The ecclesial praxis as living faith

Abstract

This conference has three parts. In the first part, we present the Christian faith as “life” in the contemporary theological and cultural context. The “crisis of faith” in which we are in has different historical roots –modernity, secularization, insufficient theological developments, certain counter-witness and scandals, etc. – which entail obstacles to that “living by faith”. As a result of all this, it is necessary ask ourselves for the roads to be taken by the New Evangelization, as current expression of ecclesial praxis, to enforce the “life of faith” in Christians. The second part emphasizes Christian witness along with personal and ecclesial or “pastoral” conversion. The end of the pontificate of Benedict XVI and the beginning of the new pontificate of Pope Francis have insisted on the various dimensions of faith, beginning by stressing the need and quality of conversion (personal, ecclesial, social, educational, cultural, etc.). They also referred to the “contents” of the faith, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In conclusion, the third part proposes an “educational Decalogue” for the education of faith in our time. The “symphony of faith” has to be interpreted according to all its key dimensions, many of which are missing somehow today: Christian anthropology and especially the educational path of beauty; biblical, liturgical and sacramental dimensions; moral education and social sensibility, which must be completed with the education for prayer, holiness in ordinary life and apostolic or missionary concern in all (beginning from childhood); and finally education of faith must necessarily be an interdisciplinary task, with specific projects in each of the areas (family, school, parish, etc.).