Envangelism Flashcards
What is envangelism?
-The spreading of the “good news” which we translate as the Gospels of Jesus with others by Christians
What does the Bible say about envangelism?
-“Go and make disciples of all nations” this suggests it is the duty of Christians to spread the word of God in order to bring more people closer to God just as the disciples were given the mission to tell everyone about Jesus
What is the “Envangelii Gadium”?
- A letter written by Pope Francis (This is an example of Ordinary Magisterium )
meaning “The Joy of the Gospel” - He wrote it to encourage Catholics to become involved in evangelisation.
-He wants the Church to move from being in a ‘comfort zone’ to engaging with the world the way Jesus did - by showing love for all people.
What did Pope Francis say in Enagelii Gaudium about envangelism?
-“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets”
-these suggest prioritising an outreach to those not in the Church, meeting them where they are and sharing the message in love rather than waiting for them to come to the Church
How would Catholic belief about envangelism impact their lives?
•they’d be inspired by the letter of the Evangelli Gaudium and take the good news to everyone following the example of Jesus by loving “thy neighbour” by giving them the opportunity to be saved by the power of Jesus
•they would continue to spread the word of God just as Jesus told his disciples too. They can use modern communication to do this such as instagram to do this
How is envangelism done locally?
The local parish church celebrates Mass and holds lots of social events.
- They can also run food banks for those in need, giving an example to the local community.
How is envangelism done nationally?
-There may be national Catholic publications used by the Church to help spread the word of God such as The Catholic Times.
How is envangelism done globally?
-The Pope is a global figure and has millions of followers on Twitter.
-The Church lives out the Gospel in the work of international charities like CAFOD.
How is envangelism about more than just spreading the Gospel/Benefits?
-envangelism often involves acts of service and outreach to those in need (CAFOD for example) showcasing “Love Thy Neigbour”
-in a multi faith society it can help foster a sense of community and break down prejudice preventing war outbreaks which helps maintain one of the beattitudes “blessed our the peacemakers”
Why may humanists challenge envangelism?
-there are increasing number people without faith e.g. there has been a 13.1% decrease in the amount of people who identify as Christian in the Uk from 2011 to 2021 therefore people feel as if they cab happily exist without one
-a popular humanist slogan is “my body my choice” emphasing personal autonomy therefore may view envangelism as attempting to force or manipulate people into adopting specific beliefs undermining their autonomy and their right to express their own beliefs in a multi-faith society
why may the humanist view on envangelism be weak?
-using the quote “my body, my choice” to advocate against envangelism may be contradicting as envangelis is simply people exsercing their right to express themselves just as others have the right to chose their beliefs
-The human right to religious freedom means that people are allowed to express their faith. This right is protected by law.
