The Church Is Not A Museum

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The recent issue of the Catholic Times had an article on a professor emeritus and the need for inculturation as an essential future of the Church; otherwise, as Pope Francis said, the Church would become a "museum."

Father Stephen Bevans (Professor Emeritus, Catholic Divinity School of Chicago) visited Korea from October 16 to 25. He expressed concern that "inculturation has 'cooled down' throughout the (universal) Church". He said, "In the motu proprio Ad Theologiam Promovendam, Pope Francis urges theologians and the Church to engage more with local cultures and contemporary thought."

Father Bevans has been a professor at the Catholic Divinity School of Chicago for over 30 years and has served as president of the American Missionary Society, member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and member of the World Mission Commission of the World Council of Churches. He is a world-renowned scholar of inculturation theology.

"Repeating traditional phrases or words, even if they are orthodox, is not enough. Our faith must be expressed in a way that modern people can understand in their language, culture, and experience."

In particular, the 'contextual theology' established and systematized by Father Bevans was dealt with significantly in the motu proprio "For the Advancement of Theology." Contextual theology is a theological method that interprets the traditional wisdom of the Church while considering the experience of each believer or faith community in the cultural and historical situation that can be called the current' situation.' In the motu proprio, the Pope emphasized that "contextual theology must be prioritized" while discussing theology consistent with the synodal and missionary Church.

Father Bevans said: "Contextualization goes beyond the concept of inculturation and also includes the realities of modern secularity, technology, and the struggle for human social and ecological justice." He added, "As Pope Francis puts it, only by doing contextual theology can we' advance theology' in today's world."

"I think Korean theology is a treasure little known to the universal Church. There have been many writings and theological conferences held regularly. Still, they have not been translated into other languages, such as Western European or Asian. Hence, they are not easily accessible to other Christians."

Father Bevans, who visited Korea at the invitation of the Institute for Korean Christian Thought, gave various lectures for believers and held symposiums with Korean theologians during his visit. He hoped that the excellence of Korean theology he experienced would be widely known worldwide.

Father Bevans especially praised Monsignor Sim Sang-tae's theology (John the Baptist, Suwon Diocese ).  "I hope Monsignor Sim's collection of essays will be translated so that more Christians worldwide can access his profound thoughts and scholarship."

Father Bevans plans to continue interacting with Korean believers through his writings. "Contextual Theology" and "Mission of Prophetic Dialogue" have been introduced in Korea, and his new book, "Community of Missionary Discipleship," is about to be published in Korea.

"One of my great hopes is that my book will help the Korean church practice synodality. The synod is under suspicion in many countries, especially among the clergy. I hope my book, which emphasizes missionary ecclesiology, will help Korean believers and other Christians trust each other more deeply within and among churches."