The issue of violence and terrorism in the teaching of Pope Francis Cover Image

Kwestia przemocy i terroryzmu w nauczaniu papieża Franciszka
The issue of violence and terrorism in the teaching of Pope Francis

Author(s): Adam Romejko
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Islam studies, Studies in violence and power
Published by: Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne »Adalbertinum«
Keywords: Christianity; Islam; pope Francis; terrorism; violence; war;

Summary/Abstract: The issue that is present in the area of social life is violence. This applies to the past and the present. Christians have refrained from using violence in their personal lives from the beginning. It became problematic when they entered the public life, which was particularly evident after 313. Hence their reflection on the phenomenon of violence, including the concept of a just war. Confrontation with abuses has forced Christian thinkers into deeper reflections on violence. It was at the end of the Middle Ages, and it is also present, including in the teaching of contemporary popes Benedict XVI and Francis. The first proposed an intellectual debate, which proved to be difficult to implement. Pope Francis chose a simpler solution – he prefers friendship gestures and statements that do not bother any religion (especially Islam) for violence and its spectacular form – terrorism. This is attractive on the one hand because it prevents the tension, and on the other hand makes it difficult to reach the root of the problem and consequently solve it. Many point to the superficiality of this approach and therefore proposes more concrete actions. By presenting Islam, it is emphasized that Muslims themselves should undertake efforts to break away from violence (terrorism), while Christians are obliged to help in this endeavour.

  • Issue Year: 19/2017
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 471-485
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Polish
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