Christianity, an engine of social transformation

Polarization, individualism and existential emptiness: what can Christianity contribute today to overcome these problems that characterize contemporary societies? Rafael Domingo Oslé, Full Professor of Roman Law and holder of the Álvaro d'OrsChair at the Institute of Culture and Society (ICS) of the University of Navarra, has published El sentido del cristianismo ( The Sphere of Books), an essay that reflects on the value of Christian thought today. "In this book I address the relationship between Christianity and secular culture from a critical and reflective perspective. I ask whether Christianity can offer meaningful answers to contemporary existential concerns," states the author.

Christian values, as Professor Domingo assures us, are called to illuminate relevant social areas such as politics, Economics, Education and communication. In this sense, he emphasizes that the most important challenges of today require a loving and transcendent vision of life: "Christianity is based on the dignity, freedom and equality of all people, created in the image of God. It promotes tolerance and forgiveness, essential for building inclusive and peaceful communities". 

The essay delves into a core topic idea about the validity of Christian valuesThe Christian revolution of an incarnated God who is Love and loves us eternally is far above any war or cultural confrontation". The author pauses to reflect on the contributions of Christianity to the integral development of human beings and society. "Christianity advocates social justice and attentive care for the poor and marginalized. It teaches us to ask (we all need others) and to share (we all contribute to others)," he remarks.

In a secular context, many wonder what Christianity has to offer. The author strives in the essay to develop this question: "The Christian message of love and solidarity acts as an antidote to individualism and polarization, and opens itself to a constructive dialogue between believers and non-believers for a more harmonious future. Along these lines, Domingo points out that Christianity can always renew itself because "the contexts it illuminates are changeable." "I would love for this book to serve to engage in a multidisciplinary conversation on this important issue," says Rafael Domingo about the message he would like to convey to readers.