Young Catholics in Poland and Moral Change

This article explores how bioethical liberalization among Polish adolescents relates to religious socialization and perceptions of religion’s normative role. Using Richard Osmer’s fourfold model of practical theology, we conducted a quantitative analysis on a representative sample of 1,029 secondary school students. Findings show selective acceptance of liberal bioethical views and a shift from religion as a normative authority toward a more relational-existential role. The proposed normativity index (NI) offers insight into these transformations. Osmer’s model enables theological reflection that is empirically grounded, dialogical, and attentive to value shifts among youth in a pluralistic society.