Rozważania dotyczące wyznania wiary w polskich XVI-wiecznych katechizmach katolickich

The dissertation raises the question of how particular articles of the Creed were presented in three Polish Catholic catechisms of the 16th century, written (and published) in Polish language by: Benedykt Herbest (1531-1598), Marcin Białobrzeski (1530-1586), and Hieronim Powodowski (1543-1613). The catechisms were created as a response to their Protestant equivalents, written by Martin Luther, Zacharias Ursinus, Caspar Olevianus, John Calvin, and Martin Bucer. Analysis of differences and similarities in interpreting the meaning of the 12 articles of the Creed in the above-mentioned Polish Catholic catechisms shows that they have symbolic value, and that their meaning was differently interpreted by the Polish authors. In the catechisms written by Herbest, Białobrzeski and Powodowski, chapters relating to the Creed clearly and accessibly explained the truths of the Holy Scripture, facilitated understanding of the Bible and preparation for sacraments, showed how to build one’s relationship with God, helped to resolve doubts, and brought order into one’s faith. Doubtlessly, the catechisms became a valuable tool for clergy in their pastoral work and a support for priests administering sacraments. They also implemented the decisions of the Council of Trent concerning the main dogmas of Catholic faith.