Open Conference Systems, Seminar Nasional Sanata Dharma Berbagi: Seni dan Budaya 2023

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DEHUMANIZATION, TERRORISM, AND THE CHALLENGE OF CATHOLIC HUMANISM
Reinardus L. Meo

Last modified: 2023-10-16

Abstract


The history of human civilization, in a sense, is a history of dehumanization. Apart from the Jews in the eyes of the Nazis in the Holocaust and the Tutsis in the eyes of the Hutus in the Rwandan Genocide, the victims who died in every act of terrorism in various parts of the world, including Indonesia, also affirmed dehumanization as an integral part of human civilization from time to time. This situation naturally challenges the Catholic Church and its humanism. Clarity of view and firmness of the prophetic voice become urgent. This article aims to analyze and re-discuss dehumanization through terrorism which is a challenge for Catholic humanism. By using qualitative research methods, an analysis of dehumanization is very helpful in understanding the psychology of terrorists who see other humans as enemies who are evil, immoral, and inhumane. This view must be prevented and countered with a view that prioritizes human dignity, which is the essence of Catholic humanism.


Keywords


Dehumanization, Catholic Humanism, Prophetic Voice, Terrorism