Religion, stonedWho is in charge of the Church and how is it organized internally?"The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Pain and the meaning of lifeIn the next few days, La Esfera de los Libros will publish my essay entitled The meaning of Christianity In it I explore, from a critical perspective, the relationship between Christianity and contemporary culture. Can Christianity offer a significant contribution to the construction of a more just and caring society? How should Christianity face the challenges posed by secularism, materialism and nihilism?
My response is optimistic, both for those who profess the Christian faith and for those who do not. Christianity still has vitality; it is by no means, as some argue, a lost cause. Being a Christian in today's consumerist society has intrinsic value and is beneficial to all, believers and non-believers alike. If the human being of the 21st century wishes to be vindicated, he or she must seriously consider Christianity. To do so, it is essential to return to contemplation, mysticism, aesthetics and liturgy.
To continue to illuminate our environment, Christianity needs to undergo an intense process of spiritual renewal, to return to its roots, to contemplate without rest the crucified and risen Christ. Paradoxically, in order to renew itself, Christianity must secularize and declericalize, and look to the first Christians, those who lived before the alliance between religion and politics, altar and throne, was established in the fourth century.
I argue that a society that undergoes a process of secularization without the guidance of Christianity runs the risk of falling into an impasse, plunging into extreme individualism, purposelessness and a deep existential sadness. In short, decadence. Therefore, my position is clear: let us secularize Christianity and open the process of secularization to transcendence. Let us collaborate between believers and non-believers, foster dialogue and eliminate the ideological prejudices and harmful polarization that has arisen in the wake of the woke culture.
Healthy secularization does not exclude God
A healthy secularization that opens the doors to transcendence does not exclude God. In this essay, I confront the theses of modern atheism with the mystical experiences of so many people over the centuries. I argue that Christian faith is not based solely on rational evidence, but on personal experience and divine revelation. I also insist on the importance of faith as a fundamental element for understanding the full meaning of human existence and for building a more just and compassionate society.
I conclude this essay with a fervent call for the construction of a culture of love, grounded in the essential values of Christianity. This culture must be inclusive, welcoming of diversity, promote sincere dialogue and be wide open to spirituality. In my view, Christianity is not a threat to modern society, as has been said; rather, it is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for forging a more humane, just and caring world.
The meaning of Christianity
Our society has the capacity to advance more rapidly and find a more effective balance if it transforms itself into a space that is simultaneously more secular and more transcendent. It must learn to be more technical and at the same time more human, more active and also more contemplative. In short, it must aspire to be a place of greater happiness and well-being.
Can a vibrant Christianity illuminate the secular age? Definitely. Not, however, a tired Christianity that victimizes, nor a fearful one that hides or lacks clarity and purpose. What our society really requires is a revitalized, energized, bold and transformative Christianity that deserves the enthusiastic and eternal recognition of Jesus Christ.
