experience is likewise a fundamental prerequisite for the apostolate and thus for the priesthood. Conversion—the first word of Christianity—can be preached only by one who has himself had personal experience of its necessity and has, in consequence, comprehended the greatness of grace. From: Diener eurer Freude, pp. 92–93 My work brought me into contact with the thought of Ernst Bloch, whose philosophy is concerned chiefly with the “principle of hope”. According to Bloch, hope is the