O nowe oblicze patriotyzmu. Refleksja nad nauczaniem Jana Pawła II do Polaków

Abstract

The love of homeland, called patriotism, is a duty that comes from faith. The fact that it is now undervalued results from a mistaken understanding and makes us seeks not only its true meaning, but also new means of expression and new modes of its realisation. The contemporary context for the attitude of patriotism is determined, above all, by the unifying of societies. Therefore there are many who to excuse their abandonment of the love for their homeland on behalf of uniformity. In the teaching addressed to his compatriots Poles John Paul II points, above all. to the duty of prayer for their homeland and to their various commitment on behalf of the common good. Patriotism is expressed in a series of other particular attitudes, such as: the knowledge of history, tradition, culture, or even attachment to native landscapes. Man should be brought up for this kind of attitude by his milieu. The Pope’s teaching has a universal character and although it is addressed to Poles, nevertheless should be referred to all Christians who take into account the good of the whole human family and are at the same time citizens of their own homelands.