Catholic theology of history in the 20th century: between eschatologism and incarnationism

The article examines the prerequisites for the formation of the Catholic theology of history in the 20th century against the background of the dominant neo-scholastics, and the “nouvelle théologie” representatives’ contribution to the development of this scope of theological reflection. Two basic concepts of the Christian understanding of history in the framework of Catholic theology, which set its coordinate system, are characterized. First, eschatologism, which proceeds from the fundamental separation and even opposition between the realities of the Kingdom of God and of the modern world. Second, incarnationism, focused on the Incarnation of God, which implies the key importance of the economic activity of God, and hence of the Church in history and in modern world. The author of the article offers examples of the most prominent representatives of the two currents, and also demonstrates the role of the “nouvelle théologie” in overcoming their antagonism.