Prymat wartości duchowych i znaczenie kultury w życiu społecznym w nauczaniu Jana Pawła II

Abstract

As a consequence of correctly understood human well being, there emerges the necessity of respecting in social, economic, political and cultural life the primacy of spiritual values over material ones. The primacy of spiritual values influences appropriate material, technical and civilizing development. Thus the true role model of progress is not one who prefers only material values but one who accepts the primacy of spiritual values. Hence no social change can bring true and lasting enrichment of the people if it takes place at the expense of the highest values of the soul. Acknowledging the primacy of “the spirit” and of ethical values may bring about a change in the nature and progress of civilization. John Paul II links the issue of primacy of spiritual values with the issue of culture. This is due to the significance that he attributes to it. Culture always remains in an essential and vital relationship with who man “is”, however its relationship with what man “has”, is not only secondary, but also relative. Attributing so essential a role to culture, John Paul II, exhorts that it should develop man: That, is its prime and fundamental role. A condition of fulfillment of the new paradigm of culture, harmonizing with the civilization of love presaged by John Paul II, is the necessity to perceive and treat man having acknowledged the absolute truth about him. With this objective in mind the Holy Father puts forward a number of essential demands towards those responsible for the shaping and proper functioning of culture in the life of individuals, societies and nations. One of the most important is the postulate of synthesis of faith and culture, which enables the creation of an environment in which every person can achieve full expression.