Życie społeczno-polityczne miejscem zaangażowania katolików świeckich

Abstract

Today politics is one of the most important branches of social life; it affects other areas of man’s life, and also it influences his future. At the same time politics is perceived as the place where politicians are corrupted or as a domain of people depraved of any scruples, prone to be corrupted, prone to careerism, and to the cult of power. Despite this, the Church encourages lay Catholics to participate in social-political life. Hence the question, “in what way lay Catholics should be present in social-political life” seems legitimate. Looking for an answer to this problem, first the most important tendencies are shown that can be seen in contemporary politics, and that have influence on Catholics’ participation in this area. Next, two kinds of Catholics’ participation in politics are presented: participation in the socialcultural meaning and in the practical meaning. To conclude the article the most characteristic forms of Catholics’ political participation in modern world are discussed. Special attention is paid to their participation in free voting and in the work of political parties.