Sárospataki Füzetek 16. (2012)

2012 / 1. szám - TANULMÁNYOK - Barnóczki Anita: Az inkulturáció jelenségéről. Ont he Phenomenon of Inculturation

AZ INKUL.TURÁC 1Ő JELENSÉGÉRŐL

ments possible, i.e., it makes various human cultures and their reciprocal influences accessible to examination, and can be explained in the relationship of Christianity and culture.

When thinking about human culture, we must speak about a multitude of cultures. When examining the differences and similarities of cultures it is important to realize that it is our own culture we consider to be a natural point of departure. It is on the basis of and with reference to our own culture that we interpret other cultures. However, our views of other cultures are distorted this way, which eventually lead to non understanding and misunderstanding. From this attitude it follows that we often consider the “civilization” of cultures different from ours to be the primary condition of proper mission. When we preach the gospel in a foreign culture, being understandable, understanding, receptive and adaptive is all important. What is necessary is not simply an attempt to translate but to preach the gospel in a way that can be experienced and lived for a person of another culture, and the gospel becoming a part of his/her culture. On the basis of the gospel made liveable this way anyone has the opportunity to respond to God’s call in accordance to one’s cultural roots.

Inculturation can be explained not only in terms of missionary activities done in distant countries or in past times. Inculturation has a place in today’s world, in the practices and theologies of our European churches. Our world characterized by secularization, globalization, pluralism and postmodern creates a peculiar context for the church. In this context the church must carry out her mission as if living in a foreign culture.

In order to complete her mission, the church must examine the characteristic features of this context; she must distinguish between the demands of the people, i.e., the ones depending on culture, and the general needs. The church must react to the needs of today’s people and thus inculturate the Chirst-event.

In order to accomplish all this, the church must formulate basic questions about the essence, content and mode of her mission. A careful consideration of these questions may help us solve our current problems both in our church life and theology.

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