Chrześcijańskie korzenie Europy w ujęciu Benedykta XVI
Christian Roots of Europe in the Teachings of Benedict XVI

Summary/Abstract: The author of the article tried to show – based on the speeches of Benedict XVI toEuropeans – what the Christianity, especially the Catholic Church, has brought to the Europeancivilization. Well, the Christianity brought the monotheistic religion – the revealedfaith in God in the Trinity of Persons. It cleansed of polytheism and idolatry; it broughtrational religion and freed from irrational myths and superstitions; it brought a cultureof word, and, over the centuries, it eliminated illiteracy; it introduced the ethos of work,musical culture and a number of its other kinds, the works of charity. It shaped the identityof nations and the identity of Europe. The author also presents the Pope’s assessment ofthe contemporary political, social and ideological situation in Europe. He pointed out thatthe union of Europe ensures peace on the continent and in the world, as well as economicand civilization development. This union is to lead, according to the original assumptions,to unity, not to uniformity; wholesome secularism must respect the autonomy of theChurch. The respect of universal and Christian values is the base of a successful future.Christianity serves “purification of the reason”, contributes to the formation of conscienceand an integral humanism. Worshiping God means caring for man.

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