Theology of caritas and Social Doctrine of the Church

Transcription

1 Theology of caritas and Social Doctrine of the Church Rainer Gehrig International Institute of Charity and Volunteerism John Paul II Encounter Identity and mission of Caritas in the light of the Deus Caritas Est November Kinshasa (Congo) Tuesday, 20th November Rainer Gehrig - Phone: (+34)

2 C est l amour C est l amour C est l amour L AMOUR de Dieu 2

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5 International Institute of Charity and Volunteerism John Paul II Since 2005 at Catholic University San Antonio Murcia UCAM (Spain) Research Volunteerism / Identity of Catholic Charity Organizations / Social Development Network caritas sciences: Freiburg-GER, Olomouc- Cz Formation: support to Catholic Charity Organizations since 2005 Master on Social Development (Spain, Peru, Cuba, Paraguay ) Diaconic Counselling Volunteering University Volunteers / Annual Congress and Exhibition / Camps of international cooperation (Peru) 5

6 Items 1. Some initial questions about caritas 2. Frequent misunderstandings 3. Common points of CT/CS and SDC 4. Understanding of SDC and CT/CS 5. Main differences! 6. Why CT/CS in Theology? 7. Conclusions 6

7 1. caritas Cinderella? 7

8 What caritas reveals a) God s love transmitted to humankind through Christ in the Holy Spirit b) Christian compassionate action in the spiritual and material works of mercy towards poor and people in need c) the charities of the catholic church with multiple forms, systems, themes and variations 8

9 Core elements charitable activity is essentially a personal relationship + expression of a personal Christian faith inspired by the Holy Spirit rooted in the community of faith and in its identity (Gal 6,10; Ap 2,44s., Phil 2,1-5, Jn 13,35). unity of martyria-leitourgia-diakonia, essential for the understanding of God, faith and the church along with its mission-action. 9

10 2. Frequent misunderstandings caritas action is old fashioned material assistance SDC is only theory caritas is practice SDC is a well established discipline with a clear profile and a strong pontifical refutation CT/CS has no clear profile. 10

11 3. Common Points of CT/CS and SDC 11

12 one common theological anthropology working on the same social realities same mission common structural elements authentic manifestations of the church s life. like two sisters, or the two sides of the coin. two natures of Christ Their main concepts caritas and justice are inseparable 12

13 4. Understanding of SDC the accurate formulation of the results of a careful reflection on the complex realities of human existence in the light of faith and of the Church's tradition to interpret these realities to guide Christian behaviour JP II 1987, SRS nº41 13

14 Understanding of CT/CS theological discipline with a proper status practical sciences, the sciences of action. field of study is the charitable practice of the church. in dialogue with other social sciences. Research: empirical and theoretical analyses of the relevant faith contents and traditions for the individual and communitarian charitable practice and its organizational forms. 14

15 Heinrich Pompey 2001 What is the meaning of faith for suffering and searching people? What is the meaning of faith for helping people (full-time job or honorary activity)? How can the organized special charity (quality management, staff development etc) be evaluated? What kind of relationship exists among the three services martyria, leitourgia and diakonia of the church? How can the plausibility of charitable engagement in the society be demonstrated? 15

16 5. Main differences SDC- CT/CS 16

17 Main differences Deeper understanding of interpersonal helpingrelations (micro), organized forms of charity (meso), impact and relevance of faith, Differences in the fields of work Differences in the theory Differences in relation to secondary disciplines Different ways of the same mission 17

18 6. Why CT/CS at our faculties? caritas : privileged theological place Church of Christ as a Church of caritas caritas : prism to our faith and church Church needs the testimony of caritas For this task we need formation, research and communicative channels. For this task we nned guidance and support Benefits for the academic field 18

19 IF If God is love, caritas is the most important social commandment, at the heart of the Church Social Doctrine (CiV nº2), true mercy is the most profound source of justice..., only love (including that kindly love that we call mercy ) is capable of restoring man to Himself is the most perfect incarnation of equality between people, and therefore also the most perfect incarnation of justice as well Church is caritas caritas christi urget nos 19

20 THEN SDC cannot stand alone in our faculties Why there are only a few CT/CS proposals? Clear need: theological practical guidance, formation and support for our charities 20