Religion - Lumen Gentium - Essay Example

oaf Religion- lumen Gentium Even though the developments in science and technology has succeeded in revolutionising human life, it failed to answer some of the critical questions about the purpose of human life on earth. Science has no clue at all about the life before birth and life after death. Only the religion or churches can help us with convincing answers when science fails. Science always makes judgements based on observable or measurable evidences. Unlike religion or churches, science will never accept any principles which are based on beliefs. Many of the traditional church beliefs were questioned by science. In order to counter the attacks from science, contemporary churches made certain changes in their beliefs. I would like to analyse the future of churches, strengths and weaknesses of churches now, the role of churches in developing peace, compassion, hospitality, justice, etc on the basis of first two chapters of lumen gentium solemnly promulgated by Pope PAUL VI on November 21, 1964 “The Church, in Christ, is in the nature of sacrament--a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all people” (DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM - PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964). We are living in an era of globalization at present. Globalization principles ask us to work for the progress of entire population in the world rather than the growth of a particular community or group of people. The first chapter of lumen gentium stressed the importance of unity of people much before the introduction of globalization. Church urged its believers to unite in the name of God. A common platform is required for people to work together for a common aim. All the people like to attain salvation and only the religion or churches talk about the ways of attaining salvation. Neither politics, nor philosophy succeeded in bringing people together under one umbrella. Under such circumstances, I strongly believe that churches may succeed in future in bringing people together in the Holy Communion with God. “All men are called to the union with Christ, who is the light of the world, from whom we go forth, through whom we live, and towards whom our whole life is directed” (DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM - PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964). Current churches have lot of strengths and weaknesses. In fact churches are the only entity which gives the believers some hope about another life after death. Science failed miserably in unveiling the mysteries surrounding our spirit or soul. Science educates us that souls or spirit is the driving force of our body. However, it failed to explain what will happen to the soul after death. Only the churches have the answer to that question which is the major strength of the current churches over science. On the other hand, there are different churches and different beliefs in this world even though all of them accept Jesus Christ as their savior. “The head of the body of church is Christ. He is the image of the invisible God and in him all things came into being. He is before all creatures and in him all things hold together” (DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM - PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964). When Jesus remains as the head of all the churches, it is illogical for churches to spread different beliefs in the name of Jesus. Jesus taught us the ways of attaining salvation; but the current churches are trying to misinterpret it in different ways. For example, Pentecost churches urge its believers to take one more baptism for attaining salvation whereas other catholic and protestant churches do not advice baptism other than child baptism for getting salvation. This discrepancy in teachings if often creates problems for the contemporary churches. In short, wrong interpretation of the Jesus’ teachings is the major drawbacks of current churches. Current churches have major roles in developing peace, compassion, hospitality, justice etc in this world. We are living in a world in which morality and ethics like subjects slowly disappearing. Relationships have no value at all in the contemporary society. There are many cases in which parents and children kill each other, parents exploit their children sexually etc. Justice has no value at all at present. It is easy for a criminal to kills somebody and escape from punishment with the help of smart advocates. Criminal justice system has many loop holes in conducting fair trail of criminals. At the same time, it is difficult for a believer to engage in unfair activities because of his beliefs in God or Jesus Christ. A believer always values the words of Jesus and he will be always afraid of the punishments from the God. In other words, religion can prevent people from doing unfair activities or sins. “All men are called to the catholic unity which prefigures and promotes universal peace. And in different ways to it belong, or are related: the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and finally all mankind, called by God's grace to salvation” (DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM - PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964). Current churches are more liberal in their approaches and beliefs. Current churches ask the people to unite in the name of God for attaining universal peace. Lack of belief in God is the major reason for the increasing incidents of war and crime in this word. Current churches ask the people to unite in the name of God rather than creating disputes. To conclude, I strongly believe that the current churches can do many things in order to ensure global peace even though, they have certain demerits. Belief in God is the only way of solving problems. Until, science succeeded in unveiling the mysteries about life and death, the relevance of churches will be intact. Works Cited 1. “DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM - PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964”. Web. 23 March 2011. Read More