Reconciled Diversity – the Concept of Peaceful Coexistence on an Example from Upper Silesia and the Thoughts of Abp Alfons Nossol

Konrad Józef Glombik

Faculty of Theology of the University of Opole
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8461-965X

Abstract

The pluralism of modern societies in a globalised world is connected inseparably with tension, conflict of interest, and divergent opinions concerning the worldview and practical human behaviours. In the context of the complexity of human relations and the diversity of political, cultural, religious, social and worldview levels there lies the question about the possibility of the peaceful coexistence between people and social groups. An answer to this question is the idea of reconciled diversity which is delivered in a concrete and an historical context in Upper Silesia, and is elaborated, developed and applied to the complex social, cultural and religious problems explored by Abp Alfons Nossol, bishop of the Diocese of Opole. The present paper begins with a depiction of the complexity of the problems in human relations on various levels within Upper Silesia. Then the essence, foundations and main elements of the reconciled diversity is presented in the thought of Abp Alfons Nossol. At the end the article shows the actuality and universal character of idea, which in others contexts and societies makes peaceful coexistence possible. The idea of reconciled diversity has a theological character, but was effectively practiced in the actual regional background of Upper Silesia and confirmed the possibility of dense theological ideas based on the concrete complex problems of life.

Keywords:

reconciled diversity, reconciliation, peacefull coexistence, Upper Silesia, abp Alfons Nossol