Katechetinė situacija Lietuvoje : šiandieninės problemos ir perspektyvos

Abstract

Katalikų Bažnyčia Lietuvoje, kaip ir visame pasaulyje, ieško katechezės būdų, įgalinančių pasiekti šiuolaikinį žmogų įvairiose sudėtingose jo gyvenimo situacijose. Katechezės planų sudarymas pirmiausiai turi remtis esamos situacijos analize. Straipsnyje apžvelgiamos šiuo metu Lietuvoje vyraujančios katalikiškumo sampratos ir numatomos galimos katechetinio darbo gairės

This article presents a general review of the catechetical situation in Lithuania, and outlines the main needs for catechesis and evangelization. For this purpose four dominating notions of Catholic faith and life are distinguished. In the present analysis they are called ‘traditional’, ‘conventional’, ‘superstitious’, and ‘vital, explicit and effective’ faith. ‘Traditional’ Catholicism here signifies an understanding of the Catholic faith and life that is based primarily on upholding of tradition, but lacks personal and conscious commitment. Although this lack constitutes significant defects, in this situation values and choices are still predominantly Catholic. The main catechetical need here is that of kerygma. In the case of ‘conventional’ Catholicism, values and choices become dissociated from the Catholic faith. Although occasional elements of Catholic faith can still be found in a person’s life, they remain on a very superficial level only. In this situation, kerygma and basic catechesis have to be preceded by some activity generating interest in Christianity. In the case of ‘superstitious’ Catholicism elements of Catholic faith become mixed with fragments of non-Christian religions or magic practices. This syncretistic mix often proves to be a significant pastoral challenge. Besides kerygma and basic catechesis, in this situation some apologetics may be useful in exposing the non-Christian beliefs. The positive alternative to the above forms of Catholicism is the faith that is ‘vital, explicit and effective’. This faith is the goal of the adult catechesis and evangelization. They are aimed at the adult conversion and various forms of Catholic community life. Without proper attention to this work, the negative tendencies will continue to increase in Lithuania