Proclamation of the saving mission of Jesus Christ as essential to the new evangelization : insights from Fides et Ratio and Veritatis Splendor

Abstract

This thesis explores the essential role of proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ in Blessed Pope John Paul II’s New Evangelization. The process of evangelization is defined in terms of proclamation, followed by the acceptance of faith and conversion of the one being evangelized. Following the innovation of the Second Vatican Council, John Paul II reiterates that it is the responsibility of all Catholics to participate in evangelization. Another of the key themes of the Council, inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue is compared and contrasted with evangelization in general, and proclamation in particular, to further clarify the appropriate roles of each. Two landmark Encyclicals written by John Paul II, Fides et Ratio and Veritatis Splendor are reviewed for their insights. Both Encyclicals are seen as correctives of societal trends like rationalism and relativism that will undermine efforts to implement the New Evangelization if they are not addressed.