RELIGION AND FAITH IN 21ST CENTURY SOCIETY-CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS THE FOUNDATION OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This paper examines the enduring role of religion and faith in 21st-century society, emp¬hasizing the Christian tradition as the foundation of social and economic development. It distin¬guishes three key pillars of Christian civilization: Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian ethics. Greek philosophy, particularly the thought of Aristotle and Plato, shapes critical thinking, moral reflection, and the pursuit of virtue, providing tools for personal and civic development. Roman law creates a framework for justice, social order, and respect for individual and community rights, ensuring stability and predictability in public life. Christian ethics, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizes love, responsibility, and solidarity, shaping moral attitudes and social cohesion. An integral element of this tradition is the figure of St. Peter, who serves as a model of a “servant leader”, whose leadership, based on service, humility, and responsibility to the commu¬nity, offers a timeless example for contemporary leadership. His life demonstrates that a leader’s true strength comes not from power or authority, but from spiritual maturity, trust in God, and a willingness to serve others. The integration of Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian ethics, enriched by the example of St. Peter, provides a comprehensive model for contemporary societies, combining economic development with moral values, promoting responsible leadership and the common good. This approach emphasizes the importance of Christian cultural heritage in addressing contemporary social, economic, and ethical challenges.