Świeckość społeczno-polityczna w perspektywie teologicznej

Abstract

This article, falling within a category of political theology, presents several theological introductory remarks dealing with the concept of secularity. The goal of these remarks is to highlight the necessity for active participation of theology in contemporary debate on the appropriate shaping of the concept of secularity. It depends on theology whether this notion will develop the appropriate essential shape and will become “efficient” in socio-political sphere, that is in the “place” for which it is crucial. It is also significant in terms of defining the character of Christians’ involvement into politics. Taking this into consideration, we point out to the concept of secularity in the context of contemporary emphasis on demand for political neutrality or in other words for independence of religious influence. Reason is supposed to be the only political criterion. That is why the mission of theology is to point out that such understanding of the matter is totalitarian in character and it may lead directly to the dictatorship of relativism. Reason which wishes to remain faithful to itself cannot reject its personal relation to faith. When reason acts according to its proper assumptions and rational code of conduct, and when it is an inquiring mind, it cannot be closed to faith. The dictatorship of relativism leads to the dictatorship of technocracy and finally to the fall of man and to pushing him into nihilism. It shows that it is impossible to maintain laicism without transcendence. It is confirmed by the fact that relativism and technocracy result in destruction of the concept of the fundamental human rights. On-going events show that the true secularity not only accepts or tolerates transcendence but also feels the need for it and in real terms refers to it in political and cultural choices.