Religijność ludowa w ocenie Episkopatu Latynoamerykańskiego (Puebla '79)

Abstract

The Episcopal Conference of Latin America in Puebla in 1979 was devoted to evangelization. It took up, among other questions related to it, the problem of folk religiousness. The bishops on the basis of their pastoral practice and theological reflection put forward their doubts, perceiving negative aspects of this religiousness (ritualism, militarism, syncretism etc.); they also noticed many positive values in it (an openness to God's Word, ability to repent, a sense of God the Father's Providence etc.). The pastors set up tasks with which the Church will have to face as regards the existence of such a religiousness among the faithful and as regards the necessity of its constant cleansing, explaining and making use of its evangelizational potential. This difficult subject-matter has been worked out with care. In many cases the document contains some valuable practical conclusions which are up-to-date in today's world (e.g. the evangelization of unrest connected with the end of the age). It seems necessary to add the following postulates: 1) to join singular efforts in the work of the regeneration of folk religiousness (cooperation), 2) to efficiently support all working for this end, 3) to recognize more consequently the fruits of the faith of people who believe in Christ.