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The transformation of supreme values: Evidence from Poland on salvation through civic engagement

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Fałkowski

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Przemysław Kurek

    (University of Warsaw)

Abstract

Peter Bernholz has described how ideologies and religions with supreme values have used violence to accomplish their goals. We describe the transformation of supreme values through civic engagement and pro-social behavior (dedication to common good, charity, participation in social life) that rejects as unacceptable all forms of violence. Our focus is on Catholicism after the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized the lay faithful’s role in the Church’s mission of salvation in the world and affirmed categorically that the duty of layperson is to serve other people and society. Using data on Poland, we find that the lay faithful try to fulfil those duties. Religious observance measured by participation in Holy Communion and church attendance correlates positively with civic engagement measured by the number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Fałkowski & Przemysław Kurek, 2020. "The transformation of supreme values: Evidence from Poland on salvation through civic engagement," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 185(1), pages 113-129, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:185:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-019-00743-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-019-00743-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Fałkowski, Jan & Kurek, Przemysław J., 2024. "Religious symbols in the public sphere and development of the third sector: Some evidence from rural Poland," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(2), pages 495-508.
    2. Arye L. Hillman, 2021. "Harming a favored side: an anomaly with supreme values and good intentions," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 186(3), pages 275-285, March.
    3. Kurek, Przemysław J. & Fałkowski, Jan, 2022. "Religiosity and political participation - Panel data evidence from post-communist Poland," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Supreme values; Catholicism; Laypersons; Civic engagement; NGOs; Poland;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship

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