CHAPTER TEN - Polish People's Attitudes Towards Religion
from Projects in Polish Culture
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2014
Summary
Introduction
In order to live peacefully in Poland, as in any other country, a great deal of tolerance is required. What is understood by the word? “Tolero,” the Latin root, means to bear, to endure, to suffer, but also to support, to sustain, to protect. Thus, the word “tolerance” may be used in two different ways. The former meaning of tolerance is close to the notion of “negative tolerance” which was introduced by Lazari-Pawłowska (1984; quoted in Mihulka 2008) The latter meaning of tolerance, often referred to as “positive tolerance,” is used in a much broader sense.
10.2. Religion in Poland in the Past and at Present
Through researching historical websites and websites on the topic of Religion in Poland (Tradition of religious tolerance in Poland 2008), it was found that Poland has a long history of tolerance towards other religions and other nations. In medieval times, when Europe was in the midst of religious wars, Poland was a multi-ethnic country whose wars were primarily not religious. Poland became a focal point for tolerance and led the way for tolerance in Europe. During the reign of King Sigmund II (1548–1572) Poland had followers of many religions and in 1555 introduced the Freedom of Confession where Poland distanced itself from the Catholic Church in Rome by not paying Papal taxes. It also became a refuge where persecuted Protestants and Jews from around Europe found tolerance and economic opportunity.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Developing Intercultural Competence through EnglishFocus on Ukrainian and Polish Cultures, pp. 125 - 130Publisher: Jagiellonian University PressPrint publication year: 2011