Rola katechezy w wychowaniu do pokoju w pięćdziesiąt lat po encyklice Pacem in terris

Educating for the virtue of peace is one of the key issues of the Church’s mission. It was also placed amongst the socio-cultural transformations of the XX century, becoming a leading theme after the issuing of two encyclical letters by Pope John XXIII – Mater et Magistra and Pacem in terris – dedicated to social problems. In catechesis related to the time of the Council one can find reflections of attempts to educate for pro-peace attitudes. Despite the fact that Vatican Council II did not issue any document directly related to catechesis, nevertheless the Council inspired numerous formulations and indications in catechetical literature which focus on existential concerns and finding a way to dialogue with the contemporary world. Parochial catechesis as well as the teaching of religion – after its return to Polish schools – undertakes the education for peace within the framework of axiological thinking. When referring to the teaching of the Counciliar and post-Conciliar popes, catechists look to accomplish the idea of peace presented in Pacem in terris by using four “pillars” or principles: truth, justice, love and freedom. It is important to underline at this point that the dialogue that aims at arousing a common concern for peace must respect the natural law and safeguard the dignity of every human being. In the post-modern world are not these values becoming rather “meaningless”? This is the leaning of the article’s author.