Sekularyzacja a duszpasterstwo

Abstract

The process of secularization which consists in freeing the sectors of society and culture from the domination of religious institutions and symbols needs to be regarded from the angle of the pastoral care of the Church. The sources of secularization identified with desacralization, but not with atheism, should be sought in the principle of rationality. The paper concentrates on the after-effects of secularization following the socio-cultural plurality, especially highlighting the threats connected with the ideological approach to reality. This rationality made ideological, and revealed by making reason, success, comfort, and labour absolute values, is perceived by the Church as idolatry. Thus pastoral conclusions raise the issue of taking a firmer stance in convincing the formative church and lay institutions to teach more philosophical and theological interpretations of the human reality rather than psychological, sociological and technical interpretations. Now the pastoral care of the Church should be revived by ecclesial movements and groups. This should be done in such a way so that they would not relate any personal and collective needs to egoistic aims, but to the common good. The third general pastoral conclusion is to enhance the works connected with the dynamic character of sacramental pastoral care, so that the supernatural aims could be provided with all necessary means.