CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY: PATRICK DENEEN'S POSTLIBERAL PROJECT

Abstract

The article presents a systematic reflection of the foundations and key principles of Christian democracy by P. Deneen as a postliberal project of mutual development of the state and society, which should replace the outdated liberal order. It is argued that it is the internal problems of liberal postmodernity that are the trigger of the postliberal discourse. The principles of liberalism, brought to the maximum, have become, paradoxically, the cause of its decline. Autonomization of the individual, rejection of traditional values and morality, market universalism, etc. - all this has led to destructive consequences for democracy. Moral relativism, due to the tendency towards value neutrality, has led to the loss of general guidelines of ethos.
According to the scientist, democracy cannot continue without a return to local communities and the rebuilding of strong social ties. Social solidarity, formed on the basis of cultural traditions, religion and family, is the correct vector of development. P. Deneen's Christian democracy is a post-liberal project that gravitates not only to religion, but also to sound social ethics. The socio-political system should be rethought on the basis of a "mixed constitution", within which the common good is a constitutive determinant, and the political will of citizens together with political power should be guided by this priority in their own everyday life. P. Deneen's recommendations concern healthcare, the media, the electoral process, the family, urban planning, etc.
The author expresses the conviction that in the face of the "bankruptcy" of liberalism, at least in its American form, Christians should take the initiative and breathe new life into American society. Further research can be directed towards a comparative analysis of American and European postliberalism, searching for ideological differences and similarities.