On January 17th another social debate took place in the Dominican Order on 13 Zielona Street. It was dedicated to the phenomenon of career. The meeting adressed the question of whether it is possible to achive both, professional success and salvation. What sort of career should a Christian have? Those in attandance agreed that each person has an individual view of success and career. To one person a success means a well performed job, to others it may be helping people and charity work – to some it’s fame and money. A sportsperson, a scientist and a manager each have a different career path. Although a Christian has other commitments, striving for professional and financial success is not in opposition to his or hers faith. During such a career, though, a Christian often struggles with dilemas whether to choose own beliefs or the requirements of the employer. It is either work, or family. He is persuaded to do things against his morality, e.g. a pharmacist has to sell abortigenics. There is no simple answer to how to solve these dilemas, each person has to deal with it in their own soul. It is vital to respect others while conducting a career.

Social Debates held by the Dominicans are meetings organized monthly, that gather laic Christians interested in social, economic, cultural and ethical issues in the modern world. Participants discuss in order to solve problems. They create, modify and intensify their views on vital issues in comtemporary Poland and the world. Being interested in the matters of the community, the country or the city, as well as discussing the most burning questions – are the basis for a patriotic attitude. Therefore, the debates promote commitment among Christians and their social, political and economic activity in Poland and the City of Łódź – which adds to the creation of civic society.

Issues involved in the discussions are looked into from a standpoint of social teaching of the Church, especially the social preaching from John Paul II. Through that, the Debates help to spread his ideas and his word. The organizers are people connected with the Tertio Millennio Institute, founded in 1996 by father superior Maciej Zięba, in response to a Tertio Millennio Adveniente epistle – John Paul’s call for the preparation of year 2000 Great Jubilee. It is a place of profound religious experience, and a place where daring solutions for the 21th century Church are being found. Main form of the Institute’s activity is organizing summer and winter schools, that share the social preaching of John Paul II. The institute promotes Christian involvement in social, economic and political life.