theology in global perspective series Peter C. Phan, General Editor GLOBALIZATION, SPIRITUALITY, AND JUSTICE Navigating the Path to Peace revised edition DANIEL G. GROODY
theology in global perspective series Peter C. Phan, General Editor Ignacio Ellacuría Professor of Catholic Social Thought, Georgetown University The Theology in Global Perspectives series responds to the challenge to reexamine the foundational and doctrinal themes of Christianity in light of the new global reality. While traditional Catholic theology has assumed an essentially European or Western point of view, Theology in Global Perspective takes into account insights and experience of churches in Africa, Asia, Latin American, Oceania, as well as from Europe and North America. Noting the pervasiveness of changes brought about by science and technology, and growing concerns about the sustainability of Earth, it seeks to embody insights from studies in these areas as well. Other books published in the series Trinity: Nexus of the Mysteries of Christian Faith, Anne Hunt Orders and Ministry: Leadership in the World Church, Kenan B. Osborne, O.F.M. Eschatology and Hope, Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R. Spirituality and Mysticism: A Global View, James A. Wiseman Meeting Mystery: Liturgy, Worship, Sacraments, Nathan D. Mitchell Creation, Grace, and Redemption, Neil Ormerod Globalization, Spirituality, and Justice: Navigating the Path to Peace, Daniel G. Groody, C.S.C. Christianity and Science: Toward a Theology of Nature, John F. Haught Ecclesiology for a Global Church: A People Called and Sent, Richard R. Gaillardetz An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective, Steven B. Bevans The Christian Moral Life: Faithful Discipleship for a Global Society, Patricia Lamoureux and Paul J. Wadell Christianity and the Political Order: Conflict, Cooptation, and Cooperation, Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M.
Founded in 1970, Orbis Books endeavors to publish works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit, and challenge the conscience. The publishing arm of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of the Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. The books published reflect the views of their authors and do not represent the official position of the Maryknoll Society. To learn more about Maryknoll and Orbis Books, please visit our website at www.maryknoll.org. Copyright 2007, 2015 by Daniel G. Groody. Published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York, U.S.A. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Queries regarding rights and permissions should be addressed to: Orbis Books, P. O. Box 302, Maryknoll NY 10545-03028, U.S.A. Manufactured in the United States of America. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Groody, Daniel G., 1964- Globalization, spirituality, and justice : navigating the path to peace / Daniel G. Groody. p. cm. (Theology in global perspective series) Includes index. ISBN 978-1-57075-696-2 (pbk.) ISBN 978-1-62698-150-8 (rev. ed. pbk.) 1. Globalization Religious aspects Catholic Church. 2. Christianity and justice Catholic Church. 3. Catholic Church Doctrines. I. Title. BX1795.G66G76 2007 261.8 dc22 2006038214
Contents List of Figures and Tables Abbreviations and Sources Used in This Work Foreword to the First Edition by Peter C. Phan Preface xiii xv xvii xix 1. A Gift of God, A Human Responsibility The Global Community and the Challenge of Justice 1 A Gift of God: The Planet in Global Perspective 1 An Over-view: A Global Picture of the Earth 1 An Under-view: The Problem of Poverty 3 An Inner-view: The Terrain of the Human Heart 12 A Human Responsibility: The Marketplace in Global Perspective 13 The Globalization of Civilization: A New Era of Integration and Dis-integration 14 The Invisible Hand: The Free Market and the Struggle of Human Unfreedom 17 The Wayward Ship: The Path to Peace and the Challenge of Navigation 19 A Call to Conversion: Theology in Global Perspective 23 The Theological Problem: Money-theism 23 The Theological Center: The Paschal Mystery 26 The Theological Imperative: Justice 27 Christian Discipleship: Making Visible the Invisible Heart of God 29 Questions for Reflection 30 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 31 2. A Living Word, A Saving Narrative Biblical Perspectives on Justice 33 The Bible and the Social Location of the Poor 34 A Narrative Approach to Scripture and Human Liberation 35 The Narrative of the Empire 36 The Narrative of the Poor 39 The Narrative of Yahweh 42 vii
viii Contents The Narrative of Idolatry 45 The Narrative of the Gospel 49 Passover: The Integrating Narrative 56 Remembering the Biblical Story: Justice and the Passover Narrative 56 Transforming the Human Story: Conversion as a Narrative Pass-over 57 Questions for Reflection 59 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 59 3. An Ancient Message, A Contemporary Meaning Justice and the Early Church 61 Trinity and Society: An Integral Relationship 63 Establishing a Framework for One s Personal Narrative 65 Understanding God as Creator 66 Understanding Oneself as a Creature 68 Understanding Creation in a Proper Way 71 Challenging the Idolatry of Wealth 76 The Snare of Wealth 77 The Cost of Wealth 80 The Corrupting Influence of Wealth 82 Following the Way of Christ 84 True Possessions Are in Heaven 84 Simple Life Is Freeing 87 Voluntary Poverty Liberates 88 Wealth and Wisdom: A Golden Heart and Heavenly Riches 88 Questions for Reflection 91 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 91 4. A God of Life, A Civilization of Love Catholic Social Teaching 92 Catholic Social Teaching: An Ethical Foundation for Global Transformation 94 Understanding Charity and Justice 97 Three Dimensions of Social Justice 100 A God of Life: A Matrix for Understanding Catholic Social Teaching 102 A Analysis of Social Reality 103 G Gratuity of God 108 O Ordering Society toward the Common Good 109 D Dignity of the Human Person 111 O Option for the Poor 112 F Freedom as Rights and Responsibilities 113
Contents ix L Life as a Sacred Gift 114 I Involvement of All People in Creation of a New Social Order 116 F Family of Blood and Family of Humankind 117 E Environment and Ecological Stewardship 118 A Globalization of Solidarity 120 Building a Civilization of Love 121 Questions for Reflection 122 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 122 5. A Common Humanity, A Different Creed Justice and Non-Christian Religions 124 Globalization and a Global Ethic 126 Islam 127 Hinduism 131 Buddhism 135 The Bahá í Faith 139 African Indigenous Religions 144 World Religions and the Challenge of Peace 148 Questions for Reflection 150 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 151 6. Images of Mercy, Icons of Justice Five Contemporary Models 153 Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturbai Gandhi: Icons of Nonviolence 155 Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks: Icons of Human Rights 160 Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin: Icons of Contemplative Activism 167 Blessed Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity: Icons of Mercy 171 Oscar Romero and the Martyrs of El Salvador: Icons of Human Liberation 175 The Challenge of Holiness: Being Oneself 180 Questions for Reflection 180 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 180 7. A Social Crisis, A Liberating Theology Contemporary Reflection on Faith and Justice 183 A Theology of Liberation: Reflecting on God from the Perspective of the Poor 184
x Contents Three Levels of Liberation 186 The Social Level 186 The Personal Level 186 The Religious Level 187 The Origins of Liberation Theology 187 The Method of Liberation Theology 190 Reality: The Description of the Church in the World 191 Reflection: Biblical and Doctrinal Elaboration 192 Response: Pastoral Implications 193 The Preferential Option for the Poor 194 Preferential 195 Option 196 For the Poor 197 The Vatican and Liberation Theology 199 Liberation Theology in Global Perspective 202 Black Theology: The Challenge of Freedom 203 Hispanic Theology: The Challenge of Culture 204 Feminist Theology: The Challenge of Gender 205 Asian Theology: The Challenge of Religious Plurality 206 Liberation Theology and the Eucharist 207 Questions for Reflection 209 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 210 8. Worshiping in Spirit, Living in Truth Liturgy and Justice 212 Liturgy and Justice: Celebrating Right Relationships 213 Ritual and Sacramentality: Structuring Revelatory Celebrations 215 Inculturation and Hymnody: Glocalizing and Globalizing Worship 216 The Eucharist and Social Justice: Transforming the World through Christ 217 The Rite of the Eucharist: Making Rite Relationships 220 The Introductory Rite: Gathering the Believing Community and Ritualizing the Christian Journey 220 The Liturgy of the Word: Proclaiming the Scriptural Narratives and Forming a Just Community 222 The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Transforming Bread and Wine and Transforming the People of God 224 The Concluding Rite: Sending Forth the Community and Ritualizing Christian Mission 229 The Liturgy of the World: Finding God in All Things 230
Contents xi The Liturgies of Globalization 231 The Liturgy of Creation 232 The Liturgy of Final Consummation 234 Questions for Reflection 236 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 236 9. A Loving Heart, A Just Faith Spirituality and Transformation 239 Spirituality: Ascending the Mountain of God 240 Transfiguration: Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart 242 Discipleship: Descending into the Valley of Injustice 244 The Spiritual Disciplines: Strength for the Journey 247 Renewing Our Relationship with God 247 Fasting 247 Prayer 249 Renewing Our Relationship with Others 251 Community 251 Solidarity 254 Renewing Our Relationship with the Environment 255 Nature 255 Simplicity 258 Renewing Our Relationship with Ourselves 260 Recollection 260 Sabbath 262 A New Mind, A New Heart: Learning to Live and Love Like Christ 264 Questions for Reflection 266 Suggestions for Further Reading and Study 266 Afterword by Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC 269 Index 272