Karel Lev Řehák: A Theologian Neglected, Perhaps Even Forgotten

Karel Lev Řehák (1843-1941) belongs to the generation of Czech moral theologians that has been completely forgotten and after the period of communism and after the 2nd Vatican Council is not quoted any more. His main work Katolická mravouka (Catholic Moral Teaching) of 1893 falls into the period of modernist reformist attempts within the Catholic Church, but Řehák did not belong to the reformers. As a man of practice, working in practical pastoral care in parish rather than teaching at the University, he brings into theology practical problems of ordinary people. His theology is not merely a theoretical speculation based on traditional sources. On the other hand Řehák is dependent on the social and ethical views of his period and presents them as eternally valid moral norms supported by quotations from the Scriptures. In his complete subordination under the teaching authority of the Church, he considers every word of it infallible. His practical approaches were not kept alive in further development of theology.

Keywords: Czech moral theology; Infallibility of the Catholic Church; Practical approach; Situational conditioning of theology; Forgotten history