Catholic renewal is a movement that started in the Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century. In its initial days, the movement was widely criticized and even today there are people who believe that the movement brought more harm than good. But on the other hand, some agree with the ideas of the movement and believe that it brought about a positive change.
These reforms highlighted many areas in which the church was lacking and people felt that with time the church should also progress. One of the areas which were highlighted was translation of the Bible. Originally the Bible was in Latin. Those who do not know Latin found it difficult to understand the texts and portions.
The problem was ensuring that those who read the texts and have firm faith, but who are not familiar with the Latin language would face problems in understanding. Even though one may be taught the meaning of a particular portion and be told repeatedly what is entails, there is a difference in the level of understanding if someone reads it in their own native tongue.
Along with faith, it is also important to have the spirit to study more about our religion. This helps us reaffirm our belief and learn about the philosophies laid down by our elders. One needs to develop a seeking spirit because that is what will help them discover the correct path.
The other reform was brought about in the manner in which people are asked to participate in religious ceremonies, which is commonly called as liturgy. It was said that those who have faith should not participate only because they are asked to. The participation should be done in consciousness and after knowing the reason behind every ceremony.
Nobody could ask or think about the significance of these services. People just went about with the services out of fear or a sense of duty. The purpose of the reform was to make people aware of this, and to encourage them to learn about such things first, and participate in them only when they are conscious and alert, and know what they are doing.
Such things happen in all the religions, in all the parts of the world. Very few people today actually endeavor to learn about the history, mythology or significance of their religions. There is a lot of blind faith. The actions of the people are more out of fear that God might punish them, than out of a genuine feeling of wanting to contribute.
There is a purpose behind every service that a person is asked to perform, and one should be aware of them. When one is asked to do something in their offices, they question the purpose and the importance of that action, and they should have the same curiosity about faith too. This is the only way one will be able to deepen our faith further.
The people who say that faith should be based on study are absolutely right, and the essence of the catholic renewal supported this notion. Faith and religion should bring people closer to God, not make them fear Him. In such a scenario, man would never be able to find peace.
These reforms highlighted many areas in which the church was lacking and people felt that with time the church should also progress. One of the areas which were highlighted was translation of the Bible. Originally the Bible was in Latin. Those who do not know Latin found it difficult to understand the texts and portions.
The problem was ensuring that those who read the texts and have firm faith, but who are not familiar with the Latin language would face problems in understanding. Even though one may be taught the meaning of a particular portion and be told repeatedly what is entails, there is a difference in the level of understanding if someone reads it in their own native tongue.
Along with faith, it is also important to have the spirit to study more about our religion. This helps us reaffirm our belief and learn about the philosophies laid down by our elders. One needs to develop a seeking spirit because that is what will help them discover the correct path.
The other reform was brought about in the manner in which people are asked to participate in religious ceremonies, which is commonly called as liturgy. It was said that those who have faith should not participate only because they are asked to. The participation should be done in consciousness and after knowing the reason behind every ceremony.
Nobody could ask or think about the significance of these services. People just went about with the services out of fear or a sense of duty. The purpose of the reform was to make people aware of this, and to encourage them to learn about such things first, and participate in them only when they are conscious and alert, and know what they are doing.
Such things happen in all the religions, in all the parts of the world. Very few people today actually endeavor to learn about the history, mythology or significance of their religions. There is a lot of blind faith. The actions of the people are more out of fear that God might punish them, than out of a genuine feeling of wanting to contribute.
There is a purpose behind every service that a person is asked to perform, and one should be aware of them. When one is asked to do something in their offices, they question the purpose and the importance of that action, and they should have the same curiosity about faith too. This is the only way one will be able to deepen our faith further.
The people who say that faith should be based on study are absolutely right, and the essence of the catholic renewal supported this notion. Faith and religion should bring people closer to God, not make them fear Him. In such a scenario, man would never be able to find peace.
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