South Sudan's Challenge

South Sudan's Challenge
Healing & Reconciliation

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Cultures and the Christian Message

Cultures and THE Christian Message
In the past, the problem of Cultures and Christian Message was situated where Christianity came into contact with a culture. It was a problem of Christianity that was very identified with Western culture vis-à-vis non- western cultures of Asia and Africa.
Today, the question is about the place of Christianity in the midst of diversity of cultures. This implies the search for a Christian cultural identity in the midst of "non-Christian” cultures.
Pope Pius XII articulated that " whatever is good and human, and in agreement with the nature of man as created by God, the Church accepts, further develops, elevates and sanctifies… unless these are obviously opposed to religion and good morals.” Similarly, the Propaganda Fide articulated the need to study the local cultures. For what is more absurd than to bring France or Spain or Italy or any part of Europe into China? Admire and praise what deserves to be respected." (Collectanea, Propaganda Fide: Rome, vol. 1 no. 135, p.42).

Fr. Eliseo "Jun" Mercado, OMI
#Badaliyya-Philippines
February 3, 2019

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