Extract
[...] We will develop this point later. III. Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Strategies of Evangelization We will deliberately omit the Crusades in this chapter, considering them for us, a counterexample of what Christ asked us through forced conversion. Christ, having been himself the example to follow: 'You know how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were under the devil's power, for God was with him.' (Acts 10:38) Most of these places were cities, such as Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Bethany, or even Jerusalem. [...]
[...] What is the place of the Church in these changes? Does it have a role to play in these? One thing is certain: it is called to reflect on the spiritual tensions that may result from this change and to rethink its missionary commitment. Indeed, the paradigm having changed, there is no need today to go to the other end of the world to reap. The city itself has become a strategic space for reaping, bringing together people from all nations and all social contexts. [...]
[...] It therefore requires contextualized theology and an understanding of social dynamics. The urban mission constitutes a real opportunity for the Church but can also be a disaster if it is not set up in the right way. The current conditions show us that the latter cannot rely solely on human strength, it must be based on the promise of the Holy Spirit who works in us, otherwise it is impossible to do anything. « The church was at peace in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord, and it was increasing by the help of the Holy Spirit. [...]
[...] Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001. 4 : Bakke, Ray. The Urban Christian: Effective Ministry in Today's Urban World. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1987. [...]
[...] According to the United Nations in 2021, there were 49 megacities, that is cities in the world with more than 10 million inhabitants This number refers to the 'world cities' of developed countries, namely London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo, but also the growing cities of emerging countries, such as Jakarta, Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, São Paulo, or Mexico. We are therefore talking about billions of people spread across several terrestrial cities. This represents an immense challenge for the Church but also an unprecedented opportunity for the Church. Harvie Conn highlights that global urbanization creates a strategic context for the Church. The population density in urban areas is completely unprecedented and without precedent. The demographic, social, and sociological stakes are, therefore, very important. [...]
