Jak chrześcijaństwo może się przyczynić do integracji europejskiej. Analiza stanowiska Bernda Irlenborna

Abstract

In the paper, the ideas of Bernd Irlenborn, the contemporary German philosopher are presented concerning the outlook of the possible participation of Christians in the European integration. The problem is tackled, frst of all, in the aspect of the function and signifcance of the Christian ethos therein, next, in the light of the valid European law, and the perspectives of peace. The problem is related to, otherwise no taken into account in the matter at hand, the Christian sources of tending towards the European integration. Christians happen to contribute to the European integration especially when cultivating the pivotal factor of the European integration and identity, i.e. that of their ethos as well as the message of peace cherished either doctrinally (reconciliation, justice, solidarity), or by the vivid faith, or concrete attitudes and actions (engagement). The lack of the Christian bearing and this character of the European integration are easily perceptible. Nevertheless, Christians not only can but must back up the project of the European integration, and that both because of their mission, and their contribution to the project of the European integration being indispensable and their presence unreplaceable. It can be doubted, whether the idea of the community of nations in the bond of peace could be realized unconditionally, viz. without some objections possibly raised on the part of theology. In the article, it is attempted to explain why two theses by Irlenborn seem to be controversial: that of the ideas of Enlightenment and antireligious humanism forming the European ethos, and that of being a European as tantamount to being above national identity.