The Mission of the Catholic Church for the State in the Discourse of “Gosc Niedzielny” during Poland’s Interwar Period

Rafał Śpiewak,Wiktor Widera

doi:10.3390/rel12030188

Abstract

The essence of the Catholic Church implemented in the modern world is of crucial importance for the understanding its mission towards the state, especially when developing appropriate civil attitudes. One sources of cognition is the historical reflection made on an analytical basis of Catholic media content. This article presents the discourse analysis of Gość Niedzielny (i.e., Sunday Guest), which was one of the most important Catholic publications in Poland, during the reconstruction of the Polish statehood. The pro-state mission of the Catholic Church was an expression of responsibility for common good, was nonpartisan and was connected with the promotion of values that condition the social order. It was believed that the condition of the state is determined by the moral form of its citizens and their level of involvement in social life. Christian values were though to secure and protect also the good of non-Catholic citizens. Here, the research and discourse analysis allows us to define the conclusions regarding contemporary relations between Church and the state in Poland. The key thoughts included in the publications of Sunday Guest, have contemporary application and their message is extremely up-to-date.

Highlights

Compared to other denominations in Poland, the Catholic Church is a unique institution with a centuries-old tradition that formed the characteristic cultural face of the people and the state (Pope John Paul II 2005, pp. 164–66)
It seems reasonable to learn from historical experience. This issue is closely related to the understanding the current role of the Catholic Church in the state
A model of the Catholic Church’s presence in public life is postulated, which responds to the spiritual and religious needs of the people associated with it, and shapes civic attitudes that are important from the point of view of the whole state and itsl citizens

Summary

Introduction

Compared to other denominations in Poland, the Catholic Church is a unique institution with a centuries-old tradition that formed the characteristic cultural face of the people and the state (Pope John Paul II 2005, pp. 164–66). Compared to other denominations in Poland, the Catholic Church is a unique institution with a centuries-old tradition that formed the characteristic cultural face of the people and the state It seems reasonable to learn from historical experience This issue is closely related to the understanding the current role of the Catholic Church in the state. The key importance for the contemporary legal empowerment of churches in Poland, including the Catholic Church, is the law “On Guarantees of Freedom of Conscience and Confession” (Journal of Laws 2017). It defines the relationship of the state to all churches and other religious associations. The pro-state value of the Church’s social teaching does not contradict the pluralism of worldviews that characterizes contemporary societies (Mariański 1997a, p. 44)

Methodological Arrangements

The Importance of the Catholic Church for the State

Catholic Religion as a Factor Guaranteeing an Appropriate Constitutional Form

Conclusions