Mercy as a theological term

The author of this article analyses different meanings of the term “mercy”. He begins with the ancient use of the word by pagan philosophers. This is the background for the analysis of the term “mercy” in the Old and New Testament. The biblical sources lead to the definition of dogmatic foundations of the Divine Mercy and demonstrate ethical and moral aspects of human mercy. A social dimension of mercy is closely connected with the latter one. The author also deals with other dimensions of mercy, such as: pastoral, liturgical, psychological and juridical ones. He also discusses the meaning of mercy in spirituality and Christian art