EVANGELIZATION, INCULTURATION AND THE THEOLOGY OF RELIGIONS
Keywords:
EVANGELIZATION, INCULTURATION, THEOLOGY, RELIGION, EASTERN CODE, CCEO, LATIN CODE, CICAbstract
The canons on evangelization in the Eastern Code (CCEO), which were drafted by the author, prescribe inculturation as the style of evangelization, whereas the Latin code (CIC) speaks of adaptation by the foreign missionaries. Evangelization is not mere conversion but the formation of an ecclesial community inculturated in liturgy, art, theology, law, etc. Inculturation of the Indian culture, which is not identical with Hindu culture, is to be done in the light of the
developing theology of religions, of which Jacques Dupuis was a leading exponent. Misunderstood by his Vatican censors used to the Italian style sheet, he was censured but not condemned. He died heartbroken in 2004. Finally, the article examines critically the modern Indian mahᾱvᾱkya that all religions are equal, which is virtually denied not only by the history of religious persecutions but by those Hindus themselves who are intent on reconversion. What is true in the thesis is the legal principle that all religions deserve equal respect: sarvadharma samabhᾱvana.
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