German political theorist Hannah Arendt used the term "the banality of evil". This term means that evil does not arise from particularly evil motives or wickedness but from everyday thoughtlessness and avoidance of responsibility. Of course, this cannot be generalized, but crimes and evil deeds due to lack of thought are common.
When religion becomes distant from Reason, it becomes a dangerous entity that causes significant harm to society. When such religion colludes with politics, it risks becoming a tool of agitation and a puppet of politics.
We are witnessing this worldwide, especially in today's Korean society. Catholics are often criticized as being "unintellectual". They go to church diligently, but when asked about the Bible or doctrine, they usually say they do not know much. They generally think that what happens at home or in society is separate from faith. "Faith and life are separate" is the problem. Such non-intellectual faith will easily descend into false piety or pseudo-religion.
Some believers protest why the church is involved in politics and social issues. Some believers have declared that they will no longer attend church after giving up their decades-long religious life because of bishops and priests who support the impeachment of the president.
Korean society is currently in a very chaotic situation. In times like these, we need to calm our minds and reason about what is happening in society, especially from the perspective of the church and faith.
The church has always emphasized the importance of Reason in faith. Pope John Paul II said Faith and Reason are "like two wings that fly to contemplate the truth" (Encyclical Faith and Reason). Reason without faith cannot reach the highest level of thought, and faith without Reason runs the risk of falling into blindness or myth. When faith and Reason help each other and develop, they greatly benefit humanity.
Of course, it is not easy for individual believers to think and judge all the world's problems from a religious perspective. That is why it is necessary to listen to the church's official position and make it their own. The church, with the help of experts in each field, theologically reflects on various problems of the present age that the world and the church are concerned about and expresses an official position on them. Of course, the church cannot force uniform thinking on believers. Still, by pointing out various errors in the world and suggesting a direction toward truth according to the teachings of the church, it encourages Christian believers to expand their thinking in the truth freely, engage in dialogue with the world, and participate in building a more humane, just, and peaceful world.
The Episcopal Conference clearly stated the church's official position regarding recent political issues related to the declaration and lifting of martial law and the president's impeachment. Of course, this is not doctrine, but since it is based on Catholic teaching and the scriptures, believers must understand the spirit of the church contained in it and strive to avoid any errors that may arise.
Human Reason is weak and easily entangled in vested interests. The Bishops' teaching helps us make prudential judgments to help our dulled Reason. In this time of political turmoil, we must find a way to realize the kingdom of God on this land through faith, free from personal interests and ideologies, and pray that the truth is realized, that lies and violence disappear, and that justice and peace come.
No comments:
Post a Comment