Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The research objective of this article is to explore the concept of the organic political community as a viable model for political systems.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Modern democratic systems, particularly indirect democracy, do not fully guarantee the functioning of societies as one, i.e. unity in diversity. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul introduces the concept of an organic community by likening it to the human body. Can this framework be applied to political communities? This question will be addressed by examining key theological and political thought currents within Catholic social teaching.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The idea of political communities functioning as organisms dates back to the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle. However, St. Paul’s vision of an organic community is pivotal to this discussion. Guided by Catholic social teaching, we will explore the viability of applying St. Paul’s model to political life, with particular emphasis on natural law and the dignity of the human person.

RESEARCH RESULTS: St. Paul’s paradigm seems to suggest that it is possible to establish organic political communities on a spiritual, moral, and legal foundation. However, this requires the symbiotic functioning of these dimensions, as they ensure the proper development of both the individual and the community.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: An analysis of the nature of the organic community from the early centuries of Christianity (St. Paul) reveals the potential to establish organic political communities grounded in a spiritual, moral, and legal foundation and guided by genuine relationships of fraternity, kindness, and love. The ‘Paraguayan reductions’ founded by the Jesuits at the turn of the 17^th century serve as historical evidence of this possibility.