The Church & The World Evangelization

Engaging the World Reading the signs of the times ◦ Looking at the circumstances of each generation and applying Scripture and Tradition ◦ Not enough to proclaim the message, must interpret to apply to the situations of the time ◦ Make the words understandable and applicable to their situations and circumstances ◦ International conflicts, healthcare reform, economic justice, and technology

Engaging the Modern Culture Culture of Death ◦ “If it’s not convenient get rid of it”  Abortion  Euthanasia ◦ Church teaches profound respect for life from conception to natural death  Programs to care for the sick and elderly  Assistance for troubled pregnancy

Engaging the Modern Culture Church and Politics ◦ “Separation of Church and state”  Government does not support any one religion or establish a state religion ◦ Church has a responsibility to bring Christian values into the public debate on social, political and economic issues  Does not advocate a particular candidate or party  Speaks on dignity of each human person  Speaks on human rights  Poverty, environment, etc.

Evangelization What is it? Examples of Evangelization Elements of Evangelization

EVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATION What is it? ◦ Proclaiming Christ in words and actions  To the ignorant  Those who have no knowledge of Jesus, the Church or the good news  To the members of the Church  To increase their knowledge and faith and to continue “pastoral care”  To those who for any reason have left the Church  To reintroduce them to the Christ they had embraced but from whom they have now turned away, for whatever reason

EVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATION Examples ◦ Sharing the responsibility to share the good news of Jesus both at home and at work ◦ Living your life in a faith filled and holy way  Married couples by witnessing the faith and love of Jesus to each other and children  Patience JusticeRight judgmentCourage  Teens by giving good example to their peers  Living chastely  Being responsible  Religious orders by missionary work  Teach the ignorant  Help the poor

EVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATIONEVANGELIZATION Elements of evangelization ◦ Boldness and respect  Don’t be afraid to proclaim the truth of Christianity while at the same time respecting religious freedom and local cultures ◦ Technological developments  Use the latest technologies to reach the most peoples ◦ Commitment to personal holiness  Preach by example; Do not be afraid to live your holiness in front of others ◦ Reach out to people of all ages  The gospel message applies to people of all ages

Inculturation Understanding the worship of the indigenous people and respectfully show how it is a step toward the truth of Christianity and can be integrated into the life of the Church without betraying the fundamental truths of the gospel message ◦ Traditional African ancestor worship ◦ Lakota “Sun Dance” use of suffering ◦ Allowance of the use of different cultural usages in liturgies, devotions and prayer forms