Returning to the Sources: The Heritage of Karol Wojtyła—John Paul II and the Challenges Posed by the Contemporary World
(trans. Tomasz Pałkowski, Patrycja Mikulska)
Rocco Buttiglione
The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences , ItalyTomasz Pałkowski
Patrycja Mikulska
John Paul II Institute, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-0775-7578
Abstract
The article presents a reflection on the aspects of the intellectual and moral heritage of Karol Wojtyła — John Paul II which remain relevant twenty years after his demise and help identify the ways to overcome contemporary crises. In this context, the author claims that the vocation of the Church today is not to defend the old social order, but to build afresh the true moral order. Thus the first theme addressed in the paper is the mystery of Redemption and the person of Jesus Christ whose living presence the author considers as the foundation for such an order. The second source of inspiration in resolving the crisis is, in author’s view, the philosophical and theological concept of man developed by Karol Wojtyła — John Paul II and his teaching on love, marriage, and family, while the Pope’s reflection on Europe based on culture rooted in Christianity is indicated as the third possible area relevant to the contemporary world. The author believes, however, that the key role in facing contemporary challenges will be played not by intellectuals or politicians, but by witnesses capable of making what they recognized as truth live in the hearts of others.
Keywords:
Karol Wojtyła, John Paul II, Christian revelation, philosophy of man, Europe, testimonyReferences
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John Paul II Institute, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0775-7578
