Doing Theology As Dialogue In Own Contex

Doing Theology As Dialogue  In Own Context

Introduction: It is known to us that theology deals with God and it is our common belief that God created this world and He is the creator of everything. Theology indicates the study, writing, research and speaking on the nature of God /gods, especially in relation to human experience. It has two aspects God’s being and God’s acting. It expresses the ultimate desire of God that one day all of us will live with him forever. The study of theology is done in religious institutions where the promotion of religious belief is part of the mission. Human has great relation with God, because Jesus is a human being and at the same time he is Son of God. Those who study about God they are the real believer of Christian faith. Study about God means to know little more about Jesus, to increase the faith in Jesus (concrete faith) to get the real values of God and to be defender of God. If the Theologian know about Jesus than they will know about his work, his mission, his healing power, his words, suffering and resurrection. Why a theologian is first and foremost committed believer due to

·        They study about God and goddess.

·        They know the reality.

·        They can see inside beauty of God.

·        They can recognize Jesus in Him.

·        Increased faith in Jesus.

·        Develop the ideas on Jesus.

 So we can say that a theologian is first and foremost a committed believer!

The sources of Catholic Theology: The Catholic theology mostly relies upon the sacred scripture, sacred tradition and teaching of the church. Without these three sources we can not study or know about God, because Jesus is the center of our life and these are also telling about life story of Jesus.

A) Sacred scripture: Catholics they have the Holy Bible or Sacred Scripture. What the scripture says we believe and respect always. If the catholic do not relies on this scripture then they can not be the catholic any more. The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

B) Sacred Tradition: Most of us think of theology in the context of modern religions traditions, but the concept dates back to ancient Greece. It is a long established tradition in the church that the faithful desiring in a religious and ecclesial spirit to participate more intimately in the church celebrations. Catholic tradition is a very old and important tradition in the religions.

C) Teaching of the Church: Teaching of the church means what the Catholic Church teaches to the people with the Holy Spirit and the life of Jesus. Christ, the son of the living God came into the world so that he can save his people from their sins and all men can be holy.  Jesus was sent by the Father. The Roman pontiff is the successor of Peter, to whom Christ entrusted his sheep and lambs.

The purpose of doing theology: The purpose of theology is to know the living God who He is and to know the living God what he does. One who studies theology, it is intended or expected to have good and solid foundation on God. We know that God is love, but He does not love himself only. Because one can not love his own self. That is why; there is a Trinitarian aspect, God, Son and The Holy Spirit. The main purpose of theology is to give and stimulate the students to have better understanding on God.

Doing theology as Dialogue: The statistics reveals that Bangladesh is one of the four great Muslim nations, with Indonesia, Pakistan and India. Though the majority is Muslims but Christians are also playing significant and meaningful role in the country. In Bangladesh the church plays a genuine, authentic and splendid role in the field of education, work of charity, such as hearth service. Here though it is tough and challenging but there are enough rooms to grow and develop the church. Though the Christian institutions, organizations, Christian love and values are proclaimed in word, sign and deed.

It can be said that the word “Dialogue” has changed the spirit of mission today. It is one of the ways in which Christ can be introduced into the world. Pope John 11 said [1]“It is my hope and my desire that commitment to dialogue….. Should be strengthened throughout the church, including the countries where there is a Christian majority”.   

Mission as Dialogue: In the context of Bangladesh, Dialogue is fundamental, demanding and meaningful means and way to communicate with none Christians. It expresses an important reality. Vatican council 11 states that the church needs to have dialogue with other religions. It indicates communication with other religion to a common goal, an attitude of respect and friendship, the positive and constructive inter-religious relation with individuals and communities of other religions and grows in mutual understanding.  For the church, dialogue is a meaning of honoring God’s way of dealing with human beings. It is a requirement for the service of human beings and society. All religious are called to contribute to this service. At the present time this has become all the more necessary because of existing imbalance and tensions in society. The religious can contribute to the solution of these tensions only adopting an attitude of dialogue among them. The dialogue shares joys, sorrows, human problems and concerns. The dialogue collaborates for the integral development and liberation of people. The dialogue seeks to deepen our understanding of respect religious heritages and to appreciate each other’s spiritual values. It shares spiritual richness, searching for God and for the absolute. The church of Bangladesh is playing vital role with regard to dialogue. At present it has become very fruitful mission to have dialogue with other religion. Through it we come to know another person religion, building mutual understanding, sharing and fraternal collaboration. Though there are differences among the religious practices of Muslims, Hindus and Christians but cultural attitude, hope, and desires are more less same. For example, all the people possess a profound inclination and attraction for singing and dancing. They are accustomed even to study awake all night enjoying the music and talking part in it like Garo and Shantals in the northern part of the country. We also see that religious celebrate many feasts and festivals together such devotion to holy men and women, occasional procession, prayer meetings in private homes, fasting, sacrifices, Bible–readings, public-prayer meeting etc. Through the dialogue, the Christians and non-Christians are experiencing God’s presence in the society of men. Christian’s schools, colleges, health-centers and NGO are playing vital role in the daily life of dialogue.

The second Vatican council and the post Vatican church documents have open a new door for us. These emphasize many things such as dialogue, inculturation, proclamation, concern for the other religions etc. we know that the purpose of Jesus was to build the kingdom of God and establish a relationship of peace and communion. Now it is our duty and responsively to rise up. We through various means and ways can establish the kingdom of God. If we utilize all these methods, Our Christian community will become a sign of God’s presence with other religions in the world. The Christian church can become model for others religions. Through our activities we can evangelize and bear witness of Christ to non-Christian communities. If our grassroots is strong, there will be massive development. We can not create or build the kingdom of God. It is the tax of God. We are coworkers.

Dialog can play a positive regard and openness to the people of other religions. When we talk on dialogue, we need to understand Dialogue in the context of culture and religious pluralism. A dialogue with another person leads us to learn about his or her present religious beliefs and convictions. In this process both the partners get enriched. It can be new revelation, a new invitation to relationship. Through this God brings salvation to all people.

Here the both religions are enriched. When Dialogue is done, an individual comes face to face with a system of belief, rituals and community organization. It helps not only deepen and strengthen our faith but also pave the way for inter-religious cooperation of social change.

Dialogue on materialism and capitalism: In the world the most of the things are changeable. There are very few things that do not change. In the course of time, the world has change a lot. Specially the new thinking, technology has changed the society and life style a lot. If we mention particularly that the materialism and capitalism have enter the society. These have changed the society totally. Due to these, now people have become self-centered, competitive and aimless in their duties and responsibilities. To eradicate materialism and capitalism from society, Dialogue can bring changes the structure of the society. There can be more cooperation, concern for the others, distribution of goods in proper way specially the sharing the wealth with the poor. Through the dialogue they may become aware of others and can play a vital role to establish peace, justice, equality and harmony in the society.

Dialogue as proclamation: The emphasis should be given on proclamation. All the forms of missionary activities are directed to proclamation. Because it expresses and gives access to the mystery hidden for ages and made known by Christ who is the centre of our mission. This proclamation also can be done with inter-religious dialogue. When we proclaim the word of God. It has a purpose that is conversion and all may know, love and accept Him as saver. There are few means and ways though which the church of Bangladesh proclaims her mission. The church of Bangladesh is blessed with so many commission and association to proclaim the Good News of God. They are national catechetical, Christian family welfare, peace and justice, Ecumenism Liturgical. Socials communication team, centers schools, colleges, Bcc, SVP, protibeshi, youth programs, Biblical courses, Mary knoll fathers, witnessing Christ and pagans, the YCS, youth shebadol, Charismatic etc. it is not done only among Christian of rich people but rather it is done among all class of people.

Knowing other religions and having good understanding: The dialogue can play a significant and meaningful impact on non-Christians.  It is said that in the world every religion is good. It is human being who interpret it wrong way. The dialogue can take good initiatives to implement relationship with others.

Sharing the Faith of Christian with other religion:  In Bangladesh there are mainly three major religions. Every religion has unique philosophy or theology and ultimate goal. All the religions believe in one Creator. But the concept of God or Creator is different. Because in Islam there is Allah who has uniqueness. In Christianity There is God who has Son and The Holy Spirit. They are called in one word “Trinity”. Like this every religion differs in values and understanding of God. When we come back to the context of Bangladesh we see huge numbers of people do not have concept on other religions. It is thought that my religion is best which wrong idea is. Because in every religion there is goodness. Nobody can deny it. So it is very essential demand to have sharing of faith of Christian with other religions. That time there will be better understanding among religions.     

Problems in doing Dialogue: we have seen and experienced that Bangladesh is engulfed with poverty, illiteracy, corruption, political conflicts, terrorism, natural calamities, religious fundamentalism etc. Generally there are four main religions in Bangladesh. The majority of the population is Muslim. In this situation, the context of Dialogue can be complicated and challenging. Few common problems are mentioned below-

Fanaticism and fundamentalism: The fanaticism creates a lot of troubles. They do not give chances and do not listen to the minorities to come out with their talents and ideas. Fundamentalism attacks women, religious minorities, journalist, writers, Newspaper and development workers. The influence of fundamentalism has spread widely and rapidly to every corner of life and society. It seems that the government is incapable to eradicate it from the society. We also see that  many people are practicing Fanaticism and fundamentalism specially  the party named “Jamaat-i-islam”. So some crucial challenges are coming in the teams of dialogue, evangelizations, culture, proclamation etc. 

Globalization: It has become the today’s common discussion. Through the process of Globalization the people of Bangladesh are influenced a lot. It has massive impact on economics, social, culture, political etc. Especially globalization has introduced the materialistic things.  The people have become business minded; do not think for another person’s need.  

Restrictions from the Government: Government puts a lot of restrictions regarding the evangelization as well the practicing religious activities. Usually we see that it is forbidden that to preach the Good news to the non-Christians. If proclamation is done to non-Christians, there is danger to have conflicts with others. It is very much clear that there are a lot of restrictions to have fruitful dialogue.     

The oppression on Minority: Here minority are not respected, given proper dignity. Especially tribals and the Hindus are the victims. The marginal groups are facing lot of problems in keeping their cultures, identity etc. so dialogue can play a significant role to decrees the oppression.

Dialogue on Basic needs:   It is known to all of us that there are basic or fundamental six needs without which human beings can not grow properly. These help us to bloom in all aspect of life. These basic needs are education, food, clothing, treatment, secure house and…... At first we need to fulfill the basic needs. Then there will be fruitful mission. Today it is very relevant when eighty percent of people are suffering due to unemployment, corruption, violence, wars, strikes, globalization, natural calamities etc. Through the dialogue, there can be light to be sure for basic needs for the needy and marginalized people

Mass media:  In today’s world the Mass media the satellite, cables, TV, papers and other media are playing significant roles in these days. The means of social communication have become so important for us. The people are becoming individuals or self centered; do not like to have dialogue. If someone goes to preach The Good News, It seems that many are not willing to listen. So for having dialogue it has become new challenge.    

Lack of the spirit of Inter-Religious Dialogue: Though the emphasis is given to have dialogue with non-Christians but the progress is very slow. There is no well formed team but there is a hope that gradually it is going to bloom. 

Conclusion: Today the world is very challenging and comparative. To witness Jesus Christ dialogue can play a significant role. At present Pope Benedictine the 16^th emphasized on dialogue to have with non-Christians. The context of Bangladesh can become model for other non-Christian church. Our primitive church experienced many trials and persecutions from outside. In these circumstances, we need to help each other. There is a need of communion among Christian community. The Various challenges are coming. It is good to reflect the significance of activities of small Christian communities within the local church. The nature of the church is to become develop and emerge in progress. Christian’s schools, colleges, health care canters and NGO are playing vital role in the daily life of dialogue. 

Bibliography

1.      From the paper, The mission of the catholic Church in Bangladesh, Archdiocese clergy meeting, 1994.

2.      ROZARIO, APOLLOLEONARD, Mission of the church in Bangladesh according to the Pastoral plan, (A research-paper for Bachelor degree in Theology, New published, Dhaka, Banani, 1998.

3.      Fr. GARELLO, SILVANO, Pastoral priority for the Church of Bangladesh, Prodipon, vl.xxx11, no. 1 and 2, National Major Seminary, Dhaka, 2009.

4.      Fr. TUDU, SEBASTIAN, The role of small Christian communities in Bangladeshi church and society, prodipon, vl. Xxx11, no. 3, National Major Seminary, Dhaka, 2009.

5.      COSTA, RANJIT, The vision and Mission of the Church in Banladesh, (A Research-paper for Bachelor Degree in Theology) Dhaka, Banani, 2000.

6.      COSTA, SOROJ LEONARD, The main problems the church has to face to evangelize the culture of Bangladesh, ( A Research-Paper for Bachelor Degree in Theology) Dhaka, Banani, 2007.

7.      MATTAM, JOSEPH AND KIM SEBASTIAN, Dimensions of mission in India, pub. St.Paul, Bandra, 1995.

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[1] .Vatican Secretariat Bulletin, Nos.41 and 42,I’Osservatore Rpmano 24 April,1979.