In the Afternoon of Christianity: Tomáš Halík on Faith, Democracy, and the Questions of Our Time. Interview Conducted by Patryk Zając

Abstract

This interview with Prof. Tomáš Halík, conducted by Patryk Zając, serves as the opening chapter of the monograph Threats to Democracy: Nationalism, Populism, Extremism and Christianity’s Response to Them. The discussion focuses on the current tensions between religion and politics, particularly the misuse of religion for political purposes in the Visegrád countries and Russia. Halík emphasizes the necessity of “desacralizing” political language and highlights the role of public theology in discerning the “signs of the times” through a hermeneutical approach he calls "kairology." He warns against associating Christianity with authoritarianism and nationalism, and stresses the importance of dialogue with minority groups and secular communities. The interview also explores the rise of religious fundamentalism and atheism, proposing patient engagement with mystery and spiritual discernment as a path forward. This conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to the broader themes of the monograph and sets the tone for the entire project.