Jareno Alarcon Joaquin
Abstract: Despite the fact that Western society often questions the need for the presence of religion as a political actor in the public sphere, many elements allow us to assume that this presence is beneficial both socially and politically. Such religions as Christianity created the foundation of a democratic society, in which human rights are respected. It is not just that belonging to religion helps a person to gain a special meaning of life. It also forces to respect certain basic values that play a relevant role in the political sphere: the dignity, equality and freedom. Religion adds the moral ectivity to these concepts, contributing to the moral improvement of the citizen.
Keywords: Western society, public sphere, religion, Christianity, dignity, rights, equality, freedom, citizen