Inculturation?

[mercygate]

In evangelizing non-European cultures, the Church has addressed the matter of using symbols and forms indigenous to the culture.

How much of this do you feel can be incorporated into the Catholic liturgy before it begins to distort the message?

Should inculturation be a two-way street with the Church accommodating local norms while simultaneously bringing non-Europeans to an understanding of the symbols and signs (bread, wine, water) that make us a “catholic” Church? Or should we go as far as we possibly can to speak the religious language of those whom we evangelize?

 

[stbruno]

As far as the liturgy…the celebrant can include things in his homily or the prayer of the faithful to reflect the culture of the people he is serving. Even Jesus did that…when he talked to fishermen he talked about fishing, to farmers he talked about sowing and reaping. But he stuck to the same premise all the time…The Eucharist the parts of the mass etc. all must be the same. Music can bring the faithful together as well. We do that at children’s masses as opposed to adult masses. There are many things we can do when evangelizing non-Europeans. With all things do it with prayer to the Holy Spirit to lead you.

 

[Walking_Home]

Came across the following.
Important to note----the recognitio from Rome is needed for any form of inculturation within the Mass.

vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20050707_instrlabor-xi-assembly_en.html

PART IV------The Eucharist and Inculturation

80…
Nevertheless, difficulties abound when attempts are made to put these principles into action. Two major risks are falling into archaism or seeking modernity at all costs. What is necessary in the process is never to forget the goal of the Church’s mission, namely, the evangelization of all peoples in their cultural settings. Inculturation, then, is not simply adaptation but a dynamic encounter between the culture of a certain place and the culture which comes from the Gospel. Consequently, before deciding to incorporate certain elements of a local culture into the liturgy, the Gospel should be proclaimed and a great effort made to instruct people in the faith, namely, catechesis and formation at all levels which will result in a new, evangelized culture. Therefore, episcopal conferences and other competent bodies should judge if introducing elements from the people’s customs into the liturgy, as a living part of their culture, can enrich the liturgical action without causing adverse effects to the faith and the piety of the faithful. (more,)