Polski katolicyzm – specyfika i wyzwania. Wybrane aspekty zagadnienia (cz. I)

Abstract

The material object of the article is the reality of Polish Catholicism whereas the formal object is its existence (including the legitimacy of national Catholicism), characteristic features (positive and negative qualities) as well as challenges (development and elimination). The article also attempts to justify the main idea of the title (which partly assumes the existence of such Catholicism) and to provide updated findings on the issue. Due to the variety of aspects related to the topic, the article is divided into two parts. The first, discussed here, deals with the existence and characteristics of Polish Catholicism, while the second one will demonstrate some of the challenges that result from the findings in the first part. It can clearly be stated that the definition of national Catholicism – at least in the meaning presented here – is logically correct and doctrinally acceptable. This also holds true for the name of Polish Catholicism. A study of the texts reveals numerous characteristics of Polish Catholicism. Those selected in the article point to the specific nature of Polish Catholicism: rooted in the nation, mass in character, demonstrating fideism, sentimentalism, individualism, ritualism and clericalism. The combination of those features is subject to discussion since their assessment is of relative and of approximate value. This is stressed by the dynamic nature of the characteristics in question (e.g. fideism seeking understanding, clericalism opening up to the laity). The article does not intend to put forward firmly-established indisputable claims as it merely attempts to indicate general trends. However, the group of features presented here seems to best describe Polish Catholicism and is worthy of consideration in the context of processes taking place at present.