Świętość polityczna w XXI wieku. Między sakralizacją a polityzacją
Political Sanctity in the 21st Century: Between Sacralization and Politicization

Summary/Abstract: Religion and faith belong to the realm of sanctity but do not fully encompassit. While sanctity fuels religion in both an ontological and phenomenologicalsense, it can also shape politics in terms of values and morality. Throughout thehistory of Western civilization, sacrosanct religions have intersected with poli-tics so frequently that the latter can hardly be imagined without the influenceof Christianity. Despite ongoing secularization in the 21st century, sanctity asa value remains present in Western politics, which continues to require a foun-dation in axiology. This article examines the contemporary meanings and func-tions of political sanctity, which have emerged through the “sacralization” ofsecular politics and the politicization of sanctity. These two processes are re-shaping political axiology in an era of uncertainty. In crisis prone circumstancesexacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic, inequality politicalsanctity provides a sense of reassurance while legitimizing politicians and theirpolicies. Finally, the article explores the context and consequences of the sa-cralization of politics.

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