Attitude of Poles to John Paul II and his teaching according to CBOS research the Public Opinion Research Center Cover Image

Stosunek Polaków do osoby i nauczania Jana Pawła II po 2005 r. na podstawie komunikatów CBOS
Attitude of Poles to John Paul II and his teaching according to CBOS research the Public Opinion Research Center

Author(s): Emilia Zimnica-Kuzioła
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Hermeneutics, Sociology of Religion, Rhetoric
Published by: Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Łodzi
Keywords: religious authority; CBOS research; teaching of John Paul II; Poles' attitude to John Paul II; personal pattern;

Summary/Abstract: The author compiled the findings of representative CBOS research conducted at the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2011. The research concerned the attitude of Poles towards John Paul II. For the vast majority of Poles John Paul II remains a special and outstanding figure, almost everyone appreciates his services to the world and his homeland. Equally important is the influence of the blessed Pope (soon probably a saint) on the religious life of his compatriots. He is still not only the object of national pride, but also a guarantor of vitality of the Polish Catholicism, a role model and the highest religious authority. The attitude of Poles towards “their own Pope” is intensely emotional. Especially the people who met him personally declare a strong bond and the willingness to follow his teaching in their lives. However, the respondents who failed to meet the Pope hold him in high esteem as well. It is difficult to anticipate whether Poles will maintain high rates of religiousness. Certainly, cultivating the memory of John Paul II will impact on the religious life of believers. The sociologists realize some secularization processes are inevitable, especially among young Poles, affected by strong tendencies of the secular, consumer and postmodern culture. Even nowadays, over 40% of respondents refuse to identify themselves with the teaching of the Catholic Church. Young Poles (18–24 year olds) in comparison with other age groups are the least interested in religion and the teaching of John Paul II. Additionally, they often tend to “believe in their own way”, increasingly distancing from the Christian doctrine. It is not an optimistic prediction for the future from the point of view of “the vitality of the Polish Catholicism”.

  • Issue Year: 22/2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 229-237
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Polish