Original scientific paper
NATIONALISM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH
Miljenko Aničić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Osijek
Abstract
Many people viewed the fall of the totalitarian communist
ideology in the late eighties and early nineties of the past century,
as the abolishment of the last barrier to realise liberal and
democratic values. The actual process was caused and followed
by an explosion of national emotion which was thought to have
been left to the past. We come across similar developments in
other European countries and in the world leading to more or less,
tragic consequences. In this article we want to critically review the
phenomena of the nation and nationalism as well as the reason
why they emerged and what their function is in modern society.
The article continues to present the views of the social teachings of
the Catholic Church with regard to this problem, particularly the
stance of John Paul II. Nationalism is shown not as an inevitable
destiny but rather a notion whose roots lie in the justified
yearning of individuals and nations to realize their own identity,
freedom and justice. Human life develops between two poles:
between particularity, as a member of a certain group or nation;
and universal, as a member of the great family of mankind. It is
absolutely vital to create a good balance between these two poles.
Keywords
nation; nationalism; patriotism; freedom; justice; the right of a nation; social teachings of the Church; John Paul II
Hrčak ID:
22592
URI
Publication date:
21.6.2007.
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