Threats to Democracy: Nationalism, Populism, Extremism and Christianity’s Response to Them

Abstract

The monograph Threats to Democracy: Nationalism, Populism, Extremism and Christianity’s Response to Them, edited by Patryk Zając and Maciej Ostrowski, presents an interdisciplinary approach to the current crisis of democracy, emphasizing the religious context of socio-political tensions. Inspired by an international academic project, the book brings together contributions from young scholars and professors across Europe. It is divided into four parts: discussion framework (including an interview with Tomáš Halík), socio-political perspective (e.g., populism, nationalism, extremism), philosophical perspective, and theological perspective. A central concern shared by all chapters is whether Christianity—especially Catholicism—can not only respond to threats to democracy but also provide resources for its renewal. The volume also introduces the innovative “Herdorf Method,” a seminar-based pedagogical practice that models democratic dialogue within a Christian framework.