Freedom of Religion, Common Good, Christian Culture

Searching for New (Old) Fundaments

Abstract

It has been the Biblical vision on the human person that has determined the Western world. Man and woman created upon the image of God, endowed
with free will have a unique dignity. Traditionally, the rationale of the state is to serve the common good; however, the content of this doctrine has been
changing over history. Nowadays we regard human rights and especially religious freedom as inherent parts of the common good. The first part of the
paper provides for an insight into the evolution of the doctrine of the Catholic Church on the freedom of religion. The second part of the paper outlines the
chances of a culture originating from Christianity in an age when Christian faith is diminishing in society.