Świętość polityczna w XXI wieku. Między sakralizacją a polityzacją

Abstract

POLITICAL SANCTITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: BETWEEN SACRALIZATION AND POLITICIZATION

Religion and faith belong to the realm of sanctity but do not fully encompass it. While sanctity fuels religion in both an ontological and phenomenological sense, it can also shape politics in terms of values and morality. Throughout the history of Western civilization, sacrosanct religions have intersected with politics so frequently that the latter can hardly be imagined without the influence of Christianity. Despite ongoing secularization in the 21st century, sanctity as a value remains present in Western politics, which continues to require a foundation in axiology. This article examines the contemporary meanings and functions of political sanctity, which have emerged through the “sacralization” of secular politics and the politicization of sanctity. These two processes are reshaping political axiology in an era of uncertainty. In crisis-prone circumstances exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic, inequality political sanctity provides a sense of reassurance while legitimizing politicians and their policies. Finally, the article explores the context and consequences of the sacralization of politics.