Chrześcijańskie korzenie Europy w ujęciu Benedykta XVI

Abstract

The author of the article tried to show – based on the speeches of Benedict XVI to Europeans – what the Christianity, especially the Catholic Church, has brought to the European civilization. Well, the Christianity brought the monotheistic religion – the revealed faith in God in the Trinity of Persons. It cleansed of polytheism and idolatry; it brought rational religion and freed from irrational myths and superstitions; it brought a culture of word, and, over the centuries, it eliminated illiteracy; it introduced the ethos of work, musical culture and a number of its other kinds, the works of charity. It shaped the identity of nations and the identity of Europe. The author also presents the Pope’s assessment of the contemporary political, social and ideological situation in Europe. He pointed out that the union of Europe ensures peace on the continent and in the world, as well as economic and civilization development. This union is to lead, according to the original assumptions, to unity, not to uniformity; wholesome secularism must respect the autonomy of the Church. The respect of universal and Christian values is the base of a successful future. Christianity serves “purification of the reason”, contributes to the formation of conscience and an integral humanism. Worshiping God means caring for man.