Original scientific paper

PASTORAL MINISTRY BETWEEN TRADITIONALISM AND PROGRESSIVISM

Nikola Vranješ orcid.org/0000-0002-0895-0284 ; Theology of Rijeka, Dislocated Studies of Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Pastoral ministry is in the service of the transmission of faith, in the service of the tradition. The tradition is its key component. The elements of tradition in time and culture have to be revived through the pastoral ministry of the Church. This mission, i.e. the service to the authentic tradition of the faith, sets today’s pastoral ministry between two extremes which do not contribute to the authentic service: traditionalism and progressivism. The meaning of these two words encompasses aspects revealing numerous negative instances that disturb the authentic ministry. Traditionalism represents a non-critical affirmation and consolidation of the changeable forms of ministry, that following a change of circumstances contribute to the stagnation of pastoral ministry. Progressivism on the other hand, soothes the improvisations and illicit adjustments often endangering the foundations of the pastoral ministry. In this article, through a theological-critical evaluation, the links of tradition and pastoral ministry are evaluated, as well as the dangers of the main forms of traditionalism and progressivism. The key theological and pastoral elements are sorted out in order to encourage the surpassing of the traditionalistic tendencies in the pastoral ministry and simultaneously contribute to the authentic transmission of faith.

Keywords

Church; faith; transmission of faith; tradition; pastoral ministry; traditionalism; progressivism

Hrčak ID:

71248

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/71248

Publication date:

12.7.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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