THE CHURCH AND THE MODERN WORLD: TODAY'S PERSPECTIVE

From a historical and sociological aspect of observation, the contemporary world in the period of the Second Vatican Council's convening and subsequently, can be viewed through three scenarios. The first scenario is characterised by a great balance as a felicitous combination of favourable and suitable spiritual, social and political circumstances. Various contextual theologies appear in dialogue with the challenges of the modern world. The second scenario is characterised by the break up of the great balance in the post-modernist world experiencing rapid changes. This second scenario describes the time frame which continually lasts from the first distrust in contemporary theology or secular utopia and its balance, and extends all the way to the dramatic destruction in 2001 of the Twin Towers in New York. The third scenario looks at the great endeavour concerning the forceful renewal of the great balance which begins before us and is difficult to describe with precision and measure its true significance. It is characterised by the simultaneous religionisation of politics and politicisation of religion in its worst state. What kind of answer should the Church offer the modern world concerning this phenomenon? The Church faces the following imperatives. Firstly, the Church is called to be a Church of the poor and marginalised. Secondly, the Church is called to be a Church of goodness and merciful humanity. Thirdly, the Church's mission is to be a Church of hope and joy. Fourthly, the Church's task is to be a Church of peacemaking, reconciliation and forgiveness.