Evangelization, Communication and Theology
By Frances Forde Plude
In the academic world I have heard of several topics that need to be imbedded into teaching no matter what subject is being taught. One example is “English across the curriculum” because good written and oral expression is the basis of all learning.
The new “hot topic” in theology and pastoral settings is “The New Evangelization.” The Pope is advocating it. It was the topic when Cardinals met recently in Rome. And, even if it were not politically correct, our new respect for other cultures would demand that we re-think evangelization as we have done it in the past.
This is very much linked to the communication concept of dialogue. Instead of telling people what to do (in response to the gospel) we now have new respect for their own experience and culture. Various cultures will enrich Christian witness by feeding their own culture into it. In the Los Angeles Religious Education Conference this year I saw various liturgies enriched by the many cultures in that Archdiocese. It was so good to pray and celebrate in varied ways!
The New Evangelization must also be linked to the theology of the local church. This celebrates each local part of the church as truly church. We are not just “branch offices” of the universal church; your local church is truly the church. And it is here, in the local church, that we experience the gospel together. As I head off on my first trip to Asia, I am earnestly seeking the specific type of local church there. And, on a more practical level, Suzanne has some suggestions for your local pastoral ministry.
By Suzanne Nelson
Recently I have been thinking about communication theology and the new evangelization in terms of points of entry. One of the aims of Communication Theology is to identify those sacred points where the Gospel is – or could be – expressed though our communication and our culture(s). Inculturation is the term used to describe expressing one’s faith through one’s culture. This is distinct from enculturation (bringing into a culture) and acculturation (making one with a culture). The term inculturation refers to the expression of one’s faith through one’s culture. (See Bevins: New Directions in Mission and Evangelization, p 3.) The “new evangelization” to which Pope John Paul II called us, is to be new in ardor, in expression and in method. Inculturation can be one of those new expressions working at various points of entry in parish life.
Every ministry in the parish contains various points of entry into faith. We can all become more sensitized to those sacred moments where faith and culture(s) can be brought together. In the chart below highlight some parish points of entry into the faith. Being attentive to this can bring new ardor to evangelization. In the second column list foundation attitudes for inculturation, attitudes we need to find a new expression of our faith in our multifaceted culture. In the last column, list some of the many forms of media that can be used to develop new methods for the new evangelization.
Points of entry in various parish ministries Foundation attitudes for inculturation Media to use at various points of entry