Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 94 No. 3, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.94.3.3
Characteristics of Mature Faith
Ivan Šarčević
; Franciscan Theology Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
The most challenging age of life to pastor is adulthood, particularly for men. They cannot be influenced as much by external persuasion or coercion, especially not through affective socialization, as children and young people can. On average, adults, the bearers of life, the most active in family and social life among all generations, especially men, attend church the least. Some features of their faith include religious ignorance and the arbitrary creation of faith even to the point of superstition; rejection or delayed encounters with oneself, others and God arising from work-related activities; the gap between faith and profession, faith and social life, and a lack of social engagement that is motivated by faith. Some adults, although not mature, resort to group responses, i.e. traditionalism, fundamentalism, secular clericalism, integralism. Adult pastoral care would imply two directions, one more systematic, the other occasional – both with a focus on understanding the Word of God, responsible family life and active life in society and the Church. It would be worthwhile to re-educate individuals toward a personal and responsible faith—faith that is grateful and relaxed, teachable and humble, confirmed in love and political love.
Keywords
pastoral care and catechesis of adults; personal faith; responsible faith; relaxed faith; political love.
Hrčak ID:
323601
URI
Publication date:
14.12.2024.
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