Petőcz Kálmán (szerk.): National Populism and Slovak - Hungarian Relations in Slovakia 2006-2009 (Somorja, 2009)
Miroslav Kocúr: For God and Nation: Christian National Populism
Miroslav Kocúr Contemporary interpretation of what is religious, national and Christian continues to be determined by reflecting biblical terms such as nation, people and community of faith. Internal relations as well as external involvement of a newly defined community of faith that in the first century AD strove for universal transcendence of its own ethnic, cultural and religious horizons continue to be an interesting challenge of seeking intellectually honest solutions to coexistence of different cultures, nations and ideological communities. FÍNaI ObsERVATiOINS AlNcj PR0p05E(J SoluTÍOINS QhRÍSTÍANÍTY AS AN OppORTUNÍTy Societies with strong religious traditions tend to spend more time and energy examining the role of religion and religious communities in public life, either through people themselves or via elected public officials. This is closely related to organization of public life, welfare system, education system, health service and related legislation, family policy, rate of corruption, clientelism or social tolerance of social taboos. This organization of public life directly affects priorities» in the process of making up parliaments, cabinets, courts of justice, control organs and other public institutions. On the outside, these priorities are manifested through society’s practical and legislative position on migration, foreigners, family and sexual morality (e.g. divorce, polygamy, monogamy, prostitution, infidelity) and bioethical issues such as abortions, euthanasia or root cell research. Once believing persons define themselves spiritually and live according to professed principles, their way of public involvement is bound to be affected. Even so-called formal believers have an ambition to present on the outside behavioural patterns determined by the social and religious majority. Such an approach guarantees them a chance to win recognition and participate in social life on their level of social prestige and influence. In this environment it is not primarily important to be a good person as everyone has their flaws and deficiencies. In line with Machiavellid slogan of “the end justifies used means”, it is more important to make an impression of being a good person. BeIíEVERS' PERSONaI RESpONSibiffiy ínsteacJ of rítuaIísm The said tendency is ubiquitous, regardless of the Christian, Muslim or Jewish environment. Sovereign individuals who interpret the rules too freely and stand out of the mainstream must prove themselves and gain their 238
