Professional paper
Sects - pastoral challenge
Josip Čorić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split
Abstract
In the chain of this century's recent events that Church
encounters with, religious movements - sects can't be avoided. They
manage to find their Lebensraum even in totalitarian societies. Yet,
democratic atmosphere is their favourable ground, especially, as it
seems, in transitionary societies. It is impossible to follow the call of
Church to observe the signs of time avoiding the phenomenon of
sects. The lack of information, inadequate presence of Church in
certain segments of human activity, but also the failure of hierarchical part of God's people, seem to be the most favourable factors for the development of sects. The phenomenon and presence of sects urges the question on the quality of christians and pastoral practice. What kind of attitude should be assumed? How should christian community be prepared to face this challenge? Should a battle be carried on against them? Should they be "converted" or talked with, respecting their convictions?
Several proposals and suggestions are given as the answer, like,
for example, more adequate pastoral of sacraments, strengthening of parish community, establishing the centres for studying the sects, if anywhere at least with catholic schools. The best possible answer to
increasingly demanding needs of contemporary society and man,
avoiding the superficial religious formation, is expected to be a
longtime process of searching. Anyway, the best answer to the
challenge of sects is reevangelization of individuals and the community.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
51374
URI
Publication date:
25.6.1998.
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