Building culture, is it so important? (BJRE034)

Building culture - is it so important? 

Surely, it is at the heart of the Jesus Youth mission

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2020)

There was some dispute as we were preparing for the big 1985 conference. Some looked forward to a gathering emphasizing prayer and preaching in the familiar mode, where drama, dance, and similar expressions had no place. Others wanted a colorful celebration of young people who had experienced freedom in Christ. Finally, Jesus Youth 85 was not a “regular retreat” but a more exuberant youthful gathering, with enough space to showcase youth culture, their interests, and their talents.

One of the quotes that kept coming up during those discussions was from St. Irenaeus: “Man fully alive is the glory of God.” Our mission to lead youth to a “life in its fullness” (Jn 10:10) is closely tied to their self-discovery and to using their talents in service of others. Out of this vision came the dream of Jesus Youth as a place of abundant encouragement. This became the foundation for the various Jesus Youth ministries.

Call to Abundant Life

Jesus invites us to a life in its fullness. Its foundation is surely the freedom that Christ gives. But is this fullness limited to my inner peace and joy? Shouldn’t it bear fruit in a vibrant day-to-day life — at home, at work, and in society at large? Perhaps it is here that a Christian’s awareness of and involvement with culture becomes crucial. This was a major theme of the Second Vatican Council: “Man comes to a true and full humanity only through culture, that is, through the cultivation of the goods and values of nature” (Gaudium et Spes, 53).

I remember a conversation with a priest, the head of a Catholic institution: “Every year, I arrange the best possible retreat for my students and professors. Once, I even took the entire college to a retreat center, covering all expenses. But now I am a bit disheartened. I wonder if it is doing any good.” I felt sad for this enthusiastic priest, though I didn’t have the courage then to share what I had learned through my Jesus Youth journey — that we must move from personal evangelization to a cultural mission.

Leading people to a Christ-encounter is indeed the first step. But the final goal of evangelization is that every aspect of a person comes alive in Christ. Otherwise, as Jesus warned, some lives may resemble the house where seven evil spirits return (Mt 12:45). The Jesus Youth approach ensures that after a Christ-encounter, a person enters a community that shares life in Christ, nurtures talents and interests, and inspires missionary zeal. This “missionary approach with a cultural orientation” focuses on life situations, relationships, and creativity. Pope Francis warns against a narrow view of faith:

There is a kind of Christianity made up of devotions reflecting an individual and sentimental faith life… Some people promote these expressions while not being in the least concerned with society’s advancement or the laity’s formation. In certain cases, they do so to obtain economic benefits or some power over others. (The Joy of the Gospel, 70)

What we need today is a spirituality that engages lifestyle and culture — and builds them on Christ.

Evangelizing Cultures

“Culture” is a rich word. It suggests images of society, customs, and shared ways of life. But where do we see this cultural orientation in Jesus Youth?

Think of this list: a class visiting an old-age home and having a memorable evening there; a film festival with four screenings followed by discussions; a creative exhibition with many stalls; a two-week drama workshop for teenagers; a seminar on values in movies; a discussion on ecological issues; a music band; a cricket match after prayer; a cooking session to try out new dishes; or an Onam celebration with songs, lights, and traditional meals. These are just some examples of the countless cultural interventions of Jesus Youth groups — but always with a difference, because they are rooted in Christ.

I began this reflection by mentioning a conflict of views early in the movement. This raises an important question: why are even good Christians sometimes wary of a spirituality that engages with culture and society? Why do they fear that connecting with the world is dangerous? Scripture does warn that the “world and its ways” can lead astray. Jesus praises John the Baptist, who embraced the wilderness and radical detachment. So how do we reconcile that with a spirituality that loves cultural matters, sows Gospel seeds there, and works to make society more beautiful?

With deep respect, we honor the charism of those called to leave the world for a life of asceticism and self-denial. But many of us, like those in Jesus Youth, are called to renew the life of today’s youth and, like Jesus, to go out and meet people where they are. We are called to see the beauty of the world God created and to transform it from within, like leaven in the dough.

Of course, it is not without danger to engage with the styles, tastes, and expressions of the world and yet remain holy. Such a balance is not easy. But Jesus Youth offers strong support systems. Every member gets rooted in the life of the Trinity, learns new attitudes in active friendship groups, and is formed to withstand the pressures of the world. Then, through ministries, they play their part in building “a new heaven and a new earth.”

St. Pope Paul VI’s words from 1965 still sound prophetic:

“The split between the Gospel and culture is without a doubt the drama of our time… Therefore, every effort must be made to ensure a full evangelization of culture.” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 20)

Pointers for Reflection

1. How would you define culture in your own words?

2. What dangers do you see when we are not culturally sensitive or rooted in our context?

3. Recall and share a positive experience where art, music, dance, or celebrations were meaningfully integrated into a Jesus Youth group or program.

4. Suggest some practical ways to include cultural elements creatively in your group life and activities.