Patriotism as Love of the Homeland or Another Form of Nationalism? Devotedness, Allegiance, and Loyalty to the Native Country in the Thought of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński

Abstract

The key issue of this article is exposing the specificity of patriotism as well as its axiological conditions and requirements, understood in terms of personal commitment and love for the homeland, considered a gift and responsibility. In the personalist context of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński’s pastoral thought, the presentation of patriotism aims to depict this moral virtue as an essentially Christian value, which is expressed, first of all, in active care for the good and prosperity of the homeland, understood as a bonum commune. In this context, the author of the article formulates the fundamental question whether patriotism still exhibits constructive axiological potential, allowing to shape the socio-political and cultural reality of the contemporary world. This reflection also refers to the praxis of socio-political life, which is branded by an intense polarization of opinions not only concerning the homeland but also relating to the axiological values that define patriotism.