
theology of memory
reconciliation
justice
forgiveness
eschatology
url http://reflections.eeit-edu.info/article/view/324086
work_keys_str_mv AT vasylmatsyuk theconceptofmemoryintheworkofmiroslavvolfacriticalsurvey
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