The Lublin School of Fundamental Theology and Its Achievements

Fundamental theology as a discipline and academic center conducting research as well as didactic and organizational activity has existed at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin since its beginning, first as the Department of Fundamental Theology (1918–20), then the Section of Fundamental Theology (1920–99), and since 1999 as the Institute of Fundamental Theology. As it developed, the center began to take the form of a scientific school, the Lublin School of Fundamental Theology. Its foundations were laid by Rev. Edward Kopeć. Subsequently, it was developed by, among others, Rev. Stanisław Nagy, Rev. Romuald Łukaszyk, Rev. Henryk Zimoń (religious scholar), and especially by Rev. Marian Rusecki (a student of Rev. E. Kopeć), the main co-founder of the school and its most prolific author, whose scientific achievements are the department’s showcase and have influenced contemporary Polish fundamental theology. During his time, especially at the beginning of the 21st century, the school reported its greatest scientific and organizational achievements. Currently, it is continually being developed by Rev. M. Rusecki’s students who work at the Institute of Fundamental Theology and its graduates working in other centers. This article presents the scientific characteristics (historical outline, features and main trends) of the Lublin School of Fundamental Theology (Section 1) and its most important achievements (Section 2): the main publications, organizational achievements as well as national and international cooperation.