RELIGION AS A SOCIAL ASSET IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SECURITY POLICY OF THE CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN SOCIETY

The article starts from the role of religious identity in improving European security and points out the peace-making potential of religions and the importance of dialogical approach, which needs to be fostered by both, religions and the whole European society. It is pointed out that negative connotations of religions (wars, fundamentalism) and the abuse of religion for political gains are oft en overemphasised and wrongly understood, for which a part of the blame goes to religious communities themselves. The article analyses ideas and the relationship between liberal-secular society and religious communities, especially Christianity, whose roots were the building blocks of Europe. By taking into account social and security aspects, the author points out that their teachings are not so contradictive and irreconcilable. Thus, the author develops a thesis on the need for pointing out positive values, which are at the heart of religious communities, but also of the new European society. Putting peace before war, encouraging love, fairness, coexistence and solidarity, freedom and the right of an individual are all values which are propagated by, both, religious teachings and the contemporary liberal-secular society. Therefore, the interreligious dialogue and a dialogue between religious communities and secular society, carried out in a manner which acknowledges contributions of both in building up of Europe throughout history and today, is important for European stability and security.