Fundamental Theology in the Work of Jan Valerian Jirsík

The person of Jan Valerian Jirsík, a Czech theologian and bishop of České Budějovice in the period 1851-1883, is briefly presented. The most important of Jirsík's theological works Popular Dogmatic deals with fundamental theological topics, i.e. religion, the revelation of God, the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church and Catholic faith. The exposition of these themes by the author is described, his arguments are explicated and his work is evaluated as an important tool for cultivating and teaching the Christian faith to simple believers. In view of this aim, every part of his work is accompanied by practical advice with a pastoral emphasis. The study is part of the historical studies in Czech Fundamental Theology.

Keywords: Fundamental Theology; Revelation of God; Fundamental Christology; Fundamental Ecclesiology; Doctrine of Catholic Faith; Popular Dogmatic; Pastoral Approach