In the above context, we would like to devote this year’s fourth edition of the conference on the political science of religion – starting from the discussed concepts of “an even better world” – to the question of the shape of political and eschatological hopes. What seems important here is the ability to distinguish the legitimate promises of politics from those that constitute a dangerous temptation to realize the “Kingdom of God” in earthly times. The question then arises how to distinguish between this true and false promise, and whether and to what extent religion can be helpful in this? Is the longing for a “better world” contained in religious faith a threat to a policy that respects human dignity, or rather its protection? Does religion ex definitione protect against totalitarian political aspirations, or on the contrary? Or maybe only some religions (if so, whether and according to what criteria they can be distinguished) play a positive political role? What does the “positive role” of religion mean (and what should it mean) from the point of view of political science? In the thicket of questions arising around the issue of messianic hopes, a special guide seems to be the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, who died at the beginning of this year. Therefore, we would like to make it the prism of our reflection.

In accordance with our tradition, we invite you to submit proposals for papers in the field of current scientific research in the field of religion and politics, which will be discussed during panel sessions. In particular, we encourage you to take up topics related to the central issues of the conference, which will be discussed during the plenary panels.