Świadectwo życia jako motyw wiarygodności chrześcijaństwa według kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego

Abstract

The Christian praxis and ’translating’ the contents of Christian faith into everyday life was one of the most important issues discussed by Primate Stefan Wyszyński in various circumstances and at different times. It should be noticed that the Cardinal practised applied apology and he suggested a current and an intuitive meaning of testimony. He pointed out that from Christians’ actual attitudes conclusions should be drawn about testimony, which constitute the basic argument for credibility in his whole teaching. In forming the attitude of a Christian – according to the Primate of the Millennium – the main role is played by the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. The attitude is further developed by upbringing in the family, at Church, at school and in the nation. Testimony of Christian life is realised in the family, its sacramental Catholic marriage, maternity and paternity. According to the Cardinal, through his work man develops his personality, forms interpersonal relations, constructs a new world, and also he actively joins God’s work of creation. Work has a religious and salutary value. In his opinion these are actual ways of giving a Christian testimony that motivate its credibility. It should be noted that the Primate of the Millennium was not only in favour of testimony, but he was a real witness to such life. It was first of all expressed in the testimony of priests’ life, which is not discussed in the article, but deserves a separate study.