I am writing this in order to appreciate on the leading article published in the June 16-30 issue of Light of Truth. What is the relevance of faith in an extremely secularized world; especially the relevance of Catholic faith. The article analyses it in two contexts; in the universal aspect and also in the context of India. I would like to note on the suggestion made by the author “one promising way forward is through a renewed emphasis on inculturation. This however expressing the Christian faith through Indian cultural forms, philosophical categories and spiritual sensibilities. Rather than presenting Christianity as something foreign. Inculturation reveals its capacity to take root diverse cultural soils”. One of the main barriers I find now is the rigid nature of some of the individual Churches towards inculturation and renewal. The seeds of faith must grow in each soil where it fell. It is impossible to carry the soil also along with the seed. The seed of faith must grow taking and imbibing the manure and water from the soil it is sawn. That article is an invitation for such an attitude. Actually it is the Christian spirit. Faith must grow in the culture of the land. It must be expressed according to the mind, culture and mentality of the place. Actually the provision in the Catholic Church for each particular church to grow in its independence shows this aspect. This process of inculturation shall give liveliness, own feeling and also shall provide ample opportunities for inter religious dialogue. No faith and faith expressions shall be seen as foreign and alien.
I also would like to mention the words ‘church as dialogue not as domination’ written and explained in the article. It is evident that the power of the Church, as Christ taught, depends not on domination. It is rooted in humility and service. According to my opinion dominance is actually the expression of ego and self-centeredness whether it is of a society or a person. The dominance of the Church in this most secularized world shall be one of a watchful servant who guides and leads the world or universe according to the mind of the Divine safeguarding the dignity of human beings. Everyone in the Church, laity, priests, religious, Bishops, Cardinals and the Pope must be convinced that God’s grace is working in every one irrespective of cast, creed, religion and nation. So, the article is an eye-opener for everyone, and it indicates the role of the Catholic Church in this highly secularized and individualistic world.
- By Pius Benziger
