engleski

Religious Coercion as Part of a Religious Identity: Croatian Perspective

Christianity in the form of Roman Catholicism is deeply embedded in Croatian society, although the Roman Catholic Church is not a “state church.” However, this religious identity was imposed on Croats by force centuries ago. Hence, if this religious identity was imposed by force or some form of outside coercion, the question is: can such identity in the name of Christ be assessed as a positive value and gain the status of tradition? If our answer is “yes, ” then supporters of this view must offer an apology for the “paradigm shift” in which religious coercion in the course of time becomes a desirable and positive element of one’s religious identity. If our answer is “no, ” then we must reject coercion as a way of forming one’s religious identity and offer an alternative way. In order to analyze this subject, first we will briefly show how Emperor Constantine’s conversion brought into Christianity the element of coercion. Second, we will discuss various theories of spreading Christianity among Croats, and third, we will assess its impact. Fourth, we will briefly analyze New Testament’s teaching on the issue of coercion in conversion, and fifth, offer an assessment of the current religious situation in Croatia.

religion, conversion, coercion, identity, Catholic Church

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