Tolerancja w perspektywie katolickiej − ujęcie leksykograficzne

Abstract

With reference to the dictionary explanation, the term‚tolerance’ means forbearance towards the beliefs, practices, views, actions and attitudes of other people ‒ even though they differ from one’s own or contradict with them. In particular, tolerance means a certain quality of action and conduct in the community. In accordance with the issue of tolerance, the Catholic Church emphasizes its connection with freedom, and at the same time warns not to confuse it with religious and moral indifferentism. This lexicographical study presented here is based on the encyclical of Pope Leo XIII Libertas praestantissimum of June 20, 1888, the declaration of the Second Vatican Council Dignitatis humanae of December 7, 1965 and the teaching of Pope St. John Paul II. The text also includes the interpretation of St. Thomas Aquinas taken from his Summa Theologica. The intuition of tolerance contained in the teaching of St. John Paul II is important in the Catholic Social Teaching. In the Pope’s opinion, tolerance favors the pluralism of political or social activities in public life. Moreover, to justify tolerance it is necessary to respect human dignity, conscience and freedom. The Christian, by virtue of his faith, is called to take into account the uniqueness of the human person and the evangelical law of love. In this perspective, tolerance is combined with such virtues as: understanding and humility, generosity and gentleness, respect for the others and openness to criticism of one’s own views.