During the early 20th century, a movement, which is now known as the catholic renewal, started in the Roman Catholic Church. The movement gained momentum and soon it was being followed by all the churches. This was over a century ago, but even today one finds people wondering about that time-and they still is debate whether it was to the benefit of the people or not.
One of the changes that were brought about by these reforms was the translation of the Bible and some texts. Since the initial days, the Bible has been written in Latin language and it was in this language that the followers had to read it. But even with sermons and explanations by ministers during Mass, it becomes difficult for people to understand the real meaning, if Latin is not their native language.
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.
This practice is common not just in Christianity but in almost all the religions across the world. The scriptures are all in languages that were used in earlier days and with which people are no longer familiar. Yet, very few people make efforts to try to understand the depth of its teachings.
Services should also be performed only when they are consciously aware of what and why they are doing something, and not because someone has asked them to do something. One should be curious about faith and not afraid of it. They must have the inclination to learn and not just the feeling that a higher power needs to be pleased.
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.
One of the changes that were brought about by these reforms was the translation of the Bible and some texts. Since the initial days, the Bible has been written in Latin language and it was in this language that the followers had to read it. But even with sermons and explanations by ministers during Mass, it becomes difficult for people to understand the real meaning, if Latin is not their native language.
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.
This practice is common not just in Christianity but in almost all the religions across the world. The scriptures are all in languages that were used in earlier days and with which people are no longer familiar. Yet, very few people make efforts to try to understand the depth of its teachings.
Services should also be performed only when they are consciously aware of what and why they are doing something, and not because someone has asked them to do something. One should be curious about faith and not afraid of it. They must have the inclination to learn and not just the feeling that a higher power needs to be pleased.
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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